Christmas is Almost Here!

As a church our central focus is the gift that God has given us, which we celebrate each December: our Savior, Jesus. One of the ways we do this is by supporting ministries that proclaim the true gift of salvation Jesus brought to Earth.

It’s amazing to realize that we started our first Christmas giving campaign nine years ago when we raised almost $30,000 for Outreach Map in India (the orphanage run by Paul and Caroline Wiig).  What a blessing that was not only to the children and orphanage, but also to all who gave.  Each year since then we have supported ministries near and far in an effort to make the name of Jesus known to the world.

This year we are happy to announce the following 2021 Christmas Giving opportunities:

A Jesus Mission Community Center
A community center building was recently gifted to A Jesus Mission in Modesto, California. As A Jesus Mission considered how best to use the building to serve the Lord they became aware that the Modesto community is filled with Afghan Refugees.  They now use the building to get to know their Afghan Refugee neighbors, as well as help them with all kinds of tasks, such as: learning English, applying for jobs, and even things like learning to mow a lawn.  At this time, A Jesus Mission has said their greatest needs are for play equipment, board games, computers, tablets, books, paper, tables, chairs and furniture.  The goal of this ministry is that God would use the A Jesus Mission Team to impact the lives of these refugees and open doors to share the good news of Jesus with these primarily Muslim people.

Tabernacle Ministries, Nepal/S.O.S. International
Some of you will remember a couple years back when one of our missionaries (who needs to remain nameless for this publication) came and spoke about the importance of Biblical training and education for pastors and church planters in Nepal.  At that time we raised thousands of dollars to do these trainings. And then Covid hit. Their need changed dramatically so we approved that the raised funds be used instead to feed people and keep them alive. God used that to show His love to that community. Hundreds were saved and dozens were baptized! Well, the need for Biblical training remains and we would like to meet that need. It costs $100 to send one pastor for training; this includes materials, travel and food. A 25 student class therefore costs $2,500. Our goal is to provide six classes each year, for a total of $15,000.  Will you partner with this ministry to help train pastors and church planters on how to study and teach the Word of God?

Local Homeless Outreach/Redbud Park and Alpine Park
Grace Church has begun reaching out to the many homeless in our county. This Christmas we are gathering funds to purchase hygiene packs, Bibles, reading glasses, meals, jackets, sweatshirts and blankets. We are also gathering donated items. If used we will take any size, if purchased please purchase L and XL. A donation bin will be placed in the sanctuary foyer. Hygiene packs cost about $2 each, Bibles cost $3 each, meals cost about $5 each. We also hand out reading glasses and offer prayer.  In these winter months the need for jackets, sweatshirts and blankets is the greatest.  Will you partner with us to love the homeless in our county?

 How to give this holiday season…
Envelopes will be hanging in the foyer.  Please  grab an envelope with the name of the ministry to which you wish to donate, indicate the amount you are donating and drop it in the collection box on the table. 

You may also donate directly from our Website. Just click the Online Giving tab, "Give Plus," and then choose the Christmas Campaign 2021 tab.
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Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Pastor Paul