Dear St. Margaret’s Family,
The themes of the Advent season include Hope, Joy, and Love in the collects and the scripture readings. As a community of faith, we are called to proclaim this Good News to the world, and especially to those to whom Jesus called special attention – the least of His children. It is that call which our annual Sharing Tree program seeks to fulfill. Through this project, we are able to spread hope, joy, and love to members of our local community just as the candles on our Advent wreath spread their light throughout our worship space.
Here are the plans for this year’s Sharing Tree, which are very different from 2020, and also different from “normal”:
- We are returning to having our tree and ornaments in the worship space, and ask that those who are able to attend service and are comfortable with shopping for tag items please take an ornament or two as you feel led to do so.
- If you wish to participate in the Sharing Tree, but need a “remote” option, please reach out to Jen Burkhardt.
- We will be putting together boxes of non-perishable food items and paper goods, along with holiday dinner items for each family. This is a part of the program that can be shared among multiple families if needed. Please reach out to Jen Burkhardt if you are interested in this part of the program.
- This year, we will return to our practice of having the families pick up their gifts and food boxes at the church on Sunday December 19th after our service. If anyone has any paper shopping bags with handles (think department store bags) or boxes that they are willing to donate to us, it will make the process of packing all of the items for pick up much easier.
- Please keep in mind that due to confidentiality concerns, we have very limited information about the two families we are working with. The most important thing to know is that they have been selected for us by the Home and School Visitor for the East Penn School District, and have a genuine financial need.
I can be reached either via cell (484-553-1227) or email (smecepcm@gmail.com )with any questions you may have. If you don’t reach me immediately, please be patient, and I will respond as soon as I am able once I have finished my workday. The only evenings that I am not available to take or return calls are Monday and Tuesday, as I have classes those nights.
I am keeping you all in my prayers, and am looking forward to seeing what the Holy Spirit will do working through this amazing, Faith-full community this Christmas.
Blessings,
Jen Burkhardt