Arms Wide Open

No, I have not been to Bethlehem. When I say that I visited “The Manger“, I am actually referring to an incredibly ministry opportunity that Journey Church is supporting this week in Columbus, Ohio. My family and I found ourselves with a free evening (which NEVER happens) so we made our way over to “The Manger” to offer our assistance. Friends, this was a wonderful experience.

In short, The Manger gives families that have fallen on hard times the opportunity to purchase 3 gifts for all of those people in their family (themselves included) for $2 each. This includes one “large gift” ($10 or more in value) and two smaller gifts. The gifts are all donated and new. This allows the dignity to have purchased the gifts which will be opened on Christmas morning by other family members. They are able to provide for their family in a tough time. While at “The Manger“, they are given the opportunity to speak with someone in the sharing room. The gifts they choose are even wrapped before they leave.

Here are my thoughts from just one night:

- It was incredible to see the “lift” in the faces of those in the long line when we arrived as they walked out with Christmas morning settled for their family.

- It warmed my heart to have all three of my children by my side as we assisted shoppers through the process. They filled the shopping bags and kept count for those we helped.

- Tonight when we pray, remember two special ladies we assisted won’t you? If you would like to lift them by name, their names were Misty and Judy. I pray that God will shower them with His comfort, blessings and grace.

- At one point, I caught a glimpse of the “sharing room” where my wife was seated next to a woman that was pouring her heart out as tears streamed down her face. I pray that she was able to leave some burdens at “The Manger” tonight and the road rises to meet her.

- I was thankful that each shopper was given a name tag and reminded that “there is no sweeter sound to someone than the sound of their own name”.

Our Home Group is headed back to “The Manger” tomorrow night to again assist. I honestly wish I could go every night this week. It is a reminder of what Christmas is all about. It is the image of a grace that God has given each of us. If you have the opportunity to support “The Manger” this week, please see their web site for ways to give. While you may not be able to be there physically, trust me when I say that your gift will be cherished by those that receive it.

Click HERE for ways to help “The Manger”

As they say, this “tis the season”. Journey Church is proud to partner with a local giving opportunity called “The Manger“. For those in the Northwest Columbus area, this will be one of those opportunities that will mean as much to you as those that we are able to help. Here is the story behind this wonderful ministry:

THE MANGER helps families in need in Northwest Columbus by providing a Christmas shopping experience that is an affordable option.  Through the donations of new, unwrapped merchandise from businesses, individuals, schools, churches and civic groups, parents and caretakers with demonstrated need have the opportunity to shop for every member of their household  at drastically reduced prices that fit within their budget.  For example, a mother with four in her family would select twelve gifts and would pay only $8.   By selecting and paying for their own gifts, parents find dignity in providing for their own families.  Their chosen gifts are wrapped free of charge and taken home for Christmas morning.  A makeshift chapel is also staffed for those who need a friend to talk to or who want to know more about the manger of long ago and the Baby who lay there.

No one should have to make a choice between buying a Christmas present for their child and paying a utility bill.  Christmas shouldn’t hurt people. Help us give “the gift of giving”

If you are interested in helping The Manger, there are several ways to do so. Donations are obviously welcomed but providing this ministry requires many hands. Opportunities exist to assist with set up, wrapping, helping the shoppers and staffing the chapel area. If you are interested in assisting I have posted the links below. You can also contact me via email and I will help get you in touch with The Manger leadership team.

The Manger Web Site

The Manger Facebook Group

The Manger Contact Page

Journey Church Web Site

For those that follow “Sermon Notes”, below is a preview of what is to come. For those in the Columbus/Hilliard/Dublin area that are looking for a place to celebrate the Christmas season over the next few Sunday’s, this is for you too! I’m looking forward to the upcoming series at Journey Church themed “It’s A Wonderful Life“. The note below is from our Pastor Denny -

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?  I think mine is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In the movie, George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) finds out that his life, though seemingly insignificant and meaningless to him, is actually very meaningful to others.  In addition, he finds out that he is not alone.  Not only is he surrounded by friends who love him but by a lovable character whose name is Clarence.  Clarence is an angel who has yet to earn his wings.   He is given a chance to earn them by convincing George that his life is worth living.

For the next three weeks at Journey, we will consider the theme of the movie along with the Christmas story and attempt to answer from Scripture questions about angels, our lives and the birth of Jesus. Join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. for the first message of the series, “Do Angels have Wings?”

Bring a friend and your favorite coffee mug and we’ll see you Sunday for this timely and relevant series!

Click HERE for Directions to Journey Church.

So what are you doing THIS Sunday? How does a FREE concert sound? Check it out.

Who: Dennis Jernigan (Testimony HERE)

What: A FREE Concert!

When: Sunday, September 6, 2009 @ 6:00pm

Where: HERE for Directions (Formerly “Made From Scratch”)

Why: Ever heard the song “You Are My All In All“? I bet you have sung it several times and never knew it was written by Dennis Jernigan. Join us Sunday night for an evening of worship, reflection, testimony and fellowship. I can promise you won’t leave disappointed!

See you Sunday night at 6:00pm!