Fairview United Methodist Church in Binghamton gives back to community

November 3, 2021454 views0

Fairview United Methodist Church in Binghamton gives back to community

2021-11-03T15:44:46+01:00

By Bede

As a form of appreciation, the Fairview United Methodist Church in Binghamton. his giving back to the community as Thanksgiving nears.“The congregation will write how they have been blessed. They will walk forward as a way of dedicating those prayers of thanks to God as they place their leaves on the tree up front,” said the pastor, the Rev. Janet B. Clark.He further revealed that during worship, the church will celebrate these blessings with music from Sunday School children and youth, Festive Ringers Bell choir and Chancel (adult choir).“Thanksgiving is a time to consider the blessings that have come our way. We say thanks by giving back — our time, our treasure, our talents. Our gratitude is realized as we give back to enrich our broken world,” she said.While the building was closed during the worst of the pandemic, Clark said the “church” continued.BC Transit buses stop right in front of Fairview UMC on Robinson Street. There’s a park a couple of blocks away. Calvin Coolidge School is nearly across the street. Many people pass by each day. And that’s led the church to offer invitations in a variety of ways.“We’ve developed quite a bus stop ministry,” Clark said.“We fill a blessing box out front so folks can have easy access to food when our pantry is closed.A prayer box hangs on our church to collect community prayers. Then our prayer messengers meet weekly to lift these concerns.”During a very cold February, a tent was set up out front. They served free soup from 12 crock pots lining tables. A hanging clothesline offered hats and mittens to those who passed.In August, the church held a block party, with food, games and clothing. Haircuts were available, and a magician performed. Clark saw it as a way to help neighbors get ready for school.As the months of the pandemic have continued, Fairview UMC members have increased ways to give back.“We doubled our efforts and offered a free take-out community meal and food pantry twice a month which continues today,” Clark said.There’s a fresh idea that’s now underway at the church.“Our newest project is our free diaper bank. We learned that one in three low-income families struggle with the cost of diapers,” she said.READ ALSO: Crowd defy rain to observe Day of The Dead at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church