GENEROSITY TREE

Every year we put up Christmas trees in the church narthex (lobby), HeBrews Coffee Shop, and Family check-in areas as a tangible reminder of how we want to love our neighbors. Take one of the ornaments for your own tree, scan the QR code, and pray for those who have lost their way as well as those who are in relationship with one of our local and global outreach partners. We can care for unsheltered neighbors by bringing the following new and unused items to any of the four Generosity Trees, or purchase from our Amazon wish list.

• deodorant
• lip balm (like Chapstick)
• hand warmer
• warm acrylic socks
• notes of encouragement

You’re invited to a Compassion Kit Build Sunday, December 18, noon-1:00 pm in the Gathering Place. Kits that you and your family assemble will be hand-delivered by the Tacoma Rescue Mission Search and Rescue ministry, seeking out those who are lonely and need to experience the love of Christ.

In addition to the Compassion Kit Build, here’s a compiled list of ways to serve in local outreach during the Advent Season.

Pray

With your ornament from the Generosity Trees, we invite you to remember to pray for those who have lost their way, in your own life and those in relationship with our local and global outreach partners.

You can learn a little about each partner’s people, projects, and prayer requests below. Have some conversation around the table about how Jesus sought you out. How different or the same do you think the communities below are from your own? Why does Jesus matter to them? How does knowing about this ministry inspire you to share Jesus where you are? Add your own prayers to the ones below. In celebration of Advent, pick one local and global partner to pray for each week.

Tacoma Rescue Mission

Tacoma Rescue Mission shares more than a meal, a warm bed, and safe shelter for those experiencing homelessness. They also share our hope in Christ! Pray for holistic, life change in the New Life Recovery program. Pray for stable families and for safety on the streets for those visited by the Search and Rescue team. May all guests know that God is with them. Love our neighbors without homes by volunteering or baking cookies and writing notes.

Cambodian Hope Organization

For villagers vulnerable to human trafficking across the Thai border, the Cambodian Hope Organization offers a quality Christian education for their kids and practical tools to provide for their families. Pray for protection from hunger, disease, and despair. Pray for Cambodian pastors to keep the light of faith burning brightly.

FISH Food Bank

FISH Food Bank provides groceries and household items to individuals and families in need in the greater Gig Harbor area. They offer caring connections and services to help them overcome poverty. Pray that God will sustain all of us with our daily bread and be nourished by a supportive community. Find ways to offer your hands and feet by volunteering at FISH or you can sign up to deliver food offerings from Chapel Hill for a month.

Thai Christian Foundation

Thai Christian Foundation brings compassion and the word of God to prisoners in Bangkok and through a health clinic at the Burma border. Pray that many experience new life in Christ, and that these many new believers would learn to walk with him all their lives.

World Relief Haiti

World Relief empowers local churches who are going out to bless their own communities. They demonstrate the good news by bringing hope and healing for marriages, finances, health, and a future beyond poverty and violence for their young people. Pray that God will protect, unify, and multiply our Haitian church family.

World Relief Western Washington

When families fleeing global unrest arrive in our region, World Relief embraces them with Christian community. Employment, medical, and legal services provide tools to make a life here. Pray over the trauma of leaving a hostile homeland–that they may heal, thrive, and adjust to the language and culture. Learn how you can lift your voice in support or volunteer at the Welcome RV in Tacoma.

Coffee Oasis

Coffee Oasis connects local young people who have nowhere to call home with a safe place to feel welcome. A personal caseworker helps set them up for success in education, counseling, job skills training and more. Pray for young people feeling isolated and stuck to find belonging, hope, and the power to thrive in the Coffee Oasis family. Commit to loving youth by volunteering with programs or making a meal for the Port Orchard drop-in center.

Aqua Viva Ministries

Agua Viva trains up Mexican pastors and trains visiting campers like us to share Jesus in word and deed. Pray for God to give them grace to meet people right where they are…whether at rehab centers, neighborhood outreach, or among indigenous migrant workers. Pray for spirit led interactions for our student team going to Agua Viva in February 2023. Or consider going to Embrace Family Camp in Summer 2023.

Northwest Furniture Bank

Northwest Furniture Bank supports families in the South Sound working to rebuild their lives, often coming out of homelessness, foster care, or domestic violence. Pray that families experience dignity, stability, and restoration as they get a good night’s sleep and gather at their own table. Find ways to be part of bringing stability and a fresh start for families by building furniture or volunteering in the warehouse.