NATCHEZ — The embroidered quote on the back of Nelda Thomas’ sweatshirt sums up for her what Jefferson Street United Methodist’s Church Christmas gift tag program is all about.

“Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair and love triumphs over hate,” the quote reads.

Thomas said the words from former president Ronald Reagan define the mission of the church.

“We are believers in that Christmas is year round,” she said.

The gift tags are a reminder of the many missions the church supports throughout the year.

Yellow angels represent the members of the senior citizen center that receive monthly packages of socks, toothbrushes, stamps and envelopes from the church United Methodist Women.

Green Christmas trees represent local children in need of clothing and other essentials throughout the year.

Black pieces of paper cut in the shape of cast iron pots represent the Natchez Stewpot that receives donations, food and volunteer help each month.

Red houses remind congregation members of the many hours spent building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Blue pieces of paper cut in the shape of Africa symbolize the church’s mission in Liberia — a community Thomas and other church members visit to serve in its hospital, church and school.

“We invite anybody in the congregation to pick up one of the gift tags,” Thomas said.

The first two Sundays after Thanksgiving, church members choose one of the pieces of paper as not only a reminder of the church’s various missions but also as a way to help out each Christmas season.

Depending on which tag is selected, members bring gifts to a child or to a senior citizen or make monetary donations to Habitat, the Stewpot and the mission in Liberia.

“They pick whichever mission to support,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the gift tag project is a holiday tradition for the church. Now one of the project’s organizers, Thomas remembers participating when she first came to Jefferson Street United Methodist Church.

“We have been doing this for years and years and years,” Thomas said. “I have been here for 15 years and it was being done long before that.”

For many years, the tags were hung as ornaments on the church’s Christmas tree. After new traditional Chrismon ornaments were created for the tree, the tags have been moved to the altar, Thomas said.

Next week the church members will bring back their gifts and leave them at the same altar. Money will go to area charities and the gifts will be distributed.

“It is a wonderful way to celebrate the season,” Thomas said.