When I was a child my parents always purchased a new clothing item for me before Easter. Sometimes I had new shoes; other times it was a new coat, dress, or hat. I’m not sure if this custom developed because Easter and spring are part of the same season, or if adults thought new clothing was associated with a “new life in Christ.” My husband and I continued this shopping tradition when we raised our children, and then I was too busy to give much thought to the symbolism.
When my husband and I were younger we hosted family celebrations, and these were always associated with food. A few days before Easter I reviewed cookbooks, gathered grocery store coupons, and studied the grocery ads.
For most of my life the secular implications of Easter have involved “shopping.” This year, when you are shopping, we’d like you to think of those who are less fortunate. In April, the Mission Team of CUMC focuses on the unemployed and homeless veterans of McHenry County. We will be partnering with a non-profit organization, TLS for Veterans, located in McHenry County. We are asking you to purchase some of the following items for the TLS food pantry. TLS is devoted to Transforming Lives through Service to Veterans.
The church mission team is collecting these items for TLS during April:
non-perishable cans of protein (tuna, chicken, beef, peanut butter) in small containers
cans of fruit
paper products: paper towels, toilet paper, “Kleenex”
bath soap
deodorant
toothpaste
toothbrushes
feminine hygiene products
CUMC will accept monetary donations on behalf of TLS. Write your check to Christ United Methodist Church, but put “TLS Vets” in the memo line. TLS has volunteer shoppers who follow the sales and shop for grocery items when they are the cheapest. Please donate listed items and/or money through April 28th.
If you have adult clothing you cannot use, please call TLS Veterans. They do accept some clothing and some household items. Their phone number is 815-689-6667. Their address is 5330 West Elm, McHenry. Website: www.tlsveterans.org
Maylo Hranac, Co-Mission Chair