PACEM Shelter Ministry By Cynthia Wells   Over the past two months, more than 50 Olivet members and families have participated in the PACEM Shelter Ministry. Our participation in this community service has allowed us to touch and be touched by women in need of shelter, as we created a temporary home for them in our fellowship hall. PACEM stands for “People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry”. This was Olivet's second season for hosting women and our third year of participation in this community ministry begun five years ago when ministers in the downtown Charlottesville churches saw a need and responded. The result has been the creation of shelter for women and men in area churches to provide “a pillow for every head” from November through March each year.  Why do we engage in this ministry? In the words of participants in the ministry this year: It is carrying out God's Word. We see the ladies in the community and they always have a smile or a hug (Juan Wade)  It exposed the children to folks with a different Christmas experience. The children thought they are a lot like us (Betsy Boldt) Children see their parents engaged in community service. Our family gets to work as a team, and there is something for each of us to do that is a good fit for our personalities (Christine Schneller)  Our weekdays are busy, so it is nice to have a community/church activity that we can participate in as a family on the weekend (Tina Andersen)  It is what Christ called us to do and to be (Mary Beth Eubanks)  But for the Grace of God, it could be me - I really like getting to know the ladies (Ann Bush). In a word, engaging in the PACEM Ministry is a wonderful way to express Love. Thanks to all who gave of their time and talents. Special appreciation goes to Mary Beth Eubanks and the parents and youth who braved the winds and found the church without power, but made dinner anyway! The Fellowship Hall was lovely by candlelight! Additionally, we are blessed to have a minister who is adept at making coffee over a campstove, and members like J.B. and Iva Morris who found a circuitous route around blocked roads to get to the church with a much needed alternative heat source. As the days get warmer, we lose sight of the need for shelter from the cold, but the seasons change rapidly and the request for PACEM volunteers will come again. Please prayerfully consider whether this is an opportunity for you and your family to be blessed by participating.