Sharing the Joy of Christmas
Adopting Families at Christmas Time

In celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the members of Wesley U.M.C. want to share the joy of giving.  For several years now, our church has "adopted" families from the Samaritan Center with whom to share a bit of Christmas.  We provide Christmas presents for every member of the family.  We also provide each family with a large food basket with Christmas dinner and additional staples for their family's needs.

Usually on the first Sunday in Advent, our Mission Team sets up a Christmas Tree in the foyer of the church.  Hanging on the tree are paper ornaments.  Written on each ornament is gender, age, and a suggested gift for one of the family members.  Parishioners have the opportunity to remove one or more of these paper ornaments and purchase a gift.  These gifts are brought back to the church so that the Mission Team may distribute them to the "adopted" families in the week prior to Christmas.

In 2006 we "adopted" 3 families totaling twelve individuals.
In 2007 we gave gifts and food for 5 families totaling sixteen people.
In 2008 we will gave gifts and food for 4 families totaling 16 people
In 2009 we gave gifts and food for 4 families totaling 20people.  Each adult in the family received one household and two personal presents while each child received two toys and two clothing items.  So, 82 presents were distributed the Sunday before Christmas.  In addition, each family received $125 worth of food.