There are lots of different ways to mark the holiday season. But for many of those who have participated on our yearly ecumenical fellowship, there is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than through Bethlehem on Board Street.   In response to a single request for dinner on Christmas Day at the St. Lawrence Haven, BOBS began twenty-six years ago.   The event has expanded to several thousand guests each year through the efforts of churches of different denominations, different faiths, and organizations on and off Broad Street.  

As we move into the coldest part of the year, there are many families and individuals with deep and immediate needs for food and clothing.   This is particularly true in today’s troubled economy.   We address the clothing through our partnership the Project Help Clothing Ministry Program.   We address the need for food through our Food Box Giveaway at Broad Street United Methodist Church and the Christmas Day Dinner Party and Gift Celebration at the First Congregational Church.  

On Saturday, December 3, 2011 food, gently used clothes, toys and school supplies will be distributed by Project Help Clothing Ministry from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McKendree United Methodist Church, 3330 Cleveland Avenue.   Call Mary Dee or Jim Fewlass or Sandy Watters-Holley (614) 475-9615 to donate or to volunteer.  

On Saturday, December 17, 2011 over 1200 food boxes with gift certificates for perishable foods will be given out from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad Street.   Trinity, King Avenue, Maple Grove, Asbury North, Broad Street, Church of the Messiah, and Westerville United Methodist Churches and Trinity Baptist Church gather and assemble the boxes at their own churches and then deliver them to Broad Street UM on Saturday, December 10.   On Saturday, December 17 they will need volunteers in the sanctuary.   Call 614-228-4571.   David Benson and Julie Canfield are the coordinators.   The Downtowners will help with the party.  

On Christmas Day Sunday , December 25, 2011 the Christmas Celebration of Jesus’ birthday will be celebrated at the First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad Street (next to the Art Museum).   The doors will open at 8:30 a.m.   At 10:00 we will have our worship service followed by dinner being served from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.   There will be hospitality, caroling, entertainment, gifts, toiletries, care dogs, children activities and free phone calls (There will be no carry-out meals).