It’s my third Christmas at WHPC, and one thing I’ve learned: for this church, Christmas truly is a season of giving. It’s the climax of the year, when the church shows up for its community and demonstrates love in a tangible way—actually, in many tangible ways.
The purpose of this blog, before all the bustle begins, is to let you know the opportunities available with WHPC and its community partners and to invite you, in the hopeful spirit of Advent and the joyful spirit of Christmas, to be a part of what God is up to!
Here’s what to expect, beginning in December:
We’ll “prepare a place” with Foundation for the Homeless. For a second year, WHPC will build move-in kits for families transitioning from homelessness to housing with the Foundation’s support. If you would like to help assemble a kit, look for the Prepare a Place display after worship beginning Sunday, December 8. It’s simple: choose items to purchase and return them by the end of the month. It’s a great way to share the love and welcome we experience in Christ, and it makes a big impression on our neighbors! In the words of one of last year’s recipients, “I just want to Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! What a blessing this is for you all to help me with my move-in kit. I am grateful for it all.”
We’ll have a special Christmas Eve Offering. It’s an annual tradition for WHPC to make special gifts to ministry partners at Christmastime. This year’s offering will be split 50/50 between Community First! Village’s second phase of development and Mo-Ranch's Camp in the Valley program.
Here’s why: in 2019, we’ve seen issues of homelessness and immigration loom large in our city and state. But amidst challenges and changes, this year’s beneficiaries are transforming the lives of people who are marginalized, whether that’s because of homelessness, documentation status, or just lack of economic resources.
More information and details on how to give are on the way. In the meantime, I highly encourage you to read this recent New York Times feature about Camp in the Valley and check out what Community First! has planned for Phase II.
Campers at Mo-Ranch Camp in the Valley, already known for its inspiring ministry with children and teenagers, regardless of their means or documentation status.
Homes under construction at Community First! Village. A second phase of building will add 300 more homes to the existing 230, plus other facilities like laundry rooms and kitchens.
We’ll push pause on Operation Christmas Child. After nearly 20 years of church involvement in Operation Christmas Child, the Mission Committee, Session and Staff have decided to try some new in-kind donation projects instead.
One recent foray was highly successful! Remember the green school kits for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance? WHPC assembled a grand total of 263 kits, which will be distributed to children in areas around the world experiencing disaster, whether natural or human-made. Thanks for coming along as we try new ideas and initiatives aimed toward empowerment for our neighbors around the globe.
Want to do more?
- Take your family to Community First! Village for the Village of Lights show, which runs Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7 and Dec.13-14, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.
- Shop for Christmas presents through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. Alternative gifts, like bags of seeds, beekeeping kits, and livestock, empower communities to flourish.
The possibilities are truly endless! How are you feeling called to share in this season? I’d love to know! Reach out to me at claireb@whpc.org.
