Freezing for a Cause
With the frost still covering the ground and temperatures dipping into the 20s, church members, friends, and community members gathered at Ella Harris Park in Mullica Hill for our annual Jingle Run 5K and Walk this past Saturday. While most people would rather be spending a Saturday morning in December catching up on sleep or cuddling by the fire reading a book, these brave adults and children, some dressed as Christmas elves or wearing jingle bells, chose to run, walk, and even scooter the 5 kilometer course that weaved through the park and nearby subdivision.
Each year of the annual run, Trinity chooses a charity to support with the funds collected from registrations. This year, 100% of the money collected supported Underground Church, a homeless ministry in Millville. A total of 39 runners and walkers participated, and thanks to registrations and donations, over $1300 was collected for this year’s cause.
After Pastor Ron said a prayer for the participants, the walkers started their trek. Shortly after they left the park and headed to the subdivision, it was the runners turn. After some time had passed, the first couple of runners returned for the final loop on the trail around the park. As the runners and walkers crossed the finish line throughout the morning and took time to catch their breath, they were treated to food, bottles of water, and plenty of hot cocoa! Prizes were given out to some of the participants for best times, and even an award for best costume! Congratulations to Jason Muermann who was the overall winner of the race.
After some time together drinking hot cocoa, eating food, and recapping the run, it was time to leave. As we escaped the chilly weather and returned to our warm homes, I thought about the homeless ministry that our run supported and the many who do not have a warm home waiting for them. Our brief discomfort is nothing compared to what some of them face every day this time of year. I pray that those struggling will find peace and know the love of Jesus this holiday season.
Thank you to all of you for braving the cold to be a part of Jingle Run 2018 and supporting our cause. Looking forward to seeing all of you at Jingle Run 2019.
- Mike Ralph, Director of Communications and Youth
To see more pictures from Jingle Run, check out our photo page here.