Community News – 12/5/2024
Community –
Although the days are certainly getting shorter, the light isn’t gone. In fact, just over the weekend, my neighborhood was flooded with new Christmas light displays. I’m getting greeted by an inflatable Bluey, a Christmas hippo, and sparkling icicle lights every evening when I come home.
Despite some of the kitschy displays, I love this season as Christmas light seems to penetrate the ever-darker nights. That’s what light does, it penetrates darkness; it overcomes darkness. Whether it’s Christmas lights or stars in the dark nights, lights are an image of hope amid darkness.
I want to be a part of filling dark spaces with light. That’s the kind of calling that is worth our attention and our sacrifice. That’s my prayer behind our 2024 Year-End Drive – that we would saturate our church, our valley, and our world with points of light!
Let’s be the light…
To Our World:
We are excited to partner with Kim Chakerian-Jones in Southeast Asia, supporting her work with street kids. Kim spent years here as a partner at Community – and we are her sending church. She’s a light in a very difficult place in SE Asia! Our goal is to raise $7,000 to help fund the next phase of a building project that will serve and disciple these children. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of vulnerable youth, giving them a safe space to grow and experience the love of Jesus.
To Our Neighbors:
Closer to home, we are supporting Alta Loma Elementary School by providing games and toys for their game room. We also want to bless the teachers and staff with a special lunch to show our appreciation for their hard work. Alta Loma Elementary has a high percentage of students coming from low-income backgrounds. Let’s not overlook need in our own community. These games are a simple and tangible way we can serve our local community and share Christ’s love with those around us. Here is a list of simple games and supplies to bless Alta Loma: GIVING LIST. Bring any of the linked games/toys back to the church over a coming weekend or to the office midweek between now and the end of the year.
To Our Church:
Finally, we are focusing on a need within our own church family to bless our students (and many others). Room 104 is a space where students gather and encounter Jesus, but it’s in need of some updates. After we’ve blessed our world and neighbors, any additional funds will go toward replacing the worn-out flooring in this room. Room 104 also serves as a primary gathering space for receptions after weddings and memorial services, as well as group gatherings at Community. It gets a lot of traffic – and is in need of some TLC. This update helps to communicate welcome and care to students and our community at large!
This is our chance to shine as points of light—bringing good news and hope to those all around. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can be part of this year-end initiative. Let’s step forward in faith, trusting God to do great things as we shine His light in the world.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
P.S. You can give online HERE click “Give” and select “Year End Drive” on the drop-down menu – OR – write a check and mark YED on the memo line. Thank you for letting the light of Jesus shine through your generosity!
