So there was great joy in that city. — Acts 8:8
As we approach the Christmas season, there are so many opportunities to do good and to give much. At Blue Ridge, we want to use these opportunities to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus.
To do that, we need to not only meet physical needs, but relational needs. This year as our Local Missions Team has prayed over opportunities to share the gospel while meeting practical needs, we’ve felt led to something we’re calling “Community Christmas: Bringing Joy to our City.”
As you recall from the Acts 8 message, we want to bring joy to our city. Our Community Christmas initiative is taking the form of a “Christmas Store” at Foster Hope in December.
The idea is not to just give gifts to children, but to involve parents in selecting and purchasing the gifts. This not only supports the role of the parents, but also gives us an opportunity to share the love of Christ one on one.
“This is an opportunity we saw to help do something with parents, not just for them,” said Local Missions Leader Joe Byron. “That way we build relationships and come alongside the parents, as they experience the joy of providing for their families this Christmas.”
How will the “store” work?
The Local Missions team is gathering a list of names through Foster Hope to invite to the store. Each family will receive a specific time they can come and shop, so that the store does not become too crowded at any one time.
Invited families will be able to purchase gifts at a fraction of the cost of the items. All money raised through this initiative will go back into the communities downtown. The Local Missions Team is partnering with some of the families to discuss what those needs are. Some of the families will also be volunteering to help in the store.
The store will include a gift-wrapping station, so the families can stay a bit longer and get to know the servers. The Local Missions Team and Foster Hope are also praying about and planning a way to share the gospel during the store experience, either through an activity or a prayer room.
How can I help?
This weekend, you will have the opportunity to get a card with items needed for the store. Our team has worked with Foster Hope families to choose what items are needed. You can then put your gifts in a bin in the Atrium the next two weekends (November 21, 22, 28 and 29). Along with purchasing gifts, you can also sign up to serve at the store.
“We want this to be as relational as possible…and not just a seasonal thing,” said Joe. “It’s not so much that we’re helping them through the gifts. We’re helping them discover their purpose — a purpose given by God. And there is great joy in that.”
To join the Local Missions Team on an ongoing basis, check out details here.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8