Instead of the usual Christmas party with yummy snacks and fun white elephant gifts, our Sunday School class chose to do a service project instead. I'm so glad too. It was wonderful to be doing something for others instead of fighting over some useless object... which I will admit is pretty fun.
We decided to put hospital baskets together during our class time so we could have pot luck and fellowship after church. It was so nice to just sit and visit with friends during the craziness of Christmas.
We collected items that would be nice to have for a family that has a member that has to stay in the hospital. What an abundance arrived the day of the party!
It was set up buffet style. We have four prayer groups within our class. Each group was responsible for putting together 2 baskets. You traveled down the table, filling up your basket.
Of the two, one basket stayed at the church for when a member has to stay in the hospital. The other basket went to a hospital that day... some went to certain people, others went to waiting rooms. We were able to bless a church member that day that had been in the hospital for a few days. Also, a basket was delivered to a member of our own class the week after Christmas. What a rewarding feeling to know that something you have been a part of is such a blessing to someone you know.
What a blessing it was... we were able to fill 13 baskets!! More than what we set out to do. So 8 baskets were delivered, 5 were stored at our church, and many items were left over to fill more baskets in the future. YAY God!!
After our bellies were full and we saw the abundance of food left over, it was mentioned that the cold, dreary day we were having would be a good day to deliver plates of food to the homeless. So many, many plates were made up and a convoy of families drove to areas of Tulsa to drop off a plate of good 'ol home cooking to a less fortunate soul. I wasn't able to go but my oldest son went with another family and he said he was glad he went. The people were very thankful for their act of kindness. This was most definitely the best Christmas party I have ever attended!!
I am grateful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same passion in serving others.
It is so awesome to work for the Lord...He is so good!
ReplyDeleteNow that is the best kind of Christmas spirit - what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteGod has been so good to us!
Best wishes
Christine
What a wonderful idea!!
ReplyDeleteKim
What a fabulous idea! Love it! Hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
Angie, what a beautiful way to have a Christmas party. How incredibly inspirational and I think I have found our theme for next year's Christmas party. Thank you so much for posting this. I love this idea and I'm sure others will too. Now that should be what Christmas is all about. :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan
I just saw this post and really appreciate it! How encouraging to know it meant so much to you. Thanks for the fabulous idea!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Angie, What a great idea for a Christmas Party, we often forget the true meaning of Christmas, like it is better to give than to receive. I am positive that all the people who received these basket gifts, will never forget the act of kindness shown by you all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Just wanted to stop by and tell you thank you for the comforting words and prayers. I greatly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill