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  "Jesus said to his disciples, "Come away to a deserted place and rest a while."  Mark 6:31

 Dear Friends,

 I grew up in this area and have lived here all my life.  Recently, I went back to my hometown which is only 20  miles from Ludlow.  This is the time of year that I go there to a special grocery store to get my Swedish korv (Christmas sausage) a delicacy to those who grew up in my town.  I was only there for a little while when suddenly I felt like a stranger.  I felt as though people were curiously looking at me wondering just who I was.  After all these years it should not surprise me that I am no longer a familiar face.  Then I saw a familiar face, one of my old neighbors.  She greeted me by saying "you look more like your father every time I see you."  So I guess I was not a stranger for long after all. 

Throughout  my years here at Olmsted I have watched many people come and go.  It seems to me that generally people do not feel like strangers when they arrive, at least not for long.  Maybe it has to do with the way they are greeted by staff and other guests.  Possibly it is the welcoming atmosphere of this sacred space.  Sometimes it is a feeling that cannot be easily explained other than that there is great power in the practice of hospitality. 

In the past year, our usage has been consistent with that of previous years.  This is encouraging considering the stagnant economy.  And I am pleased to report that Olmsted has continued to grow in popularity with our users, and relationships, new and old, continue to be strengthened with each passing year. 

During the past gift cycle we received over $70,000.00 in contributions.  Many faithful givers combined to make it a very successful year.  I am deeply grateful, and it is my hope that this year will be equally successful. 

God is at work in this place and I hope you will prayerfully consider my request and send your contribution.  Your support will help secure the future of the ministry of Christian Hospitality in the coming year and beyond.  However you choose to respond, we trust you will uphold Olmsted in your prayers.  I invite you to partner with us in providing a sacred space for people of all walks of life to come away, study, reflect, explore and strengthen their faith, or simply rest.  It is our belief that if you come as a stranger, you will leave a friend. 

Blessings, Jody