Residential Community
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
The mission of Methodist Children’s Home is to offer hope to children, youth and families through a nurturing, Christian community. For many residential youth at MCH, the Christmas season can be emotionally challenging as many are spending the holiday away from their families for the first time. However, MCH understands these children need to be shown grace and love. Youth are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and are able to take in holiday experiences that are meant to build childlike anticipation and joy throughout the season.
As Christmas approaches, youth decorate their homes alongside staff to create a warm and festive environment. Residents show their talents during a Christmas performance and many homes coordinate special outings to look at holiday lights or enjoy other holiday activities. MCH children are able to fill out “wish lists” and are assured that this year, they will most certainly have a gift under the tree.
Staff and residents come together to celebrate during Carols and Candles, a special worship service followed by gatherings in the homes where children are able to spend time together for Christmas dinner and open gifts. Carols and Candles is led by the MCH Spiritual Development team and the praise team, which this year consisted of more than 30 youth who participated through choir, handbells, narrators, Scripture readers, artists, and nativity actors.
“Carols and Candles is so special because the students put their time, energy and creativity into it,” said Kim Clark, director of spiritual development. “It is the culmination of hours of rehearsals, preparation and building excitement. I think that level of involvement is what sets this particular worship service apart.”
The service brings the MCH community together for a time to reflect and hear a message of hope.
“One of the most important things about the season of Advent in general we want everyone to understand is the magnitude of what God provided for us in Jesus, the divine coming to live with us and ultimately die for us,” Clark said. “In the midst of the hustle of the Christmas season, it is nice to slow down and focus on what Christ’s birth meant, what it means for us today and what His second coming means for humanity.” •
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Family Outreach
And He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” – Luke 10:27
Staff in our 13 MCH Family Outreach offices walk alongside families in their communities throughout the year to give them support and help them stabilize their lives. During the holidays, many families face financial pressures, schedule interruptions from holiday demands, new childcare demands with children out of school for the holiday, and other challenges.
All MCH Family Outreach offices host Christmas parties for families they serve to celebrate them and give them time for fellowship and to enjoy time with their families. Many local churches and community partners generously donate spaces for the parties, food, gifts for children, and their time in order to provide families with a special experience.
Many of the parties feature craft stations for children to create Christmas ornaments, Christmas-themed games, cookie decorating, and other treats. Children are surprised with a visit from Santa complete with an opportunity for pictures.
Julia Burris, director of MCH Family Outreach in Albuquerque, said her favorite moment was surprising the children at the conclusion of the party with a gift such as a stuffed animal, book, board game, or toy.
“Every child’s eyes lit up with excitement,” she said. “It was a joy for us to see our families filled with happiness and cheer. We all had a wonderful time at the Christmas party and are already looking forward to next year.” •
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Faithful Friends
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10
Children and families at Methodist Children’s Home are blessed by devoted benefactors who give generously during Christmas and throughout the year. Many friends of MCH work hard every year to make sure those we serve feel special during the holidays.
Several churches have a tradition of giving to MCH, including First United Methodist Church of Grapevine, whose members donate bicycles and helmets to every child who desires one. Friends at First United Methodist Church in Mansfield sponsor gifts for children and travel to Waco each year to help wrap presents for residents. First United Methodist Church of Rockwall continues to coordinate with staff members each year in making sure every child has a gift purchased especially for them under the tree.
Along with these examples, countless churches and individuals donate to the MCH Christmas Offering or participate in the Secret Santa program to make sure youth know that someone cares about them during the holiday season. In our communities, church partners, local agencies and businesses sponsor Christmas celebrations for MCH Family Outreach families to give them the opportunity to enjoy the season with their loved ones. More than 60 percent of donations in support of the daily needs of our children are received during the Christmas season.
“We are grateful for the support from our faithful benefactors,” said Trey Oakley, vice president for development. “We know there are many worthy charitable organizations out there and for them to choose to support us is an honor. It is exciting to see how these gifts are blessing those we serve.” •
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