St Paul Church's Unique Giving Season
Traditionally, churches collect food items or articles of warm clothing during the holiday season to distribute to those in need. But if you have ever seen a church sanctuary filled with Teddy Bears, you know that the sight brings comfort that is indescribable. And this year, the Missions Team of St Paul United Church of Christ in Barrington is helping to provide that kind of comfort to victims of abuse and sexual assault.
The bears are being collected throughout the month of December to be given to the Zacharias Center (formerly Lake County Coalition Against Sexual Assault.) Since 1983, the Center has provided free services that are available to all victims regardless of race, gender, language, ability, sexual orientation or religion. When trained advocates first assist clients, a Teddy Bear is often much needed security in a scary time. The painful transition from victim to survivor can often start with the simple hugging of a Teddy Bear, when human contact can seem frightening.
Members of St Paul have been bringing new or gently loved Teddy Bears of all sizes and leaving them in the church pews. (Sometimes during worship services, you have to ask the bears to move over.) The Missions Team will collect the bears on Sunday, December 23rd and take them to the Zacharias Center. Until that date, bears can be placed in the pews during Sunday services, which start at 9:30am., or dropped off at the church office, Monday thru Thursday, from 9am to 5pm.
St. Paul is located at 401 E. Main St., Barrington. Phone 847-381-0460, or visit www.stpauluccbarrington.org.
If you have questions, you can reach me at 847-277-9829 (ShelleyRants@aol.com). Thanks. Shelley Carlson for St Paul United Church of Christ
