The Blessing of the New Door at LUM

Since the opening of this building in 1995, over 250,000 shelter guests and 140,000 after school & summer students have entered this door for a clean, nurturing environment which also offers opportunities for a better future, stronger families & better prepared children.

The new door will continue to offer a gateway to help & hope from LUM to our neighbors in need. The new door also increases the privacy and security of the building — and is much more welcoming.

The next time you pass by on N 4th Street, glance over at the new door — and reflect on the next 400,000 individuals who will “knock” and have this new door opened for them.

God’s peace be to this center & shelter and to  all who dwell within.

You, O Lord, are the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega, carefully watching over us from birth until death. Bless this door of our center and in your goodness send your holy angel from heaven to watch over and protect us, to be with us and give us comfort and encouragement.

O Lord, you are the door to eternal life. Bless our entrances and exits from this center and pour out on us heavenly dew in good measure, as well as an abundance of earthly needs. At our lowly coming be pleased to bless and sanctify this center, as you once were pleased to bless the home of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Within these walls let your angels of light preside and stand watch over those who stay here.As we pass through this door, draw us more deeply into your presence and may a spirit of humility, goodness, mildness, and gratitude prevail here.

May this blessing remain on this place and on us who live here now and always. Amen.