This December, as we always do, we will celebrate Christ’s birth in our church and homes. We also want to give generously so that the good news of Christ can be received by others in our community, and around the world. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” Luke 2:10. As a church we want to invite you to join in this effort across the world, and in our community.
Sharing Christmas
with our neighbors
The Community Toy Store
For the last several years we have been part of an event called The Community Toy Store. The underlying principle of this event is to help those experiencing financial difficulties in our community by offering them a “hand up, not a hand out”.
Here’s how it works; people from churches throughout Whatcom county purchase gifts and donate them to the toy store. The Store then prices these gifts at around 25% of their actual retail value. These gifts are then set up in a store like fashion ready for families to shop. Families from our community are referred to the store by other churches, agencies, and the Bellingham School District. The families purchase these deeply discounted gifts for their families for Christmas.
The idea is that the family has the joy of choosing gifts they know their children will love, and the dignity of purchasing them themselves. The money raised from the store is then donated to other non-profit organizations serving in Bellingham. This further gives the families the joy that their purchases go on to help others in our community. The Community Toy Store event allows multiple churches to put the generous love and gift of Jesus on display to many in our community.
As we think of the amazing gift of Christ and His coming to save us, we are excited to think about the opportunity we have to share that gift across the world and with our neighbors.
HOW TO get involved with the toy store:
1. Set-Up the Toy Store – December 3rd at 4PM
(no sign up needed)
Set up includes organizing the toys and getting them ready for shoppers. This is a family friendly event.
2. Host the Toy Store – December 6th to host
Volunteer duties for the evening to run the store will include; Parking lot Greeters & Guides, Orientation Guides, Toy Store helpers and Couriers.
There are two shifts available or you can help for both;
First Shift: 3:45-6PM
Second Shift: 5:45-9PM
3. Join the Toy Store Prayer Team – December 6-9th
The goal is to not only help people with their material needs at Christmas, but also their spiritual needs. This team will be ready to talk with, encourage and pray for anyone interested after they finish shopping.
4. Donate Gifts – Shop the Approved Shopping list
Please note, only NEW items with a $15 value or more tend to sell. All Gift cards must be to a retail clothing stores only.
Sharing Christmas
Around the World
TTI Generosity- A Church in Every Village (ACHIEV)
One of our mission partners, The Timothy Initiative, is working to plant A Church In Every Village (ACHIEV). These are villages that have never had a church, and haven’t heard the good news of Jesus salvation. It costs about $400 to plant one church. This Christmas season as a church we want to plant churches where there has never been one. As we celebrate the generous gift of Christ on Christmas, we also want to give generously so that others around the world will have the same opportunity.
Will you begin praying now and asking God how He would like you to respond to this challenge? You can give online, by mail, or in-person.