Switzerland Community Church host COL for Thanksgiving

COL President Terry Crenshaw with SCC Pastor Wesley Slough

On November 14^th Switzerland Community Church hosted all the men at the Circle of Love for a Special Thanksgiving dinner and to honor Ed and Betty Ruder for their 29 years of service.

The worship was inspiring, the fellowship was warm and loving, and the message of going on just one more round was uplifting and encouraging (not to mention the great meal they provided). There was a touching video slide tribute to Ed and Betty.

As Terry Crenshaw said: It was Great!!! The people there were wonderful and as friendly and kind as any you could hope to meet. They received the students with the same love and respect that they gave us directors.

 Pastor Wesley Slough had prepared a really good video slide show tribute to Ed and Betty and spoke on the subject of not giving up on yourself because of age or circumstances, God can work through us at any time in our lives. He said it was especially for Ed, but it touched my heart, and I’m sure others as well.

 They had a lunch feast prepared for us that I couldn’t even begin to describe and was enjoyed by us all, and they even sent what was left over home with us. We also brought back a truck load and van full of canned and packaged food, as well as toilet paper, paper towels, bath and hand towels, wash cloths,  tooth brushes and paste, and on and on the list goes. All things that we need and use every day. Oh, and also a very good clothes dryer and they took a love offering that they will be sending soon.

I was totally amazed by the saints of Switzerland Community Church and their demonstration of love and obedience to our Lord Jesus. I’m sure that their treasure in heaven is rapidly growing.

Thank you Switzerland Community Church!

Circle Of Love Honors Ed & Betty Ruder

On October 31 2010 the Circle of Love board, staff and residents honored Dr. Ed and Rev. Betty Ruder for their love, support, and care for the homeless men in Jacksonville over the last 29 years.

While the Ruders have retired from being Pastor, Director, President and Vice President they remain on the Board of Directors and we had a special time of celebration for them and all they have done over the years.

During the morning worship service, the COL was joined by the New Hope Church congregation with Pastor Vic and his Wife Nancy. We had a wonderful time with the COL choir singing and Pastor Tom bringing a message on one of Ed’s favorite verses: Old things have passed away, all things have become new (II Corinthians 5:17) and we had a formal ceremony where the chapel was renamed The Ruder Chapel.

Afterwards we had dinner on the grounds, served with the help of the good people of New Hope Church, and a good time was had by all. God bless you Ed and Betty Ruder and thank you for all you have done!

From the Desk of Pastor Tom

This is a very busy time of year for us here at the Circle of Love, with Thanksgiving coming up this week and we are already gearing up for Christmas but before we get too busy there are two things I want to share with you:

I thank God upon my every remembrance of you. The prayer and support you give to this ministry on an ongoing basis allows us to help these men establish a relationship with Jesus Christ and get ready to reenter society as a working member. I remember when I first came to the Circle of Love in 2002. I was alone and did not know what to do or expect, but because of you I had warm meals, a comfortable bed, and a place to feel safe while God transformed my life. I thank you all. And what He has done for me, he has done for others as well.

I am also thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate this month.

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

 Wonderful: pele’ (peh’-leh); from OT:6381; a miracle: KJV – marvelous thing, wonder (-ful, -fully). Think about it, His miraculous birth like no other, His sinless life, His sacrifice on the cross and the resurrection, coming back from the dead. And to me the most amazing thing is why: to save the lost. So during our busy time during the next month getting ready for family and friends on Christmas day, let us take some time to stop and be thankful for the Saviour who came into the world to save us.

If You Would Like to Donate Gifts for Christmas.

Contact the Director of Operations, David Jordan at 904-696-3105 to coordinate your gifts with other donations.