“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” –John 3:16, NRSV
God has given us the best gift of all, and in gratitude we want to follow Christ’s example of giving of ourselves to help others. There are so many ways to do this! Chances are your mailbox and inbox are both full of pleas for you to give during this season. While you are deciding where to share the good gifts God has given you, please keep in mind these opportunities offered through Hope Church:
- Tree of Light: Grab a tag from the tree by the chapel by Sunday Dec. 7, purchase a $25 or $50 gift card (Meijer, Walmart, Target), write your holiday message on a Christmas card, put it and the gift card in the UNSEALED envelope and return it to church by Sunday Dec. 14.
- Christmas Offering: Write a check for any amount (or give online) to Hope Church with “Christmas Offering” in the memo line. These funds will be used to provide food for hungry people in our community and worldwide through Community Action House and World Central Kitchen.
- White Gifts: Purchase personal care products, wrap in plain white paper, and bring to church on Epiphany Sunday, January 4. Bring these items forward during the offertory to be given to Resilience, a local agency that supports those who need to leave abusive relationships and transition into a hopeful future.
Other ways to share the joy of the season are to bring greeting cards and/or cookies for at-home members (names are in the weekly bulletin). Bring cookies to church by December 11; put the cards in the gift bags near the chapel by December 14, when they’ll be delivered as we carol.
You can also purchase a poinsettia to help decorate the sanctuary and take home later or share with an at-home member. Envelopes to order them are available on the Advent table in the gathering area.
In this busy, gift-giving season, remember that sometimes the best gift you can give is your time. Volunteer, call a friend you haven’t seen for a while, have coffee with one of our at-home members, or plan some one-on-one time with your kids. Together we share the joy of Immanuel—God with us!