God has given us the greatest gift of all, let's give back with actions of faith this Season of Giving!
From Sunday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Dec. 25, the Missions Team launched a Season of Giving, The Manchester UMC congregation provided much needed support to three of our vital outside ministries – LifeWise StL, Bridge Bread and Epworth Children & Family Services.
Starting Nov. 20, each Sunday morning in the lobby, there was a large Giving Tree which served as a constant reminder of the Season of Giving and our pledge to faithfully participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. By Christmas Day, the Giving Tree was completely covered with ornaments, not as a matter of pride, but to show the impact on the many lives lifted in dignity and grace by these acts of faith.
Each Sunday during Advent, there were representatives from these agencies at the Missions kiosk in the lobby. The Manchester UMC community was able to learn about what these agencies do, whom these agencies serve and see the specific needs. Individuals were able to put their faith into action in one or more of these ways:
- Donate needed items
- Donate to the Christmas Missions Offering which is through your above and beyond financial giving
- Donate time by volunteering
God has given us the greatest gift of all, let’s give back with actions of faith this Season of Giving!
Donate Needed Items to Agencies
Ministry needs were printed on ornament shaped cards available at each table/kiosk. Individuals could select a card (or cards) representing the action(s) they would take.
- Financial donation – instructions on what and how to donate.
- Needed item – the card sescribed exactly what was needed so they could shop for that item and then bring it to the church.
Individuals could take the ornament card(s) with them as a reminder of their faith action commitment during the Advent season. Each ornament card taken represented an actual ornament added to the Giving Tree.
Bridge Bread
| Gifts to Purchase | Total Quantity Needed |
|---|---|
| Pay a baker’s monthly electric bill = $100 donation | 10 |
| Pay a baker’s monthly gas bill = $75 donation | 10 |
| Pay a baker’s monthly water bill = $50 donation | 10 |
| Pay a baker’s monthly internet bill = $35 donation | 10 |
| Pay a for a baker’s monthly trash collection bill = $15 donation | 10 |
| Help a baker furnish their 1st apartment = $50 donation | 10 |
| Help a baker furnish their 1st apartment = $100 donation | 10 |
| Help a baker purchase furnishings for their 1st apartment = $200 | 10 |
If individuals wanted to purchase one of the Bridge Bread gifts, then they could click on the Bridge Bread button. In the memo line, they would indicate the specific baker’s gift preference, i.e., “Bridge Bread baker’s monthly electric bill for $100.”
Epworth Children & Family Services
The following items were greatly needed for the clients of Epworth Children & Family Services. Individuals could take one of the ornaments listed below from the Giving Tree, purchase the item, and bring the gift and ornament to the Missions Team kiosk on Sunday mornings during Advent. Gifts were NOT be wrapped.
Gift drop-off all gifts was by Wed., Dec. 14. If dropping off the gift at the main church office (Mon-Thurs, 9a-4p), individuals stated who the gift is from and agency the gift is going.
| Gifts to Purchase (Need to receive gifts by Dec. 14) |
Total Quantity Needed |
|---|---|
| Crocs, Vans, or Nike Tennis Shoes – adult male (Sz.7 thru 12) | 15 |
| Crocs, Vans, or Nike Tennis Shoes – adult female (Sz. 6 1/2 thru 9 1/2) | 15 |
| Eyeshadow makeup palette (ie. James Charles, Patrick Starr; etc.) | 6 |
| Decorative Throw Pillows for teen’s bed | 10 |
| Squishmallows stuffed animals | 15 |
| Video Games for PlayStation | 10 |
| Hoodies (Nike, Adidas, etc.) for teenage boys (Youth & Adult Sizes) | 15 |
| T-shirts (Nike, Adidas, etc.) Youth and adult sizes | 15 |
| Amazon Gift Cards ($10, $20 or $25) | 30 |
| Car Seats | 10 |
| Headphones for teenage boy or girl | 10 |
| Newborn/Infant Sleepers | 10 |
| Newborn/Infant Onesies | 10 |
| Newborn/Infant Outfits for baby boy / girl | 10 |
| Newborn socks / booties | 10 |
A group of volunteers from Manchester UMC made cookies and then took them to Epworth for the their clients to decorate…as well as eat!
Volunteer for Bridge Bread
Bridge Bread is sold in the lobby between Saturday evening and Sunday morning services at Manchester UMC.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Pick up fresh-baked bread from the bakery on Saturday between 10a and noon, and deliver them to Manchester UMC between 3-3:45p on Saturdays.
- Sell bread on Saturday evenings (3:15-5:15p) and/or Sunday mornings (8:30a to 12:15p) between worship services at Manchester UMC.
- Volunteer at the Bridge Bread Bakeshop (2639 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118)
For over 50 years, LifeWise StL has celebrated the spirit of the holiday season through our Holiday Market. Serving hundreds of families who have participated in programming over the past year, the Market offered low-cost, carefully curated NEW household and clothing items, as well as age-appropriate toys.
A group of “Elves” from Manchester UMC spread a lot of holiday cheer during LifeWise StL’s Holiday Market December 7 & 8 by wrapping gifts! Here are some of the “Elves” hard at work!
A group of volunteers from Manchester UMC made cookies and then took them to Epworth for the their clients to decorate…as well as eat!
