We have talked all year long about being a community of generosity. Each week our offering time is part of our “liturgical rhythm” is to stop and remind ourselves and each other that all we have is God’s. He’s been so gracious to us. As we’ve seen again and again in the Scriptures, as God blesses us he also calls us to be a blessing to others.
Below you will find a number of different ways to give. I want to encourage you to have fun thinking and praying about how God is calling you to give this season. I say “have fun” because giving should be a wonderful experience! Through our giving to things like the ones below, we are partaking in the work of God! So, take a minute, throw caution to the wind, and give like crazy!
The Well
Each year I look back at all the things that God has done in and through our community. Each year I am blown away. God continues to work and his gospel and his grace continue to go forward. On behalf of all of us, I invite you to give financially towards this mission. You can make a gift online at:http://give.thewellpa.com
Lemonade International
This community has been dear to many of our hearts this year. We sent a group of 8 people this summer and 13 in 2010. We’re looking forward to continuing to serve this community for a long time. Lemonade International serves the 60,000 – 100,000 people living in La Limonada, the largest slum in Central America. You can give to their “Give Christmas” campaign where you can give shoes, teachers salaries or scholarships. Visit: www.lemonadeinternational.org
Make Cookies for your Neighbor
Seriously! It is one thing for us to send money somewhere, but the gift of making a neighbor cookies, bread or a dinner is a labor of love! Take an afternoon (if you have kids include them) and make someone who you barely know something yummy. Then hand deliver it and maybe even ask how you can pray for them this holiday season.
The Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
Some awesome people in our community are part of this fantastic ministry in Philadelphia. Sunday Breakfast is one of oldest Missions in the United States. You can learn more about them here: http://www.sundaybreakfast.org/ and from there you can learn how to give or volunteer.
Redemption Church of Bristol
In 2009 took a big leap of faith and responded to God’s calling a group of us to Bristol. This group has become known as Redemption Church of Bristol. If a church plant is like a child, we should be proud parents. They’ve been kicking butt for Jesus (in a non-violent sort of way!). Their humble ministry with the homeless there has been full of grace and challenge. They have also been “seeking the welfare of their city” (Jeremiah 29:7) in some awesome ways. You can partner with God’s work there by giving online here: https://www.egive-usa.com/account/login/ or visit www.redemptionbristol.org
Austin Mustard Seed Church Plant
Austin Mustard Seed is a church plant in Austin, TX that is led by our friend John Chandler. This small community is seeking to connect with the unchurched in the city of Austin, TX. We encourage you to be in prayer for this community. http://www.austinmustardseed.org
The Ecclesia Network
By being part of the Ecclesia Network, we are part of the planting of churches all over the United States. If you would like to give toward this cause, you can do so here: http://www.ecclesianet.org/about/donate-give