Churches of Merchantville

Miracles

in Merchantville

BY DANTE LONG

The holiday season is synonymous with uplifting spirits, giving thanks and presenting gifts that keep on giving. As much excitement as this brings, there’s a growing number of Americans unable to get in the holiday spirit while drowning in debt, finding themselves faced with layoffs and inflation cutting into an already compromised budget. You need a reason to smile and hold onto hope. Should you find yourself less cheery this year, don’t worry—churches throughout the Merchantville area would like to remind you that better days lie ahead. These houses of worship include Grace Episcopal Church and St. Peter Roman Catholic Church.

Churches regularly open their doors to those in need. Around the holidays, those less fortunate are a special priority given the high demand for food and clothing. There’s no shame in turning to the church and is highly recommended with an increase of people relying on food pantries due to the pandemic. Administrative assistant and a member of Grace Episcopal Church her whole life, Julia McGraw experienced the shift. “We’re affiliated with the South Jersey food bank,” she says. “Over 250 to 500 meals were served for Thanksgiving,” McGraw states, an expected increase from their weekly food pantry that typically feeds 200 people. “One client can be one person or a family of five.”

Christmas 2022 is estimated to bring even more people. Feeding residents of Merchantville is one of many ways Grace Episcopal Church gives back, the

Merchantville is one of many ways Grace Episcopal Church gives back, the

please see

MIRACLES, page 5

other you may find quite unique for both children and adults—the Angel Tree. This concept offers churchgoers an opportunity to pick an anonymous ornament with instructions on the type of gift to buy a lucky person. Gift cards, toys or a bill paid are a few popular examples of the fruits one can expect from the Angel Tree. If you were impressed by that, perhaps you’d see equal value in the Mittens Tree. A place where everyone from the homeless to the unemployed can find hats, scarves and coats too. “All new stuff, tags still on them,” boasts McGraw. “Items are given to our sister church in Camden,” she adds. An additional location where residents can find everything needed to stay warm.

On the other side of Camden County, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church led by Father Tim Byerley shares similar plans for those in need. “We have more requests coming in,” he reflects the higher turnout for food this holiday season. A position that’s hard to accept, but easy to assist running their monthly food pantry. Other opportunities to eat courtesy, of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church come from an event called Christmas Bizarre. “It’s held in the church’s auditorium,” he says and explains the event serves baked goods and sandwiches. Much like the Angel Tree from Grace Episcopal Church, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church has a tree of their own— The Giving Tree. “We had hundreds of gifts last year,” Byerley says. Those gifts given to the church are as constant as the ones given out thanks to the generosity of the Giving Tree. “Little tags say boy or girl. A member of the church buys a gift for that gender, wraps it up and puts it under the tree,” he explains. Another tree on the premises extends its branches to the deceased. “It’s a chance to light candles and sing Christmas carols for loved ones for the remainder of the holidays,” says Byerley.

An honorable mention of churches eager to help the community include Trinity United Methodist Church. “We don’t have

MIRACLES continued from page 4 any special drives scheduled for this year, but we are always collecting donations for our food pantry,” says Pastor Jacqueline Pillot with the highest of hopes. The memo to Merchantville is clear—church doors are open besides Sundays. You’re always encouraged to donate goods for the benefit of someone who could really use it or collect from the many services provided, whether it be a Giving Tree or an Angel Tree. 

PHOTOS BY LOUIS WASHINGTON Left: Grace Episcopal Church. Center: St. Peter Methodist Church. Right: Trinity United Methodist Church

Hand Poured Candles Stationery & Gifts

23 N Centre Street, Merchantville NJ, 08109

Always open online:

www.brotherlylovecreations.com Holiday Hours: Tuesday- Friday 4PM to 6PM & Saturday 10AM-6PM & Sunday 11AM-3PM Closed Monday