Your Help is Perfect Holiday Gift for Those in Need

This is the time of year we look around for that perfect gift.  We run through the malls and search the internet, but that gift might be closer than we imagine. That perfect gift may come in helping those in great need right here in this community.  It comes in giving dollars and/or donating time.  But whatever the contribution, we can know it will be greatly appreciated.

For nearly two decades, the Imperial Beach United Methodist Church located at 455 Palm has served those who have no place to lay their heads and have very little to eat. 

Jesus said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me.” (Matt. 25:35-40)

In response to Jesus, canned food and clothing is provided during the week and on Saturdays there is a free hot breakfast, clothes, showers and spiritual devotion.  But not only is it the homeless, also coming are those with roofs over their heads but no food security.  With barely enough for rent, they have nothing left for food.

One woman helped was living off McDonald’s leftovers given to her from neighbors.

In 2013, the Tuesday and Thursday food distribution assisted more than 200 households and the Saturday morning breakfast and shower program welcomed 40 people per week.   In working with the San Diego Food Bank’s Commodities program, nearly 600 individuals per month were helped.  Within these numbers are families with children and infants.

Recently, two families each with two teenagers living out of their cars came for breakfast and showers.

Beyond these weekly programs, the IB United Methodist Church hosts an annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner that served 70 individuals this year and also participates in the Interfaith Shelter Network where up to 12 homeless individuals are given shelter and food at the church.

Currently, these weekly mission outreaches operate on $500 a month or $17 per day.   To continue these programs of compassion in Imperial Beach, we are seeking assistance from the community.  Your help is needed. 

Your assistance can be a financial contribution.  Any gift of any size makes the difference as every dollar goes to provide food for those in most need.  Your tax-deductible donation can sponsor a day or a month or more.

Or you can provide assistance through donating canned food items.

Or you can volunteer for the Saturday program.  The Breakfast and Shower program operates from 6-10am every Saturday.  Consider sponsoring a meal by purchasing and preparing the breakfast.  Also, volunteers can sit with guests and hear their life experiences.

Your assistance can be the perfect gift for this holiday in helping those in need.

But above everything else, pray.    In your own way, pray for those with no home and with very little food.  Pray for this mission at the IB United Methodist Church.  And pray to become involved in this caring effort. 

To help, email me at JonEdwin@aol.com or call 619.424.5181. 

I look forward to your email or call.

Blessings,

Pastor John

Imperial Beach United Methodist Church

455 Palm Avenue, IB

Special Worship in December:

Blue Christmas (when Christmas Hurts)  -- Friday Dec. 20 at 7pm

Christmas Eve (Communion & Candlelight)  Dec. 24 at 7pm

Sunday Worship:

9AM: 30 minute service with Holy Communion celebrated weekly

10:30AM: Holy Communion celebrated 1st Sunday of the month.

Sunday School:

For Elementary Children at 9:30AM

www.IBMethodist.com

At this Church

Our Hearts, Our Minds, Our Doors are always open.