The Kristos Hands and Feet ministry delivered a sleigh full of presents to the residents of The Courtyard this week. Tenants and their families received generous gifts in celebration of the holiday season through the efforts of the ministry of St. Joseph United Methodist Church and her outreach efforts. Sr. Pastor Russ Abel shared their commitment to their missional ministry, “to sow, grow and go,” and build relationships with neighbors residing in Fairfield corridor, where The Courtyard is located. The congregation has partnered with The Courtyard for several projects since the apartment complex opened in 2012. Most recently, the Angel Tree project adopted each tenant residing in The Courtyard community.
The Kristos ministry team of eight, led by Mike Hagan, made contact with the management team at The Courtyard early in December to see how they could partner this year. This resulted in the Angel Tree where 60-80 families from their congregation stepped up to contribute to the tenant’s holiday wishes. These actions resulted in a The Courtyard being filled with gifts (see attached photos). Pastor Abel said of the ministry team, “their hearts are big and their generosity is broad.”
“Over and over, they are generous” he said of his congregation and the Kristos ministry. St. Joseph United Methodist Church is “thrilled with the opportunity to work with people coming out of foster care.” The tenants, many of whom were in foster care prior to living at The Courtyard, have also been invited the join the ministry for their community-wide Christmas Eve dinner. Transportation will be provided. This outpouring of generosity is one of the ways St. Joseph’s Kristos ministry is “building relationships to show love,” said Abel.
SCAN appreciates the neighborly support The Courtyard received this holiday season. The Kristos Hands & Feet Outreach meets at the Boys & Girls Club, and has some projects in works with Fairfield Elementary School. They own the property west of The Courtyard. A volunteer, Tom Beaver, added “What we have found in this work, and in our business dealings, is it all starts with relationships and getting to know people. We are hopeful for those kids.”
About SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect): Located at 500 West Main Street, SCAN impacted the lives of 23,600 adults and children in Allen and 18 surrounding northeast and north central Indiana counties in the agency’s fiscal year 2014, ending September 30th, 2014. SCAN provides prevention as well as preservation services for children and families who are victims of, or are at-risk for child abuse and neglect. The vast majority of our services are provided at no cost to clients. To report child maltreatment, call Indiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 800.800.5556.
