The Outreach Ministry’s finest moments occur in times of emergency or urgent need, and involve many people in the congregation, not just the few who are listed as team members. One such moment occurred recently. A family in the midst of a tragic crisis had to move very suddenly to a new location. They were referred to our church by counselors in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

We quickly provided food, both nonperishables and fresh produce, as well as backpacks and basic school supplies. The Thrift Shop team arranged a special “shopping” time for them to choose clothing, shoes, dishes, pots and pans, linens and blankets, and a few other items. At the worship service on August 31, when the congregation heard of the situation, many different people contributed ones, fives, tens, and twenties totaling $250 to help the family raise their share of the cost for their new housing arranged by the Department of Social Services.

The family came to church the following Sunday to express their appreciation and gratitude. “We wanted to thank you in person so you could see the faces of the strangers that you have helped,” Ana said on behalf of her family. “Your generosity means so much to us, and we will never forget you.”

After the service people came forward to offer specific items the family still needed to make their new place a home: a dining table and chairs, a couch, a toddler bed, a microwave, silverware, kitchen utensils, glasses, cups, and bowls, lamps, towels, and much more.

In these wonderful moments that mobilize so many of us, I always “see” the Holy Spirit moving quickly from person to person just as flames jump from briquette to briquette in a charcoal grill.

Our Outreach “team” includes our entire congregation. Yes, there’s a team of people who meet occasionally to decide and schedule specific projects. But the whole congregation makes the ministry. You give items for the food pantry; make meals for Maureen’s Haven; buy backpacks, binders, and other basics for school children; adopt children for Christmas; and/or donate funds to support these and other projects.

In November the Outreach Ministry will be WOW!’s monthly feature, and on November 9 a special fellowship hour is planned to honor the entire congregation. Mark the date, and please come to celebrate what we are able to accomplish because of you.

— Diane Burkhardt