Church ministries

This past weekend many of us enjoyed a favorite Christmas tradition, exchanging gifts with family and friends. Most of us can find a way to buy gifts for those special people in our lives. However, for some in the area the extra purchases at this time of year are not financially possible. This is where many churches and other organizations in our community have stepped in.

The Southeast Missourian recently reported on a program Cape First Church has implemented to give those in need the "perfect gift." The initiative led each of the church's campuses, five total, to give a gift to someone with a genuine need. The gifts ranged from money for help with medical care to purchasing a headstone for the father of a woman who could not afford one, among others. And the needs the church did not directly meet, members from the congregation tried to do so individually.

This is just one example of the many good things churches do in this area. Other churches also have some type of benevolence ministry, some oriented around the holidays and others throughout the year. To all these churches and organizations, thank you.

If your church or organization has done something special to celebrate the season or minister to others, we want to hear from you. One way to get your message out is through the Submit Your Story link at semissourian.com. And if you have an upcoming event and want to get the word out, consider submitting the information for others to see at semoevents.com.