Dear Friends,

In 1744, Charles Wesley penned the profound lyrics of “Come, thou long-expected Jesus,” which would soon be published in his collection, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. Having seen firsthand the needs of the poor and marginalized in British society, Wesley was inspired to write hymns that would prepare hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

The annual Christmas offering gives us an opportunity to participate in this devotion. As we read from Matthew’s gospel, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Following our annual tradition to support our neighbors at Christmastime, St. George’s vestry has approved the disbursement of this year’s Christmas offering for two initiatives responding to critical needs in our community: The Cookery and B.E. Academy for Girls. Each organization supports the dignity of others with generosity and care.

The Cookery, a division of Lambscroft Ministries, is a café, caterer, and event space that employs, houses, and trains men in culinary arts with the hopes of breaking the cycle of addiction and poverty. Graduates of the program receive a ServSafe Food Safety Certification that opens doors to food service management positions around the country. The men also receive one-on-one mentorship and support in their recovery.

B.E. Academy is an education initiative through Olive Branch Church in southeast Nashville. They currently have programming for grades six through eight and plan to add ninth grade in the fall of 2025. They seek to provide safe and high-quality education to African American girls in the community. This is the first operational year for B.E. Academy, and their board has successfully raised $250,000 through grant funding and gifts. We look forward to opportunities for our parish to serve this community in the future.

Charles Wesley’s magnificent hymn reaches across time with a message for all. We identify with all those, past and present, who cry out for deliverance, consolation, and hope. And we exalt the Savior who alone meets these needs—Jesus Christ, the desire of every nation.

We have much to be grateful for at St. George’s. Thank you for your presence and your love for one another. Your contributions to our Christmas offering (by using the enclosed envelope or by donating online at stgeorgesnashville.org/give) will be shared in Christian love with these two deserving organizations. I am thankful for your generosity of life and spirit for God’s kingdom in a world in which our refrain rings out, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus!” May you sense our Lord’s presence with you this holiday season.

Peace,

The Rev. J. Malone Gilliam, Rector

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