The Household Life Ministry at Fenimore Avenue United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn on Sat., Dec. 7 introduced much-needed, early Christmas cheer to a number of unhoused households in New York Metropolis, because the committee hosted its Annual Christmas Occasion for households in shelters.
Households from homeless shelters in Brooklyn and Staten Island – together with Hospitality Home, City Transitional Household Middle and Staten Island Household Transition Middle – had been handled, together with walk-ins from the neighboring group, to a luxurious lunch, in addition to with donations of clothes and footwear, and different presents.
In addition they participated in a number of actions, resembling tug-of-war, sack races and tattoo parlor, after which winners had been ready to decide on a prize.
“Our guests had been served fruit, full lunch, cake and ice cream, and an assortment of drinks and water,” Antiguan-born Joycelyn King, a committee member, in addition to the church’s assistant Sunday College superintendent, instructed Caribbean Life. “Everybody who requested a take-home dinner was gladly obliged.
“There was lightly-used clothes to select from,” added the retired public college trainer in Brooklyn. “The adults had been most grateful for the objects of clothes and footwear. In addition they acquired donations of socks and footwear from a member of the Lions Membership.
“On the finish of the night, all adults acquired a bundle of non-public care objects; youngsters acquired a care bundle, too,” King continued. “All the kids acquired toys and a blanket. Infants additionally acquired a specially-prepared packet.
“To God be the Glory for the work of this ministry,” she mentioned. “The group got here collectively and made this occur for the sake of those youngsters, who had been very appreciative. Might God proceed to make use of us to bless others!”
Marlene Ferguson – a Trinidadian-born retired registered nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Middle and College Hospital of Brooklyn, who heads the Household Life Committee – described the celebration as “nice,” however added: “Sadly, our hearts had been damaged as we keep in mind our (just lately) departed members Minerva Beaton, Cecille “Peggy” White and Pearl Douglas. They may by no means be forgotten.
“My coronary heart was overwhelmed, regardless of the disappointment, as a result of the kids introduced an exuberance of pleasure and pleasure, dashing and prancing round like Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer,” she additionally instructed Caribbean Life.
“As I look again in any respect that we’ve got achieved this yr, I look ahead with nice anticipation for a bountiful yr, 2025, (Exodus 36:3-5), after we should restrain the folks from bringing presents,” Ferguson continued.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, was additionally current all through the celebration, taking part in actions with the households and giving them, as all the time, a really cheerful FSUMC welcome.
“It was stunning for all these in attendance,” Gaynor Martinez, the Belizean-born leisure coordinator at City Transitional Household Middle on Saratoga Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn, instructed Caribbean Life. “The kids and fogeys had been well-pleased.
“We sit up for going to their occasions (at FSUMC),” she added. “They’re very beneficiant and heat. We admire them. They’ve been a accomplice for our facility for years.
“We admire them as a result of they actually exit for the households,” Martinez continued.
