Mission of expression: Church gives back to the community
Local church collects winter blankets and soup for elderly homes.
As the colder weather approaches, a wonderful tradition returns to St Barnabas United Kingdom in Florida to help elderly residents in homes and other living facilities stay warm and well-fed this winter.
At the core of St Barnabas United Kingdom Church’s mission and values lies a commitment to continue making a positive impact on those around them, and in celebration of their 50th anniversary, the church is focusing on gratitude, goodness, and giving. Their blanket and soup drive is part of giving back to the community.
ALSO READ: A night of song and dance at Foresight Church’s Carols
The drive started on February 14 (Ash Wednesday) with the hopes of collecting enough blankets and Jars of Hope (soup ingredients) for their mission partners (charities) that would be delivered to homes at the beginning of June.
This drive will target two old-age homes, Frederick Place and the Johnson House, and depending on how much they collect, they will also donate to other mission partners.
According to Deirdré Jooste, the outreach convenor, this drive aims to add to what the elders already have and provide much-needed support to those who might be struggling to stay warm in the cold weather.
“We usually have different drives for different mission partners. We collect jars of hope and fleece blankets.
ALSO READ: Church water crisis causes frustration
“If we collect a lot of blankets, it then spills over to our other mission partners, but to us, it’s more than just doing a mission of expression [donating].
“We have personal relationships with them, and we know how much the blankets and soup help them,” she said.
Members of the community are encouraged to donate non-perishable soup ingredients, blankets, and other previously loved items that will help bring warmth and comfort to elderly individuals.
Donations can be dropped off at the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays during office hours (09:00–13:00), or you can contact the church office at 011 472 5992 for more details.
