St. Nicholas Ministry Reaching Those in Need
This marks the 37th year for the ecumenical work of the St. Nicholas Ministry that began in the tri-county area of Colorado, Fayette and Lavaca Counties.
Pastor Herb Beyer, founder and coordinator commented, “All the people in this ministry make a huge difference in peoples’ lives, giving them a sign of hope, providing boxes of food to needy families, new toys to their children, and other items. It lets people know that there are those who care.”
Referral forms must be filled out by clergy or church staff or staff at area schools and helping agencies who are aware of the real need of persons and families. Forms are due to the St. Nicholas Ministry, P.O. Box 216, Weimar, Texas 78962 no later than Dec. 1.
This ministry reaches needy children, their families, and the elderly during the Christmas season. Its focus is shaped by the tradition surrounding the historical figure known as St. Nicholas and the ministry of Jesus. St. Nicholas Ministry provides gifts of food, blankets, Bibles, new toys, and personal items to children, the elderly, and families that have been referred for such assistance by area church leaders, staff of helping agencies, public and parochial schools. Through the years, the St. Nicholas Ministry came to involve the communities of Weimar, Columbus, Schulenburg, La Grange, West Point/ Plum, Smithville, Hallettsville, Shiner, Moulton, Yoakum, St. Mary’s, Sublime, Sheridan, and surrounding areas.
Like many churches and schools, area businesses like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Brookshire Brothers, Wal-Mart, Morton’s and Hoffers Drive-ins, People State Bank, Crossroads Bank, and Prosperity Bank have provided opportunities for persons to donate food and toys, or monetary donations to the St. Nicholas Ministry. We very much appreciate their cooperative efforts at providing space for prominently placed and identified boxes (“St. Nicholas Ministry”) in their stores so that customers can donate to the St. Nicholas Ministry. We also welcome the participation of new partners.
Beyer again commented: “The only reason we’ve been able to reach and help thousands of people over the last 37 years is because of the wonderful, committed and carrying volunteers and the generosity of the folks in our communities. It is inspiring to see people of all ages and from among the various denominations of the religious community, parochial and public schools, area businesses and individuals step up and support the efforts. Area newspapers have been so very helpful in publicizing the assistance provided to those in need.”
The St. Nicholas Ministry is an ecumenical ministry of outreach, support and service of the various area churches in the tri-county area (Lavaca, Colorado and Fayette), along with the LAMB (Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body, Inc.), public and parochial schools, service organizations, health care providers, the various agencies, Hospice of South Texas, businesses, and interested individuals. Representatives of the various churches in the tri-county area coordinate the work of St. Nicholas. Monetary donations and other gifts of food, blankets and toys received are used solely to assist appropriately referred persons. Pastor Beyer shared: “One of the reasons some have cited about supporting the St. Nicholas Ministry rather than some other groups is the fact that we don’t allow self-referral. Persons have to be referred by staff members of churches, schools and helping agencies that are familiar with their situation. We make an intentional effort to receive legitimate referrals for assistance to assure that there is a genuine need.”
Gifts for identified persons in Colorado and Fayette Counties are distributed at the central site of Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar (615 South Eagle). Persons receiving assistance must have a referral form for this year on file with St. Nicholas Ministry from an approved agency, school, or church and have been confirmed by phone for this year’s distribution. Distribution of gifts will take place in December.
Persons, churches, and other organizations interested in assisting in any way with this year’s St. Nicholas Ministry or that want to drop off donations can contact Pastor Herb Beyer (tri-county area) at (361) 798-0155 or e-mail: beyerfam55@ gmail.com; or Sandy Pesak (Colorado and Fayette Counties) at (979) 249-7121 or E-mail: sandykayp@hotmail. com.