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 December 16, 2003
For Christians, every season is a “Season of Giving.” However, the holidays provide some unique opportunities to give in ways that are not available at other times of the year. A partnership between Woodland Hills and Jesus in the City Church provided one such opportunity called “Christmas in the City.” It is a beautiful example of how the Kingdom can be advanced and lives can be changed by Christians working together.
For the past two years, Jesus in the City has served as the bridge between interested local congregations and families in need. In the weeks before Christmas, churches are asked to participate by appealing to their families, small groups, and church ministries to contribute gifts for Minneapolis families. The partnership works with several local agencies and ministries choosing the families to receive the gifts. In addition to the gifts from local churches, “Christmas in the City” has received donations of trees from Bachmans and meals from Boxes of Love.
Keith LeMay, Associate Pastor of Local Missions at Woodland Hills, has coordinated our church's involvement in the program for the past two years. It started because Covenant Groups, families, and ministry teams came to him and asked about sponsoring a family for Christmas. He found out about “Christmas in the City” and recognized it as a natural fit for our church. It made sense to jump right in since there was already so much support.
 This year Woodland Hills has expanded its involvement by inviting all of the children to participate. The Children’s Ministry recognizes the importance of sowing the seeds of giving at an early age. Therefore, Kid's Station has joined this endeavor by making “Christmas in the City” a main part of the weeks leading up to Christmas.
There is a Kid's Station Tree hung in the children’s area. On the tree are ornaments with the names, ages, and “wishes” of kids who were identified as recipients this year. My small group of 4th grade girls chose an ornament with an 11-year-old boy’s name and wish list. Each girl is bringing $1 to contribute to the gift.
Here is some of what they said when asked why they wanted to participate in this ministry:
“Because they need us to.”
“It is a way for us to be a light.”
“I bet it will make them happy on Christmas.”
In a “Kingdom coincidence” sort of way, “Christmas in the City” came just as the kids were learning about sharing the hope that they have in Christ and being a light to the world around them. Seeing them make the connection and apply truth to their lives was amazing.
In all, Woodland Hills was able to contribute about 40 gifts to “Christmas in the City.” Two groups of people will be touched by this. First, those who receive the gifts will be able to experience the love and provision of God in a practical way. Second, those who gave will be able to experience the joy of selfless giving and the excitement of building the Kingdom. What better gift could anyone get for Christmas?
article by Erica Hunt
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