A Downtown Church

I belong to a “downtown church”, the denomination of which is not important to this story. What is important is that this downtown church provides sustenance not only for its upscale congregation but also for those who are less fortunate, more specifically the homeless and unprivileged who live in the surrounding areas.
This Church of a hundred plus years has become a landmark, making it an enigma in a city that has grown up around it. Skyscrapers, funky shops, trendy restaurants, all the trappings of the 21st century. The church seems caught in a time warp. Clapboard exterior, wooden doors, pillars and a beautiful steeple housing a bell tower so orthodox for the period, standing in stark contrast to the new glass building next door. One might expect to find this church in a New England setting, not in a sophisticated city.
“Recently a woman from our congregation sponsored “Christmas In July” for children who are under privileged. After much preliminary work, the day arrived. Volunteers had decorated the hall and the tree, filled gift bags, prepared the food and planned the entertainment.
The word went out and to the amazement of all, 250 children came to experience “Christmas in July”. During those few hours, they would be able to leave their difficult lives behind them.
After lunch, they would sing and wiggle to Christmas music, listen again to the story of the baby born in a manger, open gifts and scream with delight when Santa arrives.
Testimony from the volunteers brought tears to ones eyes as grateful children showered them with hugs. A volunteer sharing the story of a four year old at her table who “dined as if she were at the Ritz”. Another remembering days when a church such as this one had made a difference in his family Christmases.
As is often the case, those who are giving are the recipients of the greatest gifts. The joy of knowing you made a difference in a child’s life, even if only for a few hours. “…For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
Many churches do equally wonderful charitable events. However, the importance of this church is that it has never left its roots. It did not move out to nicer, safer surroundings. It did not vacate the beautiful old church for a new modern one. It did not escape when the landscape around it changed. It stayed where God had planted it over 100 years ago. It stayed to serve its entire congregation, the unfortunate and the fortunate. It stayed for the people to know when they are desperate they can come to the old church with the steeple and be served. Just as Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”, this church is God’s beacon of light in the hours of darkness, or for a few hours of Christmas in July.

May God continue to bless this “downtown church” and its people.