On October 31, 2020, Church Of Christ members from the Local Congregation of Jersey City, Ecclesiastical District of New Jersey reached out to the Bayonne City’s fire and police departments through an Aid to Humanity held at Bayonne, New Jersey. The event, which was participated in by brethren throughout the district, also benefited the Bayonne Housing Authority, an organization that helps economically-impeded persons, the disabled, and senior citizens.

Also on the same day, the Church received a certificate of appreciation. Bayonne Mayor James Davis acknowledged the Church’s community service and declared October 31, 2020 as “Iglesia Ni Cristo and Executive Minister [Brother] Eduardo V. Manalo Day.”

In his speech, the mayor said, “When you have a particular group in a community that comes out to reach out to everyone else, that’s what it’s all about and that's what brings a city together. Like right now we are dealing with a pandemic … it gives a little bit of a sense of calm for everybody within the city especially during these trying times that we have today.”

Ms. Sharon Nadrowski, City Council President, said, “The Church [Church Of Christ] has always been a big active part of the Bayonne community. So many things you have participated in and ran—the blood drives, the food give-out. Last year, you did the give-out in the parking lot where you were giving out supplies, household toiletries and stuff. Every little thing counts and helps, and we love it when other communities are active within our community because we’re all just one big community.”

The district supervising minister, Brother Alex Reyes, led the giving of plaques and gifts to the fire and police departments. Mr. Keith Weaver, City Fire Chief, enthused, “We’re humbled by the fact that you do recognize us. And it's really a great example of a community partnership, where the congregation, the church and the people, the community, honor the police and fire department and make everybody work together in a seamless fashion to protect the community.”

Chief Robert Geisler, City’s Chief of Police, said, “It’s always nice as a police officer to be recognized by members of the community—it makes you feel appreciated that what you're doing on a daily basis is making a difference. During this time, a lot of people are out of work, a lot of people are hurting financially. So, these donations are going to go a long way to our community members who need it the most. Thank you to the Church Of Christ.” ― With reports from INC News Section