31stAnnual Come Home for Christmas “God’s Winter Wonderland”
Not often does a church transform its interior decor into a spiritual, enchanting Winter Wonderland much to the delight of church members, visiting families and children, and the surrounding community. However, this is exactly what Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, did to commemorate its 31st Annual “Come Home for Christmas” outreach ministry.
This year’s scripture was Acts 20:35, “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” The giving was evident throughout the entire “season” from church members, City of Detroit business owners and leaders, community organizations, and residents.
Beginning the first Sunday in November, congregants declared their intent to be disciples by committing to raise money, adopt a senior citizen living in a local independent living facility in the metropolitan Detroit area, or by adopting a family with one to six children identified through the Department of Human and Health Services or through the Angel Tree Prison Ministry. Disciples pledged to raise and donate money for the gift “wishes” that ranged from personal care items to toy trucks and bicycles.
Each senior citizen received a myriad of gifts ranging from household and personal care items to personal clothing like robes, house shoes, socks, and gloves. A member of the ministerial team, members of the music ministry, disciples, and volunteers caravanned to four different senior living facilities in and around the city to worship with the residents and present gifts. The joy and appreciation from our visits were evident on the faces of all residents and the staff members at each facility.
On the second Saturday of December, the sanctuary was full of families, children, musicians, choir members, and ministers in a worship service that included a Christmas children’s story, where children gathered at the altar and were told the story of the arrival of baby Jesus. Afterward, families entered the Mitcham Fellowship Hall, which had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland full of festive decorations and activities, such as ornament-decorating, Christmas card-making, a flowing hot chocolate station, and a Bistro food court bursting with delicacies.
Throughout the church, there were greeters with chocolate treats, elves guiding visitors through Wonderland while taking family photos and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and receiving clothing and toys that ranged from toy cars, baby dolls, electronic games, and bikes for all ages. Our visitors and members were blessed beyond measure by the true joy and happiness that was evident in all faces, especially the little ones. One young girl screamed her delight upon seeing her brand new bicycle.
Our culminating celebratory worship service was held on December 16 and we welcomed the Rev. Roderick Belin, the president/publisher of the AME Church Sunday School Union, who preached “Pray Until Something Happens,” at our 7:30 a.m. service and “You Are Worth Saving: Black Lives Matter” at the 11:00 a.m. service, empowering all present to persevere through these challenging days and times to the glory and edification of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our disciples reported their gifts and contributions to this year’s Come Home for Christmas outreach and by the end of the second worship service, over $65,000 had been reported. Truly, God has allowed The Grove to continue being a blessing to the metropolitan Detroit community.
