Due to rising food insecurity throughout our community, a strain has been placed on our food pantry. We are in need of food items, or monetary donations, to help restock our shelves. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
The cold weather season has arrived, and many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness are in need of warm clothing, blankets, gloves, and warm hats.
Shout out to Whetstone Studio for providing Triune with the case management software application, InSERVio. This is a valuable tool used in providing services for our parishioners, and we are thankful for our partnership.
Triune Receives Grant From
We are excited to report Triune has received a grant from the Community Foundation of Greenville to help enhance safety and security at Triune by funding the installation of cameras and other measures throughout our campus. Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville Country residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgreenville.org.
Oasis Writing Group
The Oasis Writing Group meets every Wednesday in the Memory Garden between the Dining Hall and the Sanctuary at Triune Mercy Center. We are an open community of writers who hope to share our words with others as they share their words with us. We believe we can help make the world a better place through building community, writing inspiration, and practicing encouragement. We’d love for you to join our group!
Check out this month's featured short story:
Luna Looks for Home
by Anna Romano
The sun crept up slowly, and its rays poured through the windows. Luna’s head popped up as someone approached the door. The door opened with a whoosh, and out the cat went! The air was cool and crisp against her black fur; the earth shifted softly under her paws. Luna headed for the trees, wondering what might lie hidden within. What treasures would she find in this new realm? Who lived among the greens? Luna picked up the pace and began her exploration.
Not long into her journey, a sunny spot appeared through the brush. Surrounded by trees and strange life, the glittering grass seemed a great place to nap. Luna set her head down for a snooze. The sun crept higher into the sky. Then, the cat suddenly awoke. She looked around, and nothing was in the same place! Panic flew through her skin.
“What to do?! Which way do I go?!” Determined, Luna started looking for her home.
A few paces ahead, Luna spied a willow tree. Its light green leaves almost touched the ground, as they hung from long arching branches. The flexible canopy appeared calm and strong, so she decided to ask for directions.
“Willow Tree, which way is home?” the cat cautiously inquired.
“Hmm…what is this ‘home’ you speak of?” asked the distinguished tree.
“It has a roof, rooms, and walls with cozy windows to look out of.”
“I do not understand what you described,” the willow tree responded. “All I know is this grass here and the stream that runs beside it.”
Luna’s ears leaned back against her head. She looked down at the ground, disheartened. I must find home. She thought. I know nothing else. I can’t live here forever. She picked herself up and scampered off.
Luna frantically searched but remained lost and afraid. Then she heard a sweet singing drifting from above. She spied a Blue Bird guarding his nest in a nearby oak tree. One look at the cat and the bird dashed, assuming it was in danger of becoming Luna’s next snack. But the cat had no interest in the bird; her knotted stomach could not concentrate.
Luna softly spoke, “Oh, mighty Oak, how are you today? Do you happen to know which way is home?”
The massive tree looked down her trunk, and her dark green leaves gave a slight shiver. “What a polite cat! I appreciate your sentiment, but I don’t know how to help with your predicament. What is this ‘home’ you speak of?”
Dismayed, Luna’s green eyes shone bright, and her heart filled up with tears. “Surely with your wisdom, I thought you would know.” She whispered to the tree apologetically. “Home is where my belly remains full and my toys are kept safe. I can sleep reassured that when I wake up, everything is where I left it.”
“That sounds like a miraculous place! I wish it worked like that ‘round here. My leaves fall to the ground, and my acorns are plucked to feed the critters who climb all over me.”
Luna’s head hung low. “So, you can’t tell me the way home?”
“I’m sorry, young kitten, but I have not left this spot for over 100 years.”
Luna left the oak tree in her wake as she sauntered through the woods. With an empty tummy and not enough sleep, she continued on her journey. Suddenly, a beautiful bush burst into sight, its long, thin branches grabbing all attention.
“What’s your name?” asked the cat. Curiosity overpowered her senses.
“They call me Belladonna,” sang the plant, as it showed off its idyllic purple flowers. Her dark berries looked enchanting among the leaves, and Luna’s stomach grumbled.
“Come, eat.” Belladonna offered. The hungry cat began to reach, but then she flinched as something bit her.
“Ow!” She yelled, shocked and confused. A small caterpillar shuffled out from behind her. “Don’t eat those, you stupid cat! Don’t you know why she’s called Deadly Nightshade? Those poison berries will bring about death! Go on, now. Off with you!”
Luna stared hard at the caterpillar, then suddenly blurted, “I’m trying to find home. Can you help me?”
The caterpillar just smirked. “I’m off to molt and prepare for a short slumber. Please do not follow me!”
Luna’s heart sank as the sun started its descent behind the tree line. She staggered forward searching for someone who could help her. Luna came across a dogwood tree with its white blossoms blooming abundantly. A petal wafted toward the ground and brushed against the cat’s ear. Luna felt the dogwood’s strong presence; a delicate strength and sense of resilience emanated from its roots.
“Why so sad, my little friend?” the tree inquired with care.
“I can’t find home. It’s getting late. And I have no idea where I’m going.”
“What is this home you speak of?” the tree asked with honest concern.
The cat responded, her voice trembling, “Home is peaceful, a place of rest and recovery.”
“Well,” said the tree, “I have that here. Why don’t you stay with me?”
“I can’t,” replied Luna. “Home is so much more. And I did not understand until I lost it. Yes, home has a roof, solid walls, and a comfy seat at the window. But it also is safe where no one steals my things, and there’s always food on the table. And home is where I can rest in peace and recover from the frets of the day. Oh! I wish I were home! But I don’t know the way.”
The dogwood smiled at the humbled cat. “Your journey seems to have helped you see that home encompasses many things. I think I know someone who can help you.”
Luna soared into the air, excited and relieved. “Oh, thank you!” she cried, “I promise to never forget how you helped me!”
What the dogwood did next, Luna could never fully describe. A wondrous tone echoed through its leaves, and a rainbow appeared in the sky. The cat spied a small chrysalis settled among the branches. Its hardened curves started to separate as a butterfly struggled to break free. Once unrestricted by the protective chamber, the butterfly spread its bright blue wings. It fluttered a few times in the air before settling in the grass for a conversation with the little black cat.
“I can help you, little Luna. A home should be as you described, comfortable and safe. I hope you realize how fortunate you are to have found such a place.”
“Yes,” the cat solemnly replied, “I will never run away again.”
The blue butterfly led the way. As they walked, Luna studied its wings. She marveled at the complexity. Yet, something familiar also appeared.
“You helped me earlier,” Luna announced, “when I came across Deadly Nightshade. But you’ve changed so much! Why the enormous transformation?”
“We all must grow. It hurts sometimes. But usually, it is worth the pain.”
Luna kept silent the rest of the way, deep in contemplation. And when she saw the front door, she ran ahead, yelling back to the butterfly, “Thank you, my friend. I will never take home for granted again! For home is where I am loved unconditionally.”
Luna did not forget the promise she made to the great dogwood tree. She made a cross out of its bark and wore it around her neck. She looked to the cross to help guide her during any difficult circumstance. And true to her word, the little black cat cherished her home every day after.
