Lunch Boxes and Love: Trinity UMC’s Campus Connection

On this past Monday and Tuesday, May 6th and 7th, something truly heartwarming took place with our beloved Trinity United Methodist Church. Over those two days, our congregation banded together in a beautiful act of community service, distributing a total of 80 lunch boxes to the hardworking students of The College of New Jersey. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the compassion and generosity that defines our church family.

What made this initiative even more special was that it was made possible through the support of Mosaic Ministries, a program affiliated with The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Their financial backing provided us with the means to reach out and make a tangible difference in the lives of these students during a particularly challenging time: their final exams.

The significance of this project goes beyond simply providing a meal. It was about showing these students that they are cared for and supported, not just academically, but as individuals with needs that extend beyond the classroom. Finals week can be incredibly stressful, and having a nutritious meal provided by members of their community can make all the difference in helping them stay focused and energized.

But perhaps what was most touching about this endeavor was the response we received from some of the students themselves. Their gratitude was palpable, and many were deeply moved by the love and kindness that we were able to share with them. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of simple acts of compassion to brighten someone’s day and lift their spirits.

As a church, we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been able to participate in this project and to have been a source of support for these students during a time of need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in our community and offering whatever assistance we can, no matter how big or small.

In the end, what matters most is not the number of lunch boxes distributed or the logistics of how it was made possible, but the impact it had on the lives of those we were able to help. And if even just one student felt a little less burdened and a little more cared for because of our efforts, then it was all worth it. This is the essence of what it means to be a church family: coming together to make a positive difference in the lives of others, one act of kindness at a time.

Warmly,

Rev. David Gaitan