Moving Beyond Ourselves

Today the world is full of children born in poverty and obscurity in Baltimore and beyond. Years ago, there was another Child born in poverty and obscurity, who came to earth to bring hope to the hopeless. As Christians we know the coming season celebrates Jesus' birthday. One way we honor that perfect Gift is by giving to others. Certainly we can't give anything as significant as God's gift of eternal life (John 3:16), but we can, during Thanksgiving and Christmas, share the joy God experiences in showering this world with grace and mercy.

Matthew 25:31 and following would lead us into such an outreach. Those who ask, "When did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you anything to drink? Or naked and clothe you?" hear the reply, "When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!"

What opportunities are offered at Central?

• Sharing harvest bounty through Thanksgiving baskets for The Assistance Center of Towson Churches. Maria has set a Central goal of 100 full grocery bags.
• Filling Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to be sent around the world. Kris has a Central target of 300.
• Fulfilling the wishes of Baltimore children of incarcerated parents through the purchase of Angel Tree presents. Tom has a list of 100 kids.
• Making a donation to address the AIDS pandemic through alternative giving suggestions.

The idea behind finding alternatives to the usual commercial purchases is to give a gift to Jesus by meeting a demonstrated need, showing those on our personal gift lists that we honor them as well. Rather than give something that may not be meaningful, consider making a dramatic difference by using that allocated money to generate blessings. To buy hope for those in need in our Jerusalem, Judea and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

What is happening at Central in response to these opportunities?

• Parents are shopping with their kids locating items from the ACTC list.
• A Circle is assembling items for several shoes boxes at their November meeting.
• The Angel Tree Team is strategizing about providing gifts and delivery service with a personal touch.
• A family has decided to use the AIDS alternative giving ideas in place of presents to each other.
• The answer to "What do you want for Christmas?" is "Select something from Central's Seasonal Giving Brochure."
• Your small group will _________________.

Giving is a given. Giving beyond ourselves, a privilege. Design your response. God will take care of the impact.