A 17-year-old boy, in foster care for most of his life, is one of the many St. Louisans kept in the hearts of Manchester United Methodist Church parishioners this season. The church community made sure he—and many others—will have gifts to open and joy to celebrate during the holidays. “When you’re living in a situation that’s far from ideal, Christmas can be difficult,” says Rev. Beth Elders, the church’s director of mission and outreach. “To share the holiday joy with him and remind him that he’s not alone and has the support and love of others was incredibly special.”
The gifts were collected as part of the church’s annual Gifts in White initiative, where anything from toys to household items and clothing are wrapped in white paper, offered during a December worship service, and divided among four local United Methodist-affiliated social service agencies (The Bridge, Shalom House, Epworth Children & Family Services, and Kingdom House).
Gifts in White is just one part of an active holiday season with many opportunities for church-goers to give back. The season kicked off with a fair trade market the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, and ends with the donation of 100 percent of Christmas Eve service offerings to local church-affiliated charitable organizations. “Our priorities and connections with United Methodist social service agencies run deep,” Elders says. “Last year, our Christmas offering received a little over $57,000.”
Donors can offer money online, as well as at Christmas Eve services, and both church members and guests are invited to make contributions through the month of December. “It’s a strong Christmas tradition to make the holidays brighter for those in need,” Elders says. “Especially during this time of year, it’s important that we help show the love of Christ through our actions and gifts and words.”
End-of-year charitable giving programs serve the dual purpose of helping those in need and reminding parishioners of the Manchester United mission ministries motto: ‘Faith in Action.’ “During the Christmas season, we are so locked up in our to-do list; this reminds us what Christ came here to do and that it’s not about us,” Elders says. “This helps our parishioners remember the call for Christians to care for one another, to step out of the rush of the holidays and our lives and see beyond our own worries and needs.”
Although giving is emphasized during the holidays, it goes on year-round, says Elders. “Volunteerism and giving back is part of our DNA. We are a very active and alive church. It’s not something we do at Christmas and forget about, it’s something we live throughout the year.”
By Stephanie Zeilenga
Photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured: Shalom House executive director Ta mmy La ws with Rev. Greg Weeks and Rev. Beth Elders
[Manchester United Methodist Church, located at 129 Woods Mill Road, invites all to attend Christmas Eve services held at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 p.m. For more information, call 636.394.7506 or visit manchesterumc.org.]