December 7th was the second Sunday of the Advent, and the day of our Toy Service.
At this annual special service, we gather gifts from the community, to be donated to Westminster children’s services and shared with families in need. 36% of children in our area are living in poverty, so the impact of your kindness and generosity is felt in many families – thank you.
This year, some people donated money in weeks preceding the service, which was used to buy toys. Others brought a toy on Sunday. It was moving to see people of all ages bring toys to give, and obvious that each had been chosen with thought and care. We thanked God for the ability to give these gifts, prayed for the staff working hard with vulnerable families, and for the children who would receive the toys. We hope each gift conveys with it the love of God and of the wider community.
As we donated to children in need, we also reflected on the ways in which we might bear fruit that blesses others – and what that fruit might look like. Whether a donation to those less well-off than ourselves, a gift of time and attention, or a simple kindness, we remember that we all have gifts to give. We also remember that we must sustain the season of giving all-year-round, in whatever ways we can, in order to be neighbours to each other.
Happy Second Sunday of the Advent from Hinde Street Methodist Church!