News and Views

By Melissa Lauber

When Sandy Moser starts noticing unusual quantities of maternity clothes being delivered to Thurmont UMC’s Clothes Closet, she knows she’ll soon be talking to several pregnant women. "It’s just the way the Holy Spirit works," she said. "God provides for the need."

This Christmas, God — through the people of Thurmont UMC — provided toys, clothing, decorations and more to 130 families in upper Frederick County.

This annual give-away ministry, under the leadership of the Rev. Bob Hunter and Clothes Closet Director Cindy Cassidy, reflects the generous spirit of the church.

Families seeking toys and clothing began lining up outside the church more than an hour early. Inside, volunteers laid out a table brimming with a smorgasbord of toys. They’ve also created a precise system for distribution, which includes childcare with Christmas crafts, Christmas music mixed with a spirit of joy, and volunteers who help the visitors fill and carry their large bags to the car.

There’s also a Christmas homily as Hunter shared the ancient story of a young, unmarried pregnant woman of color and her worried, but faithful, new husband. "Tonight," Hunter told them, "is about Jesus. We want to share Jesus with you."

Before the doors opened, Hunter looked over the final preparations and explained, "the whole object of this is to offer them Christ. Most of the people who come tonight will not want to join the church; they probably won’t even return to worship. That’s not the reason we do it. Jesus is a big part of this, and so we say, ‘We serve you because we love you.’"

The idea of service is a big part of the church’s culture. Each week, the congregation, which draws an average of about 125 people to worship each Sunday, sets aside 10 percent of whatever is placed into the offering plate for mission, Hunter said.

"Why do we do this? Why do you think," asked Chuck Clarke, a church member. "Jesus commands us to do it. I’ve been coming to this church for a long time. I am overwhelmed by the joy."

The idea for the Christmas give-away sprung up from the Clothes Closet, which started at the church 44 years ago as a clothes swap for church members.

About four years ago, a stand-alone building for the ministry was built next to the church. It is open every Sunday for the congregation, twice at night and once during the day. About 140 families "shop" at the Closet, which gives away every piece of clothing for free.

The first time a person comes each month, they are given a tall kitchen garbage bag and can fill that. The second time, they fill a smaller, grocery bag.

The church doesn’t hold a clothing drive; instead, people donate clothes on a regular basis at a stand next to the building. Sixteen volunteers meet each Monday to sort and display the clothing. Moser has been one of these volunteers for 12 years.

"It’s hard work," she said. "But for the people who work here, it becomes your passion."

Moser, 76, is retired. Her work at the Clothes Closet helps her connect with a purpose.

"I’m older, but God can still work and use me to accomplish what he wants," she said. "This is God’s way of showing me his miracles. I don’t know that it strengthens my faith, but it maintains my faith. I am aware that God and I are working together."

Each time the Clothes Closet opens, there is a shared prayer and "mini talk" that stresses "how everyone can give something to God. You don’t need wealth to serve God. You can brighten the world," Moser said.

On the wall of the building, near a door, are painted the words: "To reach others for Jesus Christ through love, prayer and free clothing."

And each Christmas, they add a whole lot more.

"This thing is so big," Moser said. "Looking at the amount of clothes that come in, you have just to say, ‘God, this is yours,’ and watch him work."