Co-Conspirators in Giving Update

Just a few weeks ago, we decided to offer a "surprise" ice luminary display as a guerrilla act of kindness to someone in the Wintercraft world. We wanted to sprinkle some icy magic and disappear in a midwinter elf-like way so the magic would seem real. Easy-peasy fun that would touch someone's heart that needed a lift . . . But, the decision process proved to be anything but easy. While we read some delightful stories about weddings and churches, there was one that stood out. After much deliberation, I think we have a plan . . .

We have decided to use our ice luminaries to help shine a little light on the MN Homeless Memorial March & Service tomorrow evening - December 15th. The idea came from Kate Stanley of Minneapolis, who said, "It would be such a gift to bring some of your magical ice lanterns to light up the entrance to Simpson Church for their Homeless Memorial Service which usually happens yearly on the solstice. It is an incredibly moving event which honors those who have died while homeless in Minnesota. I see it as an offering of love and light in tribute to our neighbors."      

Wonderful idea, Kate!    

Because it is not on the solstice and is, in fact, tomorrow (Thursday Dec 15), we are having to work quickly!

The march portion of the event starts downtown at the Hennepin County Government Center at 5pm and the group winds their way to Simpson Church (28th St & 1st Ave S.) for a Service of Remembrance. We have spoken to the coordinators of the event who are delighted to have the 28th Street entrance of the church sparkle! (See below for more information.)

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EDIT ON DEC 15th: An injury on our Wintercraft team means that I (Jennifer) will be doing the installation at the Simpson Church Shelter Thursday, Dec. 15 (today).

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Tomorrow, I will be working all day on a very large ice luminary installation at the REI store in Bloomington, so Tom, my husband, is going to take the lead on this installation. His plan is to set up the ice at the shelter during the day tomorrow and then go back to light just before the service begins.  

I would love to see how the marchers react to their church's entrance all lit up with ice and candles, so I hope I am not too exhausted from the day. I will try to get to the shelter to be able to help light and/or attend the event starting at 6:30 in the church. I will let you know how it goes . . .

Oh, and if you are like me, you are thinking how lucky you are to be able to go from your warm house to your warm car to your warm office and back. If yes, please consider going to their website and making a donation of goods, time or money to help this wonderful shelter, do just that, offer shelter to neighbors in need.

Stay warm everyone and Enjoy the glow!

Event Details:

Thursday, December 15, 2016 – Homeless Memorial March and Service

5:00 pm | March & Silent Vigil
Hennepin County Government Center
3rd Avenue South & 5th Street South, Minneapolis
The march will follow 5th Street South westward to Nicollet Avenue and proceed south to 28th Street.

6:30 pm | Service of Remembrance
Simpson United Methodist Church
2740 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis

7:30 pm | Community Meal
Simpson Shelter
Lower level of Simpson United Methodist Church

All are welcome!