Community Corner
Outreach Programs Spread Holiday Cheer at Christ Church
Parishioners supply Christmas with all the trimmings for 10 needy families.
Outreach projects abound at in Bethany all year round, and Christmas is no exception.“We Come Bearing Gifts” and “A Baby Shower for Jesus” join carol singing, a church school pageant, and a beautifully decorated altar as time-honored December customs wholeheartedly favored by parishioners.
Named after the three kings who brought gifts to the Christ child, “We Come Bearing Gifts” was started in 1993 by parishioner Deborah Melycher of Prospect. The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley, the interim rector at Christ Church, enthusiastically declared, “We are very pleased that we could provide gifts for ten families. The generosity of this congregation is amazing and reflects our gratitude for all that God has given us.”
Each of the families received a large turkey plus all the trimmings, from potatoes and yams, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, rolls and butter, to pumpkin pie fixings, nuts, a box of chocolates and a fruit basket.
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At the request of Christ Church, the 10 needy families provided wish lists for clothing, toys, school supplies, and gift certificates. Most desires were met. These included hats and mittens, pants, towels, art supplies, Elmo, a telescope, two bicycles, and gift certificates to Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and Stop and Shop.
Congregants from the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. services all donate to this endeavor, while “A Baby Shower for Jesus” is an undertaking of just the worshipers who attend the contemporary evening service. Boxes and boxes of much-needed diapers of all sizes have been cheerfully contributed for distribution at women’s shelters.
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Known throughout the community for outreach initiatives, Christ Church traditionally donates all proceeds from their annual day-before-Mother’s Day fair to charities. In addition, the Episcopal Churchwomen’s outreach budget contains several deserving agencies.
Realizing that it is through giving that we receive, Christ Church families show and spread love not only with words but with actions. If you think you might like to be part of this church family, why not attend one of the services early in the new year? You will be warmly received at 526 Amity Road. (Tel. 203-393-3399)
