Metamorphosis Party a Success!

Thanks to all of the wonderful supporters who came out on Friday night to this year's Metamorphosis Party!  More than 200 party-goers enjoyed festive food and delicious desserts by the Entertaining Company while bidding on great live and silent auction items.  A few bidding wars broke out, but in the end everyone went home happy!  DJ Shaka23 was on hand to spin a mix of songs that entertained the whole crowd.  At the end of the night, more than $92,000 was raised to directly support the programs and guests of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. 

The goal of the night was not only to raise funds, but also to honor the work of longtime supporters of the organization with the Compassion in Action award.  This year's honorees were the leaders of the four founding congregations of LPCS: Pastor Jeffery Doane from Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, Reverend Tom Henry from St. Pauls UCC, Father Tom Hickey from St. Clement Church, and the Reverend Linda Packard from Church of Our Saviour.  The Compassion in Action Award was established last year to recognize exceptional contributions to LPCS since its founding 26 years ago.

2011 Compassion in Action recipients with LPCS Executive Director. 
From left, Rev. Tom Henry, Rev. Linda Packard, Erin Ryan, Pastor Jeff Doane, and Fr. Tom Hickey

Happy Retirement Rev. Henry!

On behalf of the entire Lincoln Park Community Shelter - every volunteer, board member, staff member, and guest over the past 25 years, we wish Rev. Tom Henry much happiness in his retirement.

Rev. Henry has served at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in Lincoln Park for the past 36 years, 28 of them as senior pastor. He and his wife, Colleen, have shown amazing support for our every endeavor; from the formation of the shelter in 1984, through every growing pain and triumph, his leadership and the support of the entire St. Pauls community has been inspiring. St. Pauls members contribute by volunteering, donating, and serving on our Board of Directors, supporting every aspect of LPCS’ mission and vision. For the first 22 years of the shelter’s history, St. Pauls was a primary site for the evening dinner and overnight accommodations for guests. Our Saturday morning Community Engagement Program and One on One Program continue to take place there; both programs are integral parts of our effort to serve homeless men and women throughout their journey – from the streets to a permanent home. Every one of the hundreds of men and women who have put homelessness behind them for good has the Henrys to thank.

On Sunday, June 27, 2010, Rev. Henry preached his final sermon at St. Pauls.  Afterward, Tom and Colleen celebrated with the rest of the St. Pauls family at a special gala tribute to their nearly four decades of commitment to this community, and LPCS was proud to be counted among the many well-wishers. Best wishes, Tom and Colleen, for a restful and happy retirement!

Rev. Henry was featured on ABC7 news a few weeks back.  Click here to view the story.