Dear St. Justin Personnel:
Why is the thrift shop closing? Why did the congregation see it in the bulletin before the employees were notified? This is not only non-professional but also very sad. SJTS closure is a loss to the community. Who decided this? What is the problem, money? Would you like me to start a “Go Fund Me” page for you?
You are supposed to be a Christian church but the action of closing the thrift shop is very UNchristian. Do you remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Many people are dependent on what the store provides: clothes, books, kitchenware, toys, etc. When my coffeemaker blew up sending sparks flying, I could not afford a new one for $19-25 on sale. I found a perfect Mr. Coffee 4-cup for $5 at SJTS. I can’t even afford to buy clothes at Ross anymore but have found some nice things especially for winter at SJTS: coats, warm pants, hats, gloves, and shoes.
An even sadder thing is that people who go to the store may not even be able to afford what I can buy there. The people I have met over the years largely have lost a job, a home, and then a car only to be homeless. Very few in the past years are in some form of addiction. Where can people get clothes or toys for their children?
Perhaps even sadder is that they need communication with someone who will take them for what they are and not look down on them. The staff you have at SJTS is terrific. They are always pleasant to the people even if some of the clients are irascible. Jesus was like that.
The only people Jesus chastised were the Pharisees and Sadducees because they made impossible demands on the people and did not show compassion. They were always trying to trick Jesus so that they could charge Him with a crime. There is no compassion with the closing of this store.
Did you pray for an answer individually as well as in a group? Did you take time to talk to the congregation and the people who patronize the store or even the staff? It seems that you did not judging from the way the decision was made.
I feel sorry for you because you will have to answer for your decision. It was shameful. I would not want to be in your shoes when that time comes.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
