Only the Beginning - Well Suited for Work Ministry Dedication & Blessing

​The linens were pressed and synched carefully around each table - grey, of course, - in preparation for the reception. The baby's - breath and fresh cut greens rested delicately in each vase trimmed with hand-tied bows. Smiles, protected by masks, were evident by bright eyes and words of excitement as we publicly celebrated the launch of Well Suited for Work and dedicated the ministry to God! 
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Sunday, September 12th, was a day of celebration. The Ministry Dedication & Blessing began with a Service of Dedication within the sanctuary of Cross & Crown Lutheran Church. We shared stories, gratitude, prayers and hopes - for all that God has done and is doing, and all that God will do in and through this ministry.

Council President, Colby Suchland, and Ministry Director, Alice Curry Gallego, cut the ribbon for the Well Suited for Work Suiting Space during the Sept. 12, 2021 Ministry Dedication & Blessing.

​But this day - a day that had been postponed and reimaged more than once due to the realities of starting something new in the midst of a global pandemic -  was 2 years in the making! After intentional community assessment, congregational survey and months of planning, preparation, learning and relationship-building, this ministry has moved from a vision to a reality. 

We could not have made it to this point without all of the love and support from our friends, ministry leaders, volunteers, Community Partners, Referral Partners and supporters and most importantly the love, call and provision of God. This celebration marks a beginning. While we had a soft launch this Spring and began delivering services at that time, this celebration was more than ceremonial. It served as an opportunity to publicly dedicate this work to God, to celebrate with our friends and community this exciting thing to which God has called us and to bear witness in the midst of our community that God is at work. 
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Following prayers, scripture and a reflection from Pastor Steven Curry Gallego, the gather marched out from the confines of the sanctuary to the ministry site, our Suiting Space, while singing the hymn "God's Work Our Hands" - a favorite of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Attendees proclaimed the lyric "God's work, our feet: traveling together, following Jesus to places unknown. Walking as friends, marching for freedom, running the race with God's future the goal. Bless, God, our feet as we follow your way, sharing the good news of the Gospel." (God's Work Our Hands - ACS)

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The service culminated in a blessing of the Suiting Space by Pastor Steven and a Ribbon Cutting.  "May all who pass through these doors experience the love of God and understand that they are loved beyond all measure by their creator. We dedicate Well Suited for Work to the glory of God who provides more than enough for all." Pastor Steven proclaimed before the ribbon was cut by Council President, Colby Suchland, and Ministry Director, Alice Curry Gallego. 
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The day would not be complete without the presence of so many who have made this work possible! We are so grateful for our partnerships with Connie’s Workforce Connections, Jobs for Life, Lighthouse Ministries and the Naomi Project, who deliver such meaningful services to jobseekers (among other members) of our community. We also want to thank White Swan Cleaners, the Mailroom Barber Co. and the Mailroom Studio for sharing your products and services with our clients as they prepare for interviews and new employment. 

​The celebration wrapped up with a reception complete with delicious treats, tours of our Suiting Space, silly pictures with friends and props, and meaningful fellowship. A special thanks to our Fellowship & Hospitality committee at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church and St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church for hosting such a beautiful reception. 
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This is only the beginning! 
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​For more about the event including video and pictures, visit our Facebook Page or read event coverage by the local press.