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ST. NICHOLAS MINISTRY
Christmas is coming! And your help is needed. This marks the 37th year for the ecumenical work of the St. Nicholas Ministry that began in the tri-county area of Colorado, Fayette and Lavaca Counties.
Pastor Herb Beyer, founder and coordinator commented, “All the people in this ministry make a huge difference in peoples’ lives, giving them a sign of hope, providing boxes of food to needy families, new toys to their children, and other items.
It lets people know that there are those who care.” Referral forms must be filled out by clergy or church staff or staff at area schools and helping agencies who are aware of the real need of persons and families. Forms are due to the St. Nicholas Ministry, P.O. Box 216, Weimar, Texas 78962, no later than Dec. 1.
Why did this ministry get started? Pastor Beyer was inspired as a teen by the story of a young college student, Louise Locker, attending Trinity University in his hometown of San Antonio who began the Elf Louise Project.
“As a teenager, I saw what one person could do to make a difference in the lives of others, in the lives of those families that simply didn’t have a Christmas, never opened a Christmas gift or even had a Christmas tree. And then reading again and again in the gospels about Jesus who reached out to the poor and needy, and His blessing of children, along with the story of the historical figure of St. Nicholas, a group of us came together to begin the St. Nicholas Ministry. And as a pastor in the area, I saw people struggling to manage day to day, negatively impacted by inflation, increasing costs for food and transportation, and not always able to take care of daily needs for themselves and their children. When we read the words of Jesus—‘ What you have done for the least of these, my brethren, you have done unto me.’—it is to see the face of Christ in the faces of those who are in need.”
What is the history and work of St. Nicholas Ministry? This ministry reaches needy children, their families, and the elderly during the Christmas season. Its focus is shaped by the tradition surrounding the historical figure known as St. Nicholas and the ministry of Jesus. St. Nicholas Ministry provides gifts of food, blankets, Bibles, new toys, and personal items to children, the elderly, and families that have been referred for such assistance by area church leaders, staff of helping agencies, public and parochial schools. Through the years, the St. Nicholas Ministry came to involve the communities of Weimar, Columbus, Schulenburg, LaGrange, West Point/Plum, Smithville, Hallettsville, Shiner, Moulton, Yoakum, St. Mary’s, Sublime, Sheridan, and surrounding areas.
Like many churches and schools, area businesses like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Brookshire Brothers, Wal-Mart, Morton’s and Hoffers Drive-ins, People State Bank, Crossroads Bank, and Prosperity Bank have provided opportunities for persons to donate food and toys, or monetary donations to the St. Nicholas Ministry. We very much appreciate their cooperative efforts at providing space for prominently placed and identified boxes (“St. Nicholas Ministry”) in their stores so that customers can donate to the St. Nicholas Ministry. We also welcome the participation of new partners.
Beyer again commented: “The only reason we’ve been able to reach and help thousands of people over the last 37 years is because of the wonderful, committed and carrying volunteers and the generosity of the folks in our communities. It is inspiring to see people of all ages and from among the various denominations of the religious community, parochial and public schools, area businesses and individuals step up and support the efforts. Area newspapers have been so very helpful in publicizing the assistance provided to those in need.”
The St. Nicholas Ministry is an ecumenical ministry of outreach, support and service of the various area churches in the tri-county area (Lavaca, Colorado and Fayette), along with the LAMB (Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body, Inc.), public and parochial schools, service organizations, health care providers, the various agencies, HOSPICE of South Texas, businesses, and interested individuals. Representatives of the various churches in the tri-county area coordinate the work of St. Nicholas.
Monetary donations and other gifts of food, blankets and toys received are used solely to assist appropriately referred persons.
Pastor Beyer shared: “One of the reasons some have cited about supporting the St. Nicholas Ministry rather than some other groups is the fact that we don’t allow self-referral. Persons have to be referred to by staff members of churches, schools and helping agencies that are familiar with their situation. We make an intentional effort to receive legitimate referrals for assistance to assure that there is a genuine need.” are used to purchase needed items such as food and toys for the distribution. All persons involved in the St. Nicholas Ministry are volunteers and receive no financial compensation for their efforts.
While there are needs around the world, the St. Nicholas Ministry focuses on a more local effort of helping persons in need in the tri-county area. The reason we do this work is simple: It’s the message of Jesus. We care for children, their families and the elderly in need. Anyone is welcome to contribute any amount financially. Organizers have gladly received envelopes containing as little as $5 and as much as $1,000 or more.
Gifts for identified persons in Colorado and Fayette Counties are distributed at the central site of Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar (615 South Eagle). Persons receiving assistance must have a referral form for this year on file with St. Nicholas Ministry from an approved agency, school, or church and have been confirmed by phone for this year’s distribution. Distribution of gifts will take place in December.
We see many familiar faces helping with the St. Nicholas Ministry, but new folks also get involved. Some youth from area schools who have helped year after year, continue to do so into their adult years. And now some of those same people have their own children helping out.
People who have been helped try to pay it forward when their circumstances change. In one family, the dad who was laid off one year, was employed the next. That family wanted to provide everything needed for the same size family as their own. They brought food and toys for a family of eight. A woman assisted a previous year, dropped off a sizeable monetary gift to help others in need.
Their family was in a different and better financial situation. These persons were blessed by the generosity of our donors and wanted to do the same for others when they became able.
Help with the distribution of gifts and the opportunity to provide financial support is greatly appreciated. Persons, churches, and other organizations interested in assisting in any way with this year’s St. Nicholas Ministry or that want to drop off donations can contact Pastor Herb Beyer (tri-county area) at 361-798-0155 or E-mail: beyerfam55@ gmail. com; or Sandy Pesak (Colorado & Fayette Counties) at 979249-7121 or E-mail: sandykayp@ hotmail.com.
Monetary donations to help purchase needed items can be sent to St. Nicholas Ministry, P.O. Box 216, Weimar, Texas 78962. Checks should be made payable to FAITH— ST. NICHOLAS FUND. Persons needing a letter for IRS donation verification will receive one upon request.
