Joy

Do you have it?  If you are in the season of joy, celebrate and count yourself as blessed.  However, if you are in a darker season, you might be disappointed by the sounds of joy. 

Particularly at Christmas, we hear the words, “it is the hap-happiest season of all.”  We are inspired to be happy during Christmas.  But how long does happiness last…until the first disappointment?  …until someone messes with your schedules?  …until someone says an unkind word?

Some say being happy is having a break at Christmas.  Trips, time off from school and jobs can renew our life and make us happy…until the vacation turns into a side trip of unfilled dreams.  Just watch the beloved movie, “Christmas Vacation,” and discover a vacation gone wrong. 

Some say being happy is being with family at Christmas.  Children coming home, giving presents to each other and favorite foods are all part of Christmas that I love.  However, what happens when one of the members of your family begins to speak a critical word or brings up politics? 

Certainly, having a break at Christmas and the precious time with families can be a great treasure of happiness.  However, happiness depends on the circumstances being just right.  “Don’t mess with my life!  Don’t say the wrong word.  Fit into the plan.  Be happy with these circumstances!”

Joy, on the other hand, does not depend on a circumstance or event.  It transcends Christmas.  It is more than a break at Christmas or vacation.  It is more than family members coming home for Christmas.  Joy comes from Christ our Savior who brings light to the world.  “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.’” (Luke 2:10)

You might be lacking in food or blessed by a good job, and the hap-happiest season might be short on being happy.  However, no one can take away your joy because the light of the world has come for YOU!

The good news is you can have joy anytime because it comes from Jesus Christ.

Job Opening for Caseworker

JOB TITLE:  CASEWORKER

JOB SUMMARY:

Evaluate information and determine client needs of financial assistance and community support for individuals and/or families.  Participates in planning of programs, policies or objectives within Family Hope.
 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The caseworker is responsible for completing an assessment of each client to gather information and identify problems; formulate service plans to help clients meet their needs; and engage outside professionals or agencies who might be able to help, like social service agencies or community food banks to assist with the client's immediate needs.  The caseworker will coordinate care services and help their clients identify and obtain resources.  The caseworker is also responsible for advocating on the client's behalf with external parties, such as legal services, health insurance organizations or other social service and faith-based organizations.  They also must perform administrative duties, such as compiling and maintaining case files.  Caseworkers need to be able to communicate well with their clients.  They must have a solid understanding of how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoy helping others solve problems.  They should be friendly and patient and able to quickly develop a rapport with their clients and other involved parties.  Caseworkers should be persistent and dedicated to helping meet their clients' needs.  The caseworker will at times need to make home visits.   

Specific to 2017 is the need for the caseworker to connect with flood survivors in the Simonton and Fulshear area in order to assist them with the most effective resources.  The caseworker will participate in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster.

The caseworker must be in agreement with Family Hope’s mission statement:  “Transforming hurting people into healthy families through the hope of God.”
 

REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma/GED; Two years job-related experience in social services.  Good computer skills and proficient in data entry; good verbal and written communication skills.  Good interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials.  Bilingual preferred.
 

PART-TIME:  .75 time preferred
CLOSING DATE: December 15, 2016.

SEND RESUMÉS: to Dale Olson, P.O. Box 543, Fulshear, TX77441 or dale@FamilyHopeFulshear.org

Common Unity

Two groups came together on a hot summer evening.  River Bend Church was a guest at Greater Zachary Baptist Church, and other pastors were invited to participate.  The words read from Scripture were like music to our ears: “Pursue peace with all…See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble.” (Hebrews 12:14) Dr. Gilmore, pastor a Greater Zachary Baptist of Fulshear, lifted up the theme for the night: “COMMUNITY” comes from “common unity.”  We’re all created differently and beautifully.  Our unity comes in our faith…we are all one in the Body of Christ.  Pastor John Crowe from River Bend Church in Fulshear invited all of us to welcome people around us…give them a hug and tell them, “I am not your enemy.” 

What if every city in this nation would act on the words, “…not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead.”  (I Peter 3:9)  Folks, our nation is hurting.  Christians, it is time for us to step up and really be peacemakers.  This is not new to our history.  We have influenced cities and nations before when hatred and evil want to be the rule of the day.  Christians, we know how to forgive.  This is our time to walk across the room and go the next cubicle and share Christ’s love…and yes, even tell them, “I am not your enemy.”  So you have been offended?  Who can measure who hurts more?  Give up your slogans that divide and figure out a way this week to show love and really forgive someone.  As the song says, “Change my heart, O God.” True peace in our communities begins with us. 

Disaster Recovery Center

Friends of Family Hope,
Please get the word out Disaster Recovery Center opens at Huggins Elementary: http://www.fbcoem.org/go/doc/1528/2854642/

Here are highlights about the Disaster Recovery Center:

o   FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies have joined together to open and operate a Disaster Recovery Center at Huggins Elementary School in Fulshear, starting on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

o   In addition to having representatives from FEMA and the U.S. SBA available, various specialists are also on hand to support the disaster assistance process including:
- Guidance regarding disaster recovery;
- Housing Assistance and Rental Resources information;
- Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and more.

 o   The Disaster Recovery Center at Huggins Elementary will be open Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturdayfrom 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., and closed on Sunday. It will open again on Monday and subsequent days on the weekday hours until further notice. 

With Gratitude.
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope

Gift Cards & Pizza

Friends of Family Hope,

Many have come to meet with FEMA and are making plans for the future. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  (Corrie Ten Boom)

Over these next few weeks, the greatest need will be GIFT CARDS to Home Depot and Walmart.  

You can help the flood survivors by eating pizza at Center Court Pizza on Thursday, June 16th...anytime during the day or evening.  (FM 1093)  They will give 10% of their profits to the flood survivors.  

With Gratitude for every day of life!
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope