The Grace UMC Sidewalk Ministry Christmas Celebration on Dec. 18th was a wonderful success. More than 140 participated – 93 children, 28 parents and 27 Grace volunteers helped usher in the spirit of Christmas, complete with warm up games (Thank You, Linda Pinette), a visit from Santa Claus (Thank You, Doug Bunch), the Nativity Story read in Spanish by Luis Mercado and acted out by the children (Thank You, Pastor Sharon). Christmas Feast was a collection of food furnished by Resurrection Street Ministries ( Thank You, Valerie J and Sheryl), donations from Grace members and homemade delicacies from Sidewalk families. You haven’t done Christmas if you haven’t done a Sidewalk Christmas. Every child received a gift and some who were unable to attend due to work responsibilities of parents had their gifts delivered by the Head Elf!
The children having a wonderful time and good food!
This celebration only happens because of all the generous folks who give of their time, effort and resources, so Thank you to: all the members of Grace who provided gifts through the Giving Tree; Chandler United Methodist Church who provided stuffed animals, and 24 preschool age gift bags; St Matthew UMC-UMW for their donation toward gift cards for the teens; Bev Secrist and her creative UMW ladies throughout the East Valley who made and quilted 16 baby blankets for our youngest Sidewalk children; and Grace members who donated funds, gift cards, and gift bags to help make sure the celebration had all the trimmings. Muchas Gracias a todos por sus bendiciones! (Thank you all very much for your blessings!)
Ginny Hildebrand, Coordinator
Grace UMC Sidewalk Ministry
Sometimes known as “The Head Elf”