Blessing of the blessing bags at St. Mark

GREENVILLE—After sharing a sermon several weeks ago, “What Do You See,” where leaders shared multiple ways how they can serve outside the walls of the church, the response was overwhelming to incorporate a blessing bag ministry into what they do at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

“The Lord Jesus has been at the forefront of this whole ministry,” the Rev. Michael Maston said. “From the overwhelming interest, to the donations, sorting and packing as you can see in the pictures, the members truly turned up and showed out.” 

The adopted verse for their blessing bag ministry comes from Matthew 25:40, “For whatsoever you did for one of the least of theses, you also did for me.” 

Blessing bags are filled with items like bottled water, socks, a small first aid kit, food and a toothbrush and toothpaste donated from a local dentist. There is a resource card provided by United Ministries showing where a person can go to get medical care, shelter, clothes washed or even help filling out a resume, as well as a pre-stamped notecard along with a pen that the recipient hopefully can use to reconnect with a family member.

Maston said there are so many other essential and spiritual items that are truly more of a blessing than money.

“It is with a humble heart that we now present them before the Lord to ask for his blessing to be upon them before we hand them out to the homeless in our area,” Maston said. “Lord Jesus, we ask for your blessing to be upon these blessing bags, that they may truly be a blessing to others. May these gifts of essential and spiritual items showcase your love and bring others into a saving and justifying relationship with you. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.”