The Christmas Miracle Offering has become an important way for Belmonters to acknowledge that Christmas is not our birthday and to focus on sharing what we have with others during this sacred time of year. Over the last two years the members of Belmont have supported the people of the Golden Triangle Fellowship and raised funds to build churches in Malawi, Africa. This year’s offering promises to make a huge difference in the lives of the children of the Edgehill neighborhood located only a few blocks from our church.

Belmont has been blessed with a long-standing covenant relationship with Edgehill United Methodist Church. Edgehill UMC has been an effective and intentional beacon of ministry for the people of the Edgehill neighborhood. There are numerous programs offered for the neighborhood, but none is more vital than the Brighter Days after school tutoring program for the elementary age children living in the Edgehill housing project. Many Belmonters have served as tutors in this program and Belmonter, Nancy Crutcher, who was a child in the program, now serves as the Director. Nancy said, “This program really works.” It helps the children get caught up in reading, math; and other school skills; connects them to the compassion and care of tutors; and enables them to have “brighter days” and hope for a brighter future.

The Christmas Miracle Offering, which raised over $54,000 for new churches in Malawi, Africa in 2009, hopes to accomplish three things in 2009:  (1) Raise $9,500 to provide math and reading labs from SRA for the children of the Brighter Days program. (2) Provide funds  above $9,500 to help with capital expenses for two new houses purchased by Edgehill UMC. These houses will provide needed spaces for expanding ministries offered to the Edgehill community, and the funds provided for these houses will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous foundation. (3) Connect Belmonters to this important ministry by encouraging ongoing participation through volunteerism.

Belmonters can bring their offerings to the chancel during worship on December 20. They can write a check at any time and drop it in the offering plate and mark it for Christmas Miracle Offering or use one of the envelopes provided for the Christmas Miracle Offering.

 

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