Religious Group Receives Mayoral Proclamation for Toy Drive Contribution & Community Service

Norwalk residents gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church in South Norwalk on Thursday evening to conclude the 2nd Annual Advent Service Series held by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (I.M.F.) of Norwalk and Vicinity.

The Series was a celebration of the 2013 Advent Season. The Advent Season is a time of spiritual preparation preceding the Anniversary of the birth of Christ.  The season begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.

During the service, the group was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation that recognized their Annual Advent Service Series and the spirit of community service that the annual series represents. Mayor Harry W. Rilling could not attend therefore the Proclamation was presented to the I.M.F. President, Rev. Dr. Kenneth K. DuBose, on the Mayor’s behalf by Councilman David Watts and Councilwoman Phaedrel Bowman. 
 
"The Advent Season is a wonderful time for spiritual reflection and community giving. I would like to thank the I.M.F. for a wonderful service and donating the proceeds to the "Toys for Tots" program," Watts said in a release.

“Under the leadership of Pastor DuBose, I have seen the I.M.F. step up their presence in the community. He has shown that he cares about the community, helping those in need, and bringing families together. It was an honor to be able to present the Proclamation to him and the group,” Bowman said in the release.

Also during the service the choir and Pastor from the First Congregational Church on the Green gave the gift of song and an Advent Season message.

The I.M.F. of Norwalk and Vicinity began their Annual Advent Series in 2012 under the leadership of their President, Rev. Dr. Kenneth K. DuBose, Sr. The Series is a citywide event that encourages fellowship of all residents. 

When Pastor DuBose was asked what inspired him to start this new tradition in Norwalk he replied, “the spirit of Christmas and the hope for a better day is a gift that everyone can afford. It is my desire to design a way for our community and churches to celebrate change through the coming of Christ and the recognition of this Hope," Pastor DuBose said in the release.
 
The Offerings and contributions received during the series are donated to local toy drives. On Friday, the proceeds from the Series was delivered to the local “Toys for Tots” program at City Hall.

Pastor DuBose, IMF President, ended by saying "during this season of Advent and Christmas time, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year."