In Praise of Christmas

My son and I had the opportunity to spread some Christmas joy yesterday. Last Sunday, in Sunday School, we had decorated cookies and delivered them to various places (VA, shut ins, the Union Gospel Mission). Feeling inspired and warm and fuzzy, the Little Man and I decided to spread some joy ourselves.




We baked sugar cookies. We decorated them. We packaged them up. We went in our “sleigh” (actually, a Toyota Camry) and started to share the love. First up was the Union Gospel Mission.



The Mission provides services to folks who are hurting economically. From their website ( http://www.ugmsf.com/) they offer:

NIGHTLY CHAPEL SERVICES: Approximately 60 different churches are responsible for doing the services, providing food for the soul.



DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAM: A long-term, live-in discipleship program open to those wanting to change their life.



VIDEO MINISTRY: Christian videos shown daily.



COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Mission representatives select families, determine their needs, and assist them (i.e. food boxes, clothing, footwear, or Christmas tree and decorations).



YOUTH MINISTRY: Vacation Bible School and camp opportunities.



LAMPLIGHTERS: Men and women gather monthly to hear about the ministry, how they can assist, and relay this information to others.

WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S FACILITY: 20 beds for women & children in transient or on discipleship program.



MEN'S FACILITY: 70 beds for men in transient or on discipleship program.



THOMAS F. MORSE CENTER: Adult learning center, education, and employment services center. Open to anyone who would like to receive assistance in getting a GED, job skills, and computer literacy.



MEDICAL CLINIC: USD student nurses on Tuesdays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. No appointment necessary.

MEALS: Meals three times a day with special meals provided on Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other special occasions.



THRIFT STORE: Free clothing and household items to needy people.

Open to the public featuring economy prices for all.

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM



VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Friends help with many hours of service in a variety of areas.



NEWSLETTER: Mailed monthly to those who would like to keep updated on the ministry.



Last year, during a retreat, our youth group wound up getting an impromptu tour of the Mission when our plans to feed the homeless under the 8th Street Bridge fell through…and we delivered our muffins and water to the Mission. I had no idea of the services that they offered, and since then, I have been a passionate supporter of their ministry.



A few dozen cookies, decorated by a child, may not seem like a lot, but the true smiles and joy on people’s faces when we brought them in was priceless.



We next went to the Ronald McDonald House (http://www.ronaldmcdonaldsouthdakota.org) ; I have been a passionate supporter of them for the last seven years. I have helped serve dinner there on several occasions, as well as in the past dropping off meals and baked goods. Before I became a mom, I volunteered there physically as well, teaching scrapbooking and being a greeter. My son wasn’t too sure about the whole McDonald’s thing (“Mom, I’m a vegetarian! They don’t have anything I can eat!”) until we walked into the house with the cookies. The lady that greeted us was quite happy to get them, and my son was quite happy to give them. He was excited that he could bring them the pop can tabs too…so I have a feeling that we are going to collect them compulsively now!



I had been told years ago by a developmental pediatrician all the things my son won’t do because of the autism. One on his list of many was develop empathy and caring for other people.

Wrong.

Yesterday just proved again how little the “experts” know about autism.

Vegan Sugar Cookies




makes about three dozen cookies



1 cup Earth Balance buttery spread



1 cup granulated sugar



2 whole egg replacements



1/4 tsp salt



2 tsp vanilla extract



3 3/4 cup all purpose flour



2 tsp baking powder



1/4 cup vegan cream cheese (tofutti brand)



Cream together the buttery spread and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the “eggs” and the vanilla.



In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add in two additions to the butter mixture and then add the vegan cream cheese and mix only until combined.



Chill dough for one hour (note that the dough will feel quite crumbly).



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.



Work the dough with your hands so it’s less crumbly. Roll out to 1/4th inch and cut with cookie cutters to desired shapes and sizes. Bake for twelve minutes, until light brown around the edges