Church Outreach Event Is A Huge Success

By Francine Fulton

Members of Olive Street Presbyterian Church, 1400 Olive St., Coatesville, recently reported that their free clothing giveaway and lunch was a great success. During the daylong event, members of the community were invited to shop for new or gently-worn spring and summer clothing free of cost and enjoy lunch that was served in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

“The day was pretty successful. Before we opened the doors at 11 o’clock, which was the advertised starting time, there were about 40 people waiting,” reported Pastor Dale Van Ness. “All told, we served and fed about 200 people.”

Susan Battaglia, one of the event organizers, said those who attended the free giveaway were of all ages and backgrounds.

“The majority of the folks who attended appeared to be truly (in need),” she said. “We were privileged to hug, laugh with and offer hope to folks we never would have met - some were very old, some were young families, some had mental disabilities.”

She said the lunch aspect of the event was very fulfilling, noting that many local residents enjoyed not only the food, but the fellowship.

“The lunch room was filled with people sitting around, enjoying their food, laughing and smiling,” she said. “I sat down with one family at a table and thanked them for coming. They said it was good of us to do it, and I said, ‘Where else would we have met?’

“How often do we get to sit and chat with people we don't know?,” she added. “I spoke at length to many who asked about our church services, asking for the times and expressing an interest to come to Sunday services.”

In addition to offering free food and clothing items, visitors to the event were invited to write their personal requests for services in a Help Box.

“Our Help Box got some requests for financial help, prayer, help with teens and (learning to speak) English,” Battaglia said.

“We were able to minister to a couple of people, including taking requests for various kinds of help and for prayer,” Van Ness added. “We’re sorting through those requests now.”

Nearly all the clothing was distributed, the pastor reported. Leftover clothing items were donated to Tabitha’s Treasures, a nonprofit thrift shop in Coatesville that is run by Rest Ministries.

Since the event was so successful, church members are planning a similar outreach this fall. They have also scheduled a free clothing giveaway for spring of 2008.

“We have officially planned to have another fall free thrift store and lunch on October 4,” Van Ness said. “It will be similar to what we had this time, and the city of Coatesville has given a verbal pledge to supply a street banner.”

Organizers are pleased that those who attended the recent giveaway were very appreciative.

“They were truly thankful and wondered why we'd do this and invite them for lunch. (We told them) this is what God wants us to do - share what we have with those who need it. We want to do it out of gratefulness for what he has done for us,” she said. “I know it was a success because I sensed the presence of God with us.”

Sunday worship at Olive Street Presbyterian Church is held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a half-hour of fellowship and coffee. Sunday school is held from 11:30 a.m. to noon. On the second Sunday of the month, a fellowship luncheon is held, and on the third Sunday of each month at 6 p.m., there is a special evening service. The church also offers small-group prayer meetings each week in members’ homes and at the church. Pioneer Club for youngsters takes place every Wednesday from 6:30 and 8 p.m.

Visitors are welcome at all services and events. For more information about the church, interested readers may call (610) 466-7640 or visit www.olivestreetpres.org.

TCC inside/no pic

MCC inside/no pic, P#4C

5-7-08

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