May 2025

Dear Beloved Family of Faith at First UMC,

Christ is Risen! As we continue to celebrate the joy and promise of the Easter season, we also witness signs of resurrection and renewal unfolding around us. God’s grace is bringing forth tangible hope and new life, not only in our hearts but in our community.

I’m excited to share one powerful example. Beginning May 1, our church will partner with the Wausau/ Marathon County (WMC) Shelter to provide safe overnight shelter and nourishing meals for up to 60 of our unhoused   neighbors each night. This is a deeply meaningful opportunity—an answer to our prayers to be faithful stewards of our abundant space, and a direct response to our community’s urgent need for shelter. On average, 50–60 individuals in our area sleep outdoors each night. Together, we are offering them dignity, safety, and care.

This arrangement will be temporary as the city seeks a long-term solution, but the shelter will operate in our lower level for at least eight months. We’ve also expressed our willingness to extend the lease if   needed.

The shelter will be staffed by three lead team members and 8–10 overnight staff, along with 9–11 volunteers each evening who will help serve dinner and assist with check-in. Guests will enter through the 3rd Street entrance between 6-9 PM, and dinner will be served from 7-8 PM. In the mornings, guests will receive a light breakfast and leave by 8 AM.

Several of our rooms will be transformed to serve the needs of our guests:

• The former yoga room will be used for bed liners, clean scrubs and secure storage of personal items in totes.
• The former game room will house most of the men, and the former puppet room will be the primary space for women.
• Two classrooms will provide private changing areas and overflow sleeping space for men and women.
• One classroom will serve as a resource and healthcare hub, offering   occasional support from social workers and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
• Our single shower will be scheduled so that each guest can use it a   couple of times per week.

This effort is being led by Chief Matt Barnes, Tracy Durante (formerly Rieger), and the Wausau Police  Department, with deep care and a trauma-informed, transformational approach. They are committed to providing a low-barrier, inclusive environment—welcoming all, including those who are undocumented or LGBTQ+. They have assured us that the courtyard and entrances will not become daytime gathering areas, maintaining a sense of safety and  respect for our church and neighborhood.

I am deeply grateful to the Police Dept. for working so diligently, to our congregation for opening our hearts and doors, and to God, who continues to surprise us with opportunities to embody grace, compassion, and justice. Thank you for being the kind of church that lives the Resurrection.

With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Rebecca