In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus reminds us that what we do matters to God and how we treat others is important to God. Sometimes that call is lived out through large programs and major initiatives. Other times, it begins with something as simple, creative, and deeply caring as a tree filled with winter warmth.
At Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church, the congregation “planted” a Community Sharing Tree in November 2025 as a way to serve neighbors during the cold winter season. The idea was simple but powerful: create a visible place where community members could donate or receive needed winter items such as hats, gloves, scarves, and socks.
Each side of the tree could hold 16 items, allowing a total of 32 items to be available at one time. To protect the donations from the weather, items were placed in ziplock bags to help keep them dry. As neighbors took what they needed, the tree was refilled again and again. In fact, donations of new or never-worn items allowed the congregation to fill the Community Sharing Tree more than five times.
What made this ministry especially meaningful was that many of the donations came from community members who were not church members. They saw the tree, understood its purpose, and wanted to be part of blessing their neighbors. In this way, the Community Sharing Tree became more than an outreach project—it became a shared ministry of compassion between the church and the wider community.
The entire community benefited from the effort, but the congregation is now especially focused on supporting students at both the elementary and high school levels. Mayfield is a rural community where many students still walk to school. On cold winter days, something as basic as a warm hat, scarf, gloves, or socks can make a real difference. Many students shared how happy they were to have something warm to wear when the temperatures dropped.
The impact of the Community Sharing Tree reached beyond those who received items. Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church estimates that the ministry touched more than 200 families, including both those who received warm winter items and those who participated by giving. This shared act of generosity strengthened relationships, encouraged compassion, and reminded the community that everyone has something to offer.
The Community Sharing Tree reflects two focus areas of the Matthew 25 Initiative in a meaningful way. It builds congregational vitality by helping the church connect with neighbors beyond its walls and by giving members a simple, practical way to serve. It also helps eradicate systemic poverty by responding to an immediate need among families, students, and community members who may not have access to basic winter necessities.
As one participant shared, “This has been a wonderful mission for our community, allowing us to reach out to those we may not see inside our doors.”
That witness captures the heart of Matthew 25. The church is called not only to care for those already gathered in the pews, but also to recognize Christ in the neighbors we may never meet on Sunday morning. Through the Community Sharing Tree, Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church offered warmth, dignity, and care—one hat, one scarf, one pair of gloves, and one act of love at a time.
For congregations looking for a simple way to serve their neighbors, Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church encourages others to start their own Community Sharing Tree with needed items in their local area. It is a reminder that small acts of love, when shared freely, can grow into a blessing for the whole community.
Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church
22 N Main Street
Mayfield, NY 12117
