WILDWOOD CREST – The City of God really exists and was visible to all who attended the pre-Thanksgiving meal held at Crest Community Church Nov. 23.
There were more than 300 present in the large auditorium ranging from a few weeks old to octogenarians. They came to enjoy a meal, music and the fellowship of other members of their community.
Veronica Burdsall and Joseph Manzoni staffed the food station making sure everyone was fed to satiation.
They were both volunteers who had been serving every Monday night for the past five years.
Burdsall is the sister of Michael Holmes, director of More Than Enough Ministries, which sponsored and organized the event.
Holmes said that the ministry has been located at the church for the past seven years. The church has existed for over 80 years.
In addition to Sunday worship services held at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. the ministry also follows the dictates of Christ as recited in the Beatitudes, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Dorann Heminway runs the Clothing Closet and mentioned that it is in desperate need of men’s winter coats and hats. She is one of over 70 individuals who volunteer on a regular basis at the church.
“It’s all about the community. I had to turn people away,” Holmes told the Herald.
Holmes has a partner co-coordinator, as he refers to him, Mark Vallese with whom he started the ministry seven years ago.
More Than Enough is a Christian-rooted, non-denominational ministry where all are welcome including other Christian denominations.
“We get a lot of support from Wildwood Catholic where I went to high school,” said Holmes. Renee Thompson and Mikee Whiteshoes, representing Jesus House Ministry, attended to fellowship with other Christians, such as Herbert Tozer, for the evening.
Tozer, who was at one time a recipient of More Than Enough generosity, said, “God’s been nothing but good to me. I’ve had a lot of struggles but God hasn’t let me down.”
Tozer volunteers to help others along with Debby Houchins who said she attends, “Just to help people on need.” The evening was filled with givers and receivers but they all knew in the end “It is better to give than to receive.”
To contact the church for information about worship or services call 609 780-6187.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey @cmcherald.com.
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