Advent Serving Opportunities 2023
The Season of Advent is about two things: looking back (to Jesus’ birth) and looking forward (to Jesus’ return when he makes all things new). The first-century Jews who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah and those of us who await the return of King Jesus both share a deep longing for God to set things right. And as we look around and see others hurting, we want to do something tangible to help set things right, however small our efforts might be. That’s why we want to share ways to serve during Advent with your family, LifeGroup, or friends. We invite you reflect on Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan as you serve. Questions about any of these opportunities? Contact Chandra Hallam, Local Outreach Coordinator.
Coffee Oasis Family Christmas Project
Chapel Hill LifeGroups have filled stockings for homeless youth, you can help deliver them to the Tacoma center on Wednesday Dec 13, email Local Outreach Coordinator, Chandra Hallam to help. You can also sponsor a youth Christmas gift. Or you can purchase specific items for the Tacoma Youth Shelter and drop-in center on their Amazon wish-list, and pray for struggling youth. All ages.
Tacoma Rescue Mission gift shopping event or Holiday meals
Prepare a Christmas shopping experience for families experiencing homelessness by donating gifts by December 8 or volunteering Monday-Friday, December 11-15. You can also serve a warm meal at one of the shelter campuses any time in December. Sign up for a volunteer account and once approved, you can log in and select open volunteer shifts. Volunteers 8 years and up for meals. Some opportunities are for 18 and up.
Stockings for Tacoma Rescue Mission shelter residents
Fill stockings for adults or teens staying in the shelters with all sorts of gifts – both practical and fun – and tasty, non-perishable treats! Include a personal Christmas card to bless neighbors staying in shelters. Drop stockings off at TRM Donation Center at 504 S. 30th Street in Tacoma before December 20, Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Chandra Hallam has stockings ready for anyone who might like to fill and deliver them. All ages can participate.
Compassion Kit Build
Sunday, December 17, 10:00 am or 11:45 am in Chapel Hill’s Gathering Place next to HeBrews Coffee Shop, after each worship service. Assemble hygiene and snack kits from Generosity tree donations and write notes of encouragement to our unsheltered neighbors. Kits will be hand-delivered by caring staff and volunteers from the Tacoma Rescue Mission Search and Rescue Ministry. All ages welcome.
Women’s Prison opportunities
Help purchase and deliver Christmas treats or gifts for women at WCCW any time before December 21. Other ongoing opportunities include: becoming an online mentor for women preparing for reentry and collecting gently used women’s coats (especially plus sizes) and gently used women’s sneakers and deliver to WCCW. Email Local Outreach Coordinator Chandra Hallam via email to get involved in these opportunities. Ages vary.
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
Gather a group of family or friends and build community while helping build the Chapel Hill Home with Habitat. Sign up for an account here and then select an open shift. Individuals or groups can volunteer Wednesday through Saturday. Shifts are typically 8:30am-3pm. Ages 16 and up.
FISH Food Bank
Bless our neighbors struggling to put food on the table this season by signing up for a volunteer shift at the Food Bank weekdays in December, or by helping with food drives at local grocery stores by emailing volunteercoordinator@ghpfish.org. You can also bring food donations every Sunday to the table near Door E at Chapel Hill. All ages.
Sandwiches & Snacks for Tacoma Rescue Mission Search & Rescue Ministry
Offer simple blessings of food to isolated neighbors on the streets who need hope. Street Ministries member empowerment group collects items every Friday ongoing outside Chapel Hill Door H at 3:00 pm. Sign up here to make sandwiches or snack kits. Please do not leave items outside the church building. All ages.