In the spirit of giving

This popular quote reflects the festive spirit, “Christmas is a season of joy, love and giving.” While we are used to exchanging gifts amongst ourselves, we forget that there is a large part of society that cannot share in the cheer of Christmas. But these churches in the city are celebrating with the less fortunate
Encouraging its congregation to give out of love anything that can be useful, Rev MB Kotian of the Wesleyan Centenary Kannada Devalaya says, “The church is being renovated and the congregation has contributed towards this. Not wanting to stress them out by asking for more monetary funds for orphanages we support, we decided to keep a large box in front of the altar. The congregation can donate anything from soap, toothpaste, etc that these orphan children will need.”

Another church is reaching out to children from different faiths. Rev Christy Rajkumar of the Holy Trinity Church says, “We are having a Christmas programme for  300 children from the slums. Not just Christians but children from other faiths as well. We are also sponsoring orphans and semi-orphan children by providing them with gifts, dresses, etc needed for the festive season. This year, we also are planning to invite physically challenged children and youth as a focal point in the celebration.”

Some others are giving needy homes necessities to lift up their spirits. Rev Prem Mitra of St. Mark’s Cathedral says, “The youth will be visiting Speak Children Project and decorating the place, giving children gifts. The women’s fellowship will be visiting old age homes with gifts. They will also be spending time listening to their stories. We will also be inviting them to the church for a Christmas programme. Clothes apart, we are also donating water filters etc to homes.”

It is easy to give money, but spending time with the less fortunate is what makes a difference. Rev. Jessie Ranjan of St Andrew’s Church says, “We will be visiting the Home of Hope which is home to almost 350 children. And most have been affected by HIV. The money that we have collected will be used to buy clothes for children. The entire church has contributed towards this initiative. I feel that it’s easy to give money, but spending time with them is what will be really appreciated. We are planning to go celebrate with them this festive season.”