Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25: 34b-40
Members and Friends of St. Paul,
God has placed an opportunity to live out the faith we profess each week in front of us. In recent weeks, a couple, Christina and Melvin, has been worshipping with us. They moved here recently from Mississippi in hopes of finding a better place to raise the child they are expecting in two short weeks. Unfortunately, Christina and Melvin don't have the resources they need to give that child the best life they can. They approached our community for help, and this is our opportunity to show that faith is more than just a pretty word to us - it is an action by which we follow the directions Jesus has given us through the Gospel.
Christina and Melvin have recently been able to find an apartment suitable for raising a child, but they have nothing with which to furnish their apartment except for a bed. After conversation with several members this Sunday, we have decided to give Christina and Melvin assistance in the form of a baby shower/housewarming. Listed below you will find several ways in which you can help. If you are able to contribute in any way, please get in touch with Sheryl Zeis or call the church office.
1. Pick-up trucks and manual labor - Christina and Melvin have a place to move to, but they have no way of getting the posessions they currently have to their new apartment. Around the first of the month, we could use a couple people with pick-up trucks or vans and some strong arms and backs to move them from the Drusilla Apartments to their new home near Florida Boulevard. We may also need help getting furniture moved to their new apartment.
2. Kitchen Supplies- If you have any extra saucepans, frying pans, plates, bowls, or other kitchen stuff that is just taking up storage space in your kitchen, please consider donating them to this couple, who currently doesn't have any of these things. Alternatively, if three families can donate $20 a piece, Bed, Bath, and Beyond currently has a set on sale that has multiple frying pans and saucepans, mixing bowls, utensils, and a baking dish for $60.
3. Furniture - Pastor Robin told us today about a place in town called The Warehouse where we can get this couple the furniture they need for their apartment for $35 an item. If anyone would like to make a $35 donation toward the furniture (things like a crib, kitchen table, couch, a place to keep the baby's clothes, etc.), it would be much appreciated.
4. Wal-Mart Gift Cards - While Christina and Melvin will be getting some benefits from the government, those benefits don't stretch as far or cover as much as we'd like to think they do. Christina and Melvin are able to get to Wal-Mart by bus to buy groceries, diapers, etc. If you can donate a gift card in any denomination, that would be appreciated. Please mark the amount of the gift card on the outside of the envelope. Please be sure that the gift card is set up to be for non-tobacco and non-alcoholic products only.
5. A stroller and other baby supplies - We have been able to get Christina and Melvin some baby clothes and supplies already, but as those of you who are parents know, babies always seem to need more than you anticipate the first time around. If you have any baby clothes your little ones have outgrown, a stroller sitting in storage, or any other supplies, books, toys, etc., consider donating them to this couple.
Christina and Melvin's baby is due on August 2nd. It would be a real blessing to them if we could get everything organized and ready for them by then. Consider and pray about what you might be able to share with them over the course of the next week or so, and get in touch with Sheryl or the church office if you are able to contribute.
Grace and Peace to all of you.
