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Providing "Simple Gifts"
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Posted by Brendac Mon Mar 24, 2008 14:29:20 PDT
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We want to provide “Simple Gifts”

 

Our church, the Bakersfield Community Church of the Brethren, has recently begun a new ministry which we are calling “Simple Gifts,” after the song with that same title written by Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848. Generally speaking, I would categorize Bakersfield as being, in large part, an affluent community, however, there are people here who perhaps need a hand with small things—things the big ticket agencies have neither the time nor the personnel with which to become involved.

 

Since I worked with one of the prominent relief organizations here in the early 2000s, I have firsthand knowledge of some of the unusual situations with which people are confronted on a daily basis, things like disposable diapers for children and adults, baby formula, hygiene supplies, GET passes or a tank of gasoline to go to work, a medical prescription or part of the cost of the prescription (especially for a child) etc. Our program is designed to assist with these sorts of things, however, no cash will be exchanged in the program and clients will have to be referred by a third party, such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, Love Inc., Catholic Charities, the Hope Center, the Rescue Mission et all… Referrals may also come from pastors, counselors and school administrators or teachers. Additionally, we are willing to collaborate with other organizations on special projects involving basic human need.

 

Brackett’s song includes the lyrics “‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free, ‘tis the gift to come down where you ought to be…”  We firmly believe the place we ought to be is helping others, and we are sure many in our town would agree.

 

Our ministry is primarily geared toward people who need temporary, but critical help, in a reasonably short period of time. As mentioned earlier, there will not be any money involved, but our team members will go out and secure the needed items and get it to the person or persons who need them. It probably goes without saying, we will not provide entertainment, smoking materials, liquor or paternity tests. If anyone would like to refer someone, please call us at 323-1011. You may also write us for grants at BCCOB, 327 A Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304; our email address is bakersfieldcob@hotmail.com.

 

Finally, if members of the community would like to donate to the program—that opportunity is also available. Donors should make checks payable to BCCOB—a non-profit 501© organization. Receipts will be provided.

 

Brenda Isaacs

Outreach Team Leader, BCCOB

 

 

A Brethren Church youth group takes a break while cleaning up a backyard for a senior parishioner in central Bakersfield.

Courtesy: BCCOB archives

 

 

 

 

 

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