C.E.S.N.A.

CESNA (Church Emergency Services of New Athens) is an ecumenical service organization sponsored by the churches of New Athens. For over fifteen years, CESNA has been reaching out in the name of Christians living in New Athens to those in need of a helping hand.

Among the services CESNA provides are:

• • Emergency rent payments
• • Help with utility bills
• • Groceries
• • Emergency clothing needs, including shoes and winter coats
• • School supplies
• • Personal care items
• • Canned goods made available through the New Athens food pantry, housed at St. John UCC.

CESNA has several fundraisers during the year. During the spring, a soup supper serves 500 or more people, whose donations, combined with contributions from area businesses, give the CESNA checkbook a much-needed boost. First Baptist Church of New Athens also sponsors a summer sing along that is another welcome source of funding. Talent drawn from congregations throughout New Athens and beyond comes together in joyful, toe-tapping, and fun event.

CESNA also sponsors a community Thanksgiving dinner open to the public. Guests come from New Athens and the surrounding area to enjoy a meal that includes turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings.

The Merrier Christmas Drive is supported by CESNA as well as by many other local civic organizations and caring individuals. In 2006, the Merrier Christmas Drive served over 100 children drawn from just over 50 families in and around New Athens.

St. John's is especially proud to be the sponsor of SAKS for CESNA, a resale shop operated along Spotsylvania Street here in New Athens. Donated building space was remodeled at cost with a great deal of support both from within our congregation as well as the local community. SAKS not only helps support CESNA, but also provides a source of clean, decent and reasonably priced clothing and household goods for families in our area.