Here at EECM, we are always thinking up ways to make it easier for you, our loyal fans and supporters, to keep tabs on us. In that spirit, we’ve streamlined our blog address. From now on, you can continue to use the old address (http://www.eastendedition.blogspot.com/) or you can just type www.eecmblog.org.
Voila! It’s short. It’s simple. The name says it all.
So the next time someone asks you about the wildly-popular EECM blog (and I know they will, at the moment you least expect it, like at a cocktail party, or on the bus, or while you’re waiting in line to buy broccoli at the grocery store) you won’t have to fumble around, desperately wrack your brain, and ultimately mutter something about “it’s really long and it has ‘east’ in the title.” Instead, you will confidently reply – “why yes, that fabulous blog can be read at http://www.eecmblog.org/.”
No need to thank us. It’s what we do.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Remembering Ann
EECM says a fond farewell to former volunteer Ann Gilpin, who died January 15th. Ann was a faithful and cheerful fixture at EECM for over a decade, “retiring” from active volunteer duty in 2003 at the age of 91. Ann spent most of her time delivering Meals on Wheels to elderly, home-bound individuals and was always willing to lend a hand at newsletter-stuffing time. She will be missed by her friends, family and all of us at EECM.
In memory of Ann Gilpin
March 10, 1912 -- January 15, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
10 Questions for...Penny Murray
Check back often for regular installments of the smash-hit-blog-post “10 Questions For…” We’ll be asking all the staff of EECM the same 10 Questions, designed to give you a more thorough (though not necessarily deeper!) insight into the people who make the EECM world go round.
1) How long have you been at EECM? In what capacities?
I’ve been here for going on 12 years as Financial Manager and Financial Director.
3) What do you do when you’re not at EECM?
I drive myself crazy with Sudoku puzzles, care for my menagerie (including cats, birds, fish and a bunny) and garden in the paradise that my husband created.
4) What is your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
Café Allegro
5) List the three adjectives that best define your personality:
Fun-loving
Musical (we break out into song regularly at work)
Optimistic
6) What do you like best about working for EECM?
My co-workers
7) Who is the best TV/movie villain of all time?
Darth Vader
8) List four previous jobs you’ve had:
Clerk at a spiritual/mystical bookstore
Before and after-school children’s program
Pop/rock singer (with a band)
CPA/Tax accountant
9) What is your favorite book?
"Awareness", by Anthony de Mello
10) What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about Pittsburgh?
Favorite: City Theatre
Least Favorite: Too many gray days! (about 203 a year, in fact)
10 Questions for...Penny Murray, Financial Director
1) How long have you been at EECM? In what capacities?
I’ve been here for going on 12 years as Financial Manager and Financial Director.
3) What do you do when you’re not at EECM?
I drive myself crazy with Sudoku puzzles, care for my menagerie (including cats, birds, fish and a bunny) and garden in the paradise that my husband created.
4) What is your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
Café Allegro
5) List the three adjectives that best define your personality:
Fun-loving
Musical (we break out into song regularly at work)
Optimistic
6) What do you like best about working for EECM?
My co-workers
7) Who is the best TV/movie villain of all time?
Darth Vader
8) List four previous jobs you’ve had:
Clerk at a spiritual/mystical bookstore
Before and after-school children’s program
Pop/rock singer (with a band)
CPA/Tax accountant
9) What is your favorite book?
"Awareness", by Anthony de Mello
10) What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about Pittsburgh?
Favorite: City Theatre
Least Favorite: Too many gray days! (about 203 a year, in fact)
Friday, January 26, 2007
It's Baaaack....
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
We are thrilled to announce that after several months of construction, the new East End Cooperative Ministry website is officially operational. Hooray!
At http://www.eecm.org/, you will find answers to such important questions as:
* How is EECM making an impact in the East End?
* How can I get involved as a volunteer?
* What are the hours of operation for EECM programs?
* Are there any jobs available at EECM?
* What items can I donate to the Food Pantry?
* How can I make a contribution to support the work of EECM?
* Who do I contact to find out more about EECM programs and services?
* Which Pittsburgh congregations are members of EECM?
*What is EECM staffer Chad Collins’ favorite restaurant? (just kidding, you have to read the blog for that. Keep your eyes peeled for the recurring post “10 Questions For…)
With the new website, we will also be able to accept online credit card donations. We’re still working out all the kinks so for now, if you’d like to make a donation via credit card please use the blog charity badge (top right item in the blog side bar) or call 412-361-5549.
All Hail the EECM Website!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Life as a Table
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
It’s tough to be a table. No, seriously! Think for a minute about the life of a table—for example, a table in the dining room of EECM’s Good Samaritan Kitchen. In the course of the d
ay, anywhere from 80 to 120 individuals come through the dining room for lunch at the Soup Kitchen. Their trays scrape your surface, their feet kick your legs, their spilled food wreaks havoc on your paint job. And sometimes…they even doodle on you (*shudder*). After lunch, the Food Pantry opens and you transform temporarily into a desk for client interviews. There’s a break for a few hours in the late afternoon and you use that time to brace yourself for the evening onslaught – 30 plus men marching through for their dinners at the Men’s Emergency Shelter. And if that weren’t enough for a poor table, day-in and day-out, the Men’s Shelter is almost always over capacity and you’re pressed into service as a bed! After a long night of work, it’s time for breakfast at the shelter and just as you recover from that, it’s lunch time again!
It’s really no wonder that after 10 years of faithful service, our dining room tables were ready for a break. Their legs were wobbly, their surfaces scratched and discolored—some were even held together with duct tape. But, gentle reader, do not despair! The story ends well. Thanks to generous donations from the Katherine H. Hillman Fund, the Daltorio Family Fund (both via The Pittsburgh Foundation) and East Liberty Presbyterian Church, we were able to purchase 12 brand-new, beautiful, 8 foot long tables for the dining room and allow our weary tables the retirement they deserved. Hooray!
Now, I hate to put a damper on a happy ending but there is one
remaining problem. The new tables are naked. Yes, it’s shocking, I know. So, if you can find it in your heart to reach out to a table in need, EECM is looking for eight-foot, solid-color vinyl/oil cloth tablecloths. Donations may be dropped off at the Good Samaritan Kitchen (in East Liberty Presbyterian Church – 116 S. Highland Ave. Whitfield Street Entrance) weekdays between 9am and 3pm.
ay, anywhere from 80 to 120 individuals come through the dining room for lunch at the Soup Kitchen. Their trays scrape your surface, their feet kick your legs, their spilled food wreaks havoc on your paint job. And sometimes…they even doodle on you (*shudder*). After lunch, the Food Pantry opens and you transform temporarily into a desk for client interviews. There’s a break for a few hours in the late afternoon and you use that time to brace yourself for the evening onslaught – 30 plus men marching through for their dinners at the Men’s Emergency Shelter. And if that weren’t enough for a poor table, day-in and day-out, the Men’s Shelter is almost always over capacity and you’re pressed into service as a bed! After a long night of work, it’s time for breakfast at the shelter and just as you recover from that, it’s lunch time again!It’s really no wonder that after 10 years of faithful service, our dining room tables were ready for a break. Their legs were wobbly, their surfaces scratched and discolored—some were even held together with duct tape. But, gentle reader, do not despair! The story ends well. Thanks to generous donations from the Katherine H. Hillman Fund, the Daltorio Family Fund (both via The Pittsburgh Foundation) and East Liberty Presbyterian Church, we were able to purchase 12 brand-new, beautiful, 8 foot long tables for the dining room and allow our weary tables the retirement they deserved. Hooray!
Now, I hate to put a damper on a happy ending but there is one
remaining problem. The new tables are naked. Yes, it’s shocking, I know. So, if you can find it in your heart to reach out to a table in need, EECM is looking for eight-foot, solid-color vinyl/oil cloth tablecloths. Donations may be dropped off at the Good Samaritan Kitchen (in East Liberty Presbyterian Church – 116 S. Highland Ave. Whitfield Street Entrance) weekdays between 9am and 3pm. The tables will thank you.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by: Claudia Kirkpatrick, EECM Council of Congregations (Third Presbyterian Church)
This year's EECM Gathering of the Congregations and Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., went off very well indeed. This was the 23rd annual Celebration, held this year at Calvary Episcopal Church. As always, members of the congregations turned out in force, and they provided feedback that the Celebration was very inspirational.
The Gathering and Celebration began with Music of Celebration, with special performances by the "Friday Night Chai," Michele Gray-Schaffer director and mezzo-soprano, from Tree of Life Congregation. The First Unitarian Church Folk Orchestra followed, with Emily Pinkerton, director. And then a series of gospel songs by Demareus Cooper, from The Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School. Ms. Cooper was accompanied on the piano by Derek Schofield, minister of music at St. John's Lutheran Church. During the Entrance of the Ministers and throughout the service, the Calvary Choir, under the direction of Alan Lewis, provided anthems that beautifully reinforced the inspiring messages of Dr. King. Many of those who attended the Celebration mentioned how very wonderful they felt all the music was.
The Rev. Regis Ryan, Executive Director of “Focus on Renewal” in McKees Rocks, gave a very thoughtful sermon on the issue of hunger. Building on the challenge Dr. King posed in his Nobel Prize Lecture in Oslo in 1964 to "Feed the Unfed," the Rev. Ryan provided considerable insight into the various ways in which people can be hungry, and the ways in which all of us can help solve the problems that hunger causes.
Several stirring readings were provided by Myrna Zelenitz, Executive Director of EECM; John Mershon of Third Presbyterian Church; Philip B. Hallen, member of the Board of Directors of EECM; and Amal Namangani of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Additional acclamations, prayers, and greetings were provided by Rabbi Daniel Young of Congregation Rodef Shalom; Mrs. Evelyn P. Parker of St. James A.M.E. Church; the Rev. Darnell Leonard, Associate Director of EECM; the Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert, Rector of Church of the Redeemer; and the Rev. Dr. Harold T. Lewis, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church.
The turn-out for the Celebration was excellent this year, in spite of the miserable rain. Over 400 people braved the elements to attend the event. Everyone involved with EECM was very grateful to all those who assisted in making the Gathering and Celebration work so well. We hope to see everyone back again next year!
This year's EECM Gathering of the Congregations and Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., went off very well indeed. This was the 23rd annual Celebration, held this year at Calvary Episcopal Church. As always, members of the congregations turned out in force, and they provided feedback that the Celebration was very inspirational.
The Gathering and Celebration began with Music of Celebration, with special performances by the "Friday Night Chai," Michele Gray-Schaffer director and mezzo-soprano, from Tree of Life Congregation. The First Unitarian Church Folk Orchestra followed, with Emily Pinkerton, director. And then a series of gospel songs by Demareus Cooper, from The Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School. Ms. Cooper was accompanied on the piano by Derek Schofield, minister of music at St. John's Lutheran Church. During the Entrance of the Ministers and throughout the service, the Calvary Choir, under the direction of Alan Lewis, provided anthems that beautifully reinforced the inspiring messages of Dr. King. Many of those who attended the Celebration mentioned how very wonderful they felt all the music was.
The Rev. Regis Ryan, Executive Director of “Focus on Renewal” in McKees Rocks, gave a very thoughtful sermon on the issue of hunger. Building on the challenge Dr. King posed in his Nobel Prize Lecture in Oslo in 1964 to "Feed the Unfed," the Rev. Ryan provided considerable insight into the various ways in which people can be hungry, and the ways in which all of us can help solve the problems that hunger causes.
Several stirring readings were provided by Myrna Zelenitz, Executive Director of EECM; John Mershon of Third Presbyterian Church; Philip B. Hallen, member of the Board of Directors of EECM; and Amal Namangani of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Additional acclamations, prayers, and greetings were provided by Rabbi Daniel Young of Congregation Rodef Shalom; Mrs. Evelyn P. Parker of St. James A.M.E. Church; the Rev. Darnell Leonard, Associate Director of EECM; the Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert, Rector of Church of the Redeemer; and the Rev. Dr. Harold T. Lewis, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church.
The turn-out for the Celebration was excellent this year, in spite of the miserable rain. Over 400 people braved the elements to attend the event. Everyone involved with EECM was very grateful to all those who assisted in making the Gathering and Celebration work so well. We hope to see everyone back again next year!
Friday, January 19, 2007
A Golden Idea
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
Never underestimate the creativity of the human race. Philanthropically-minded individuals come up with the most astounding ways to raise money for the charity of their choice. Take Dr. Edward Korenman, a dentist in Squirrel Hill…when he removes crowns from a patient’s mouth, he saves the gold. Little by little, it accumulates and every now and again he sells it to a scrap collector and donates the proceeds to a non-profit. This year, he chose East End Cooperative Ministry as the recipient—to the tune of $250. Wow! That’s a lot of teeth!
Never underestimate the creativity of the human race. Philanthropically-minded individuals come up with the most astounding ways to raise money for the charity of their choice. Take Dr. Edward Korenman, a dentist in Squirrel Hill…when he removes crowns from a patient’s mouth, he saves the gold. Little by little, it accumulates and every now and again he sells it to a scrap collector and donates the proceeds to a non-profit. This year, he chose East End Cooperative Ministry as the recipient—to the tune of $250. Wow! That’s a lot of teeth!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Alma's Gift
We received this wonderful note last week, accompanied by a check for $20. The donor is 8 year old Alma, a Pittsburgh resident and budding philanthropist. Alma and her parents attend East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Her mother, Diane, volunteers in EECM’s Emergency Men’s Shelter with a group from ELPC, providing a hot meal to the men of the shelter once a month.
Alma sometimes goes along with her mom and she likes meeting the men in the shelter and lending a hand with food preparation. Diane says “It’s so hard to find ways to get kids involved charity, but we try.” In addition to bringing her along on volunteer opportunities, every year Alma’s parents give her $20, to be donated to the charity of her choice.
For the past four years, Alma has chosen EECM. She wants to help the homeless people. And she does.
Alma sometimes goes along with her mom and she likes meeting the men in the shelter and lending a hand with food preparation. Diane says “It’s so hard to find ways to get kids involved charity, but we try.” In addition to bringing her along on volunteer opportunities, every year Alma’s parents give her $20, to be donated to the charity of her choice.
For the past four years, Alma has chosen EECM. She wants to help the homeless people. And she does.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Feeding the Unfed
You are cordially invited to join East End Cooperative Ministry in celebrating the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday, January 14, 2006
3:30 pm
Calvary Episcopal Church
(315 Shady Ave. – 15206)
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Feeding the Unfed” and the service will feature guest speaker Father Regis Ryan of Focus on Renewal.
Hope to see you there!
Monday, January 8, 2007
10 Questions for...Chad Collins
Check back often for regular installments of the smash-hit-blog-post “10 Questions For…” We’ll be asking all the staff of EECM the same 10 Questions, designed to give you a more thorough (though not necessarily deeper!) insight into the people who make the EECM world go round.
10 Questions for Chad Collins, Assistant Cook at the Good Samaritan Kitchen
1) How long have you been at EECM? In what capacities?
About 6 weeks. I'm the assistant cook.
2) If you could be any superhero who would it be and why?
The Incredible Hulk – He is big and strong, of course. And because he gets mad and tears his clothes.
3) What do you do when you’re not at EECM?
I am a husband to my beautiful wife, Johanna and a father to my amazing daughters Nesta, Micaiah, Sweet Peace and our new baby on the way. **
4) What is your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
Sweet Basil and La Filipiniana
5) List the three adjectives that best define your personality:
Loving
Mellow
Passionate
6) What do you like best about working for EECM?
All the people!
7) Who is the best TV/movie villain of all time?
Dr. Evil
8) List four previous jobs you’ve had:
Youth Director
Bagel Baker
9) What is your favorite book?
The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah
10) What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about Pittsburgh?
Favorite Thing : The exciting things God is doing here.
Least Favorite Thing : The old, segregated Pittsburgh.
10 Questions for Chad Collins, Assistant Cook at the Good Samaritan Kitchen
1) How long have you been at EECM? In what capacities?
About 6 weeks. I'm the assistant cook.
2) If you could be any superhero who would it be and why?
The Incredible Hulk – He is big and strong, of course. And because he gets mad and tears his clothes.
3) What do you do when you’re not at EECM?
I am a husband to my beautiful wife, Johanna and a father to my amazing daughters Nesta, Micaiah, Sweet Peace and our new baby on the way. **
** Note from the editors: We'd like to add that Chad is also the pastor of Valley View Presbyterian Church and does a fabulous job there, too!
4) What is your favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
Sweet Basil and La Filipiniana
5) List the three adjectives that best define your personality:
Loving
Mellow
Passionate
6) What do you like best about working for EECM?
All the people!
7) Who is the best TV/movie villain of all time?
Dr. Evil
8) List four previous jobs you’ve had:
Youth Director
Bagel Baker
9) What is your favorite book?
The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah
10) What is your favorite (and least favorite) thing about Pittsburgh?
Favorite Thing : The exciting things God is doing here.
Least Favorite Thing : The old, segregated Pittsburgh.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Much More Than A Game
Written by Kate Snyder with Terry Levels, Middle School Programs and Special Projects Coordinator
They may be approximately one third the height of your average NBA basketball player, but do not underestimate the Fulton Wildcats. This dynamo team recently took 2nd place in the New Brushton Homewood YMCA Christmas Basketball Tournament and is primed and ready for a great upcoming season.
The Wildcats are a co-ed basketball team made up of third, fourth and fifth graders from Fulton Elementary School who participate in EECM’s Fulton Basketball Mentoring Program. This program, run by Children and Youth staffers Terry Levels, Richard Payne, Ed Rivers and Shawn Proctor, provides opportunities for teamwork and relationship building, as well as life-skills education for at-risk youth within the framework of after-school basketball.
The Fulton Basketball Mentoring Program is in its second year and the coordinators agree that it is a vital program for these students. Terry Levels notes: “In addition to physical exercise, the program provides positive mentoring and keeps the students away from negative community influences and negative peer pressure.“
The kids meet for an hour after school Monday through Thursday and play approximately 10 games each season, which runs from January through the end of February. The Wildcats compete against other teams from 12 Pittsburgh-area elementary schools.
Keep up the good work, Wildcats!
They may be approximately one third the height of your average NBA basketball player, but do not underestimate the Fulton Wildcats. This dynamo team recently took 2nd place in the New Brushton Homewood YMCA Christmas Basketball Tournament and is primed and ready for a great upcoming season.
The Wildcats are a co-ed basketball team made up of third, fourth and fifth graders from Fulton Elementary School who participate in EECM’s Fulton Basketball Mentoring Program. This program, run by Children and Youth staffers Terry Levels, Richard Payne, Ed Rivers and Shawn Proctor, provides opportunities for teamwork and relationship building, as well as life-skills education for at-risk youth within the framework of after-school basketball.
The Fulton Basketball Mentoring Program is in its second year and the coordinators agree that it is a vital program for these students. Terry Levels notes: “In addition to physical exercise, the program provides positive mentoring and keeps the students away from negative community influences and negative peer pressure.“
The kids meet for an hour after school Monday through Thursday and play approximately 10 games each season, which runs from January through the end of February. The Wildcats compete against other teams from 12 Pittsburgh-area elementary schools.
Keep up the good work, Wildcats!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
From Our Clients
Written by: Kate Snyder and the clients of EECM
The New Year has arrived, the holidays are becoming a hazy blur of food, family and friends and we’re already launching into the next set of activities, events and campaigns here at EECM. But before we move full steam ahead into 2007, I wanted to pause briefly to share a few letters we received from our clients over the holidays.
This year, our annual Christmas GiveAway program provided Christmas gifts to more than 800 individuals across a variety of EECM programs, from the children of our Food Pantry clients to the individuals in our residential housing programs to the elderly and the homebound who receive Meals on Wheels. We knew that these individuals would appreciate the gifts they received this holiday season, but it never really struck us just how grateful they were until we started to get thank-you notes from them. Below are excerpts from several letters that warm our hearts and remind us again, in the midst of the stress and chaos of a new year, why it is that we do what we do.
“Thanks for making my children smile. God bless you.” –Kennesha
“Thank you for the baby doll. I love, I love it a lot!” -- Kierra, age 8
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. This doesn’t seem sufficient for the joy and pleasure you provided for my children and myself. Your time, generosity and thoughtfulness are evident. To see the happiness on my children’s faces was priceless. May peace and blessing be yours throughout the coming year. We thank you again.” – Latrice
“Words cannot express my gratitude for your agency and the beautiful people who helped make this a very special Christmas for two children who had nothing under the tree. Thank you and may God continue to bless you, your families and the agency for evermore.” – Doris
“Thank you for allowing me and my granddaughter to have a very wonderful and special Christmas. We are truly grateful. May God bless and keep you and yours.” -- Cecilia
“Thank you for my truck. I really like it! I play with it in my mom’s kitchen!” -- Dion, age 6
The New Year has arrived, the holidays are becoming a hazy blur of food, family and friends and we’re already launching into the next set of activities, events and campaigns here at EECM. But before we move full steam ahead into 2007, I wanted to pause briefly to share a few letters we received from our clients over the holidays.
This year, our annual Christmas GiveAway program provided Christmas gifts to more than 800 individuals across a variety of EECM programs, from the children of our Food Pantry clients to the individuals in our residential housing programs to the elderly and the homebound who receive Meals on Wheels. We knew that these individuals would appreciate the gifts they received this holiday season, but it never really struck us just how grateful they were until we started to get thank-you notes from them. Below are excerpts from several letters that warm our hearts and remind us again, in the midst of the stress and chaos of a new year, why it is that we do what we do.
“Thanks for making my children smile. God bless you.” –Kennesha
“Thank you for the baby doll. I love, I love it a lot!” -- Kierra, age 8
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. This doesn’t seem sufficient for the joy and pleasure you provided for my children and myself. Your time, generosity and thoughtfulness are evident. To see the happiness on my children’s faces was priceless. May peace and blessing be yours throughout the coming year. We thank you again.” – Latrice
“Words cannot express my gratitude for your agency and the beautiful people who helped make this a very special Christmas for two children who had nothing under the tree. Thank you and may God continue to bless you, your families and the agency for evermore.” – Doris
“Thank you for allowing me and my granddaughter to have a very wonderful and special Christmas. We are truly grateful. May God bless and keep you and yours.” -- Cecilia
“Thank you for my truck. I really like it! I play with it in my mom’s kitchen!” -- Dion, age 6
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
The 4th Wiseman
Written by: Rev. Beckie Hickock, Cross Roads Presbyterian Church
Every advent season, the members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, eagerly await the "posting of names." For over 10 years now, Cross Roads has participated in a holiday gift giving program through East End Cooperative Ministry. At Cross Roads, the program is called the "Gifts of the 4th Wiseman." Based on the story by Henry Van Dyke in which the 4th Wiseman, Arteban, gives away all that he has to those in need, this program provides gifts for the children of the East End.
At Cross Roads, the program is sponsored by the Deacons and in late November, they post the names and wish lists of the children. This year, there were over 80 names (first names only!) with a list of three gifts each. On Sunday, December 10th, the children of Cross Roads heard the story of the 4th Wiseman and then, with their parents, brought the gifts forward to be blessed. The chancel was heaped high with beautifully wrapped packages and at the end of the service, a "fireman's brigade" was formed down the center aisle to pass the packages to a van, waiting outside the door. It is just one of the ways the congregation at Cross Roads prepares for the coming of the Christ Child.
Every advent season, the members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville, eagerly await the "posting of names." For over 10 years now, Cross Roads has participated in a holiday gift giving program through East End Cooperative Ministry. At Cross Roads, the program is called the "Gifts of the 4th Wiseman." Based on the story by Henry Van Dyke in which the 4th Wiseman, Arteban, gives away all that he has to those in need, this program provides gifts for the children of the East End.
At Cross Roads, the program is sponsored by the Deacons and in late November, they post the names and wish lists of the children. This year, there were over 80 names (first names only!) with a list of three gifts each. On Sunday, December 10th, the children of Cross Roads heard the story of the 4th Wiseman and then, with their parents, brought the gifts forward to be blessed. The chancel was heaped high with beautifully wrapped packages and at the end of the service, a "fireman's brigade" was formed down the center aisle to pass the packages to a van, waiting outside the door. It is just one of the ways the congregation at Cross Roads prepares for the coming of the Christ Child.
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