From former Senior Pastor Dr. Ritter's letter May 19, 2002 ...

Moreover, I feel a special kinship with the Scott Center, given that about $35,000 of our dollars have gone into its development. In earlier epistles, you have read about the involvement of our United Methodist Women in creating the "Garden of Faith." You stood and applauded when Faith Fowler, herself, accepted the dedicatory plaque. And many of you have participated, in ways large and small, in the multiple ministries that take place at the corner of Cass and Selden. Not that those ministries will disappear. But some will now move to the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Webb. And beyond the funds dedicated to the Scott Center, we still pour $20,000 annually into the work that takes place in both locations...

The Center will have 42 private rooms with half of the beds for mentally ill homeless people and the others set aside for short-term transitional housing (i.e., shelter ministry). Once the doors are open, the occupants will sleep on beds outfitted by First Church contributions from mattress pads to pillow cases (along with towels, washcloths, etc.). Not only do we believe that such ministry should be available, but that the persons being served should be comfortable.

Why am I telling you this? Not because my job involves horn-tooting. But because I believe that the word "connection" is one of the most incredible things about our denomination, and that while Faith Fowler doesn't work for us, she certainly works with us. And we with her. What's more, Cass' story is just the tip of an enormous connectional iceberg. Just because you can't see anything but the tip doesn't mean it isn't there. And while some icebergs sink ships, the Methodist connection saves people from drowning.

I made it to the open house. What an amazing and wonderful place. Faith was there, a bit tired but obviously happy as were all those who have worked hard for this dream to come to fruition. We at First Church Birmingham can be proud of our efforts in helping the Scott Center evolve. The beds were beautiful! Each bed was made up and ready for the 42 men who will call the Scott Center home. The "Garden of Faith" is a haven adorned with flowers, greenery and tables and benches. One of the men who helps at the center said to thank First Church Birmingham for this beautiful garden where he can sit in quiet. There is much more work to be done before the center is complete. I would like to ask each of you to pray for the staff, the men who will occupy the rooms, and for all the resources necessary to complete the Center. May God bless our Missions Ministry and all the ministries that further God's kingdom on Earth.