Word of the Week: Tree
Have you noticed the Christmas tree in the foyer? Does it get you in the Christmas spirit? Or maybe it just makes you groan. “Seriously? This early?” Yes, this early - and here’s why. One of our values here at Grace is to be a church that doesn’t exist for ourselves. We want to serve others like Jesus has served us. And that tree’s an opportunity to serve our neighbors in with Abundant Life.
Who is Abundant Life?
If you haven’t heard of Abundant Life before, it’s a ministry to the Prospect neighborhood downtown, and especially the kids who live there. You might remember that our youth group volunteered with their Vacation Bible School this summer. But Abundant Life also has tutoring programs and mentoring groups that meet throughout the year. When students participate in the tutoring program, they earn Blue Bucks which they can use to Christmas shop for their friends and families.
Where Does the Tree Come In?
That brings us back to the Christmas tree. Blue Bucks aren’t much of a motivator if there’s nothing to buy, right? So, we’re partnering with Abundant Life to help them stock their Christmas store. For some kids, these are the only Christmas gifts they’re going to get this year. For others, it’s the only way they’ll be able to get gifts for other people. Will you help out? It takes three steps:
1. Check out the tree - On the Christmas tree, you’ll find ornaments with items that Abundant Life has requested. Take whatever strikes your fancy!
2. Go shopping – This one’s pretty self-explanatory, right?
3. Drop off your gifts – You can drop off your gifts in the box next to the Christmas tree and we’ll make sure they get to Abundant Life. The last day to drop off gifts is December 1st, which is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Will you consider doing some Christmas shopping for our neighbors downtown?