Give through the Giving Tree!!

  This year's Giving Tree is going towards building awareness and support of the organization One 4 One.  One 4 One is a local non-profit organization that has established a mission that goes beyond just serving the homeless to building relationships with those who are experiencing homelessness in Seattle.  One 4 One emphasizes the necessity of seeing people differently and acknowledging the beauty, dignity and integrity of every person-- housed or non-housed.  It is this mission that we should all be striving to live out in our day to day interactions.  However, when we're honest with ourselves it is easier to assign someone who looks different, smells different, acts different then us with stereotypes & stigmas which perpetuate the idea that we must maintain our distance.  The latter mode of relating is counter to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We know that Christ exemplified a love that cut across societal barriers in order that his grace may be experienced by all.  One 4 One seeks to live out that mission. 

Through this very small way we have a platform to support that vision by providing these much needed items for those who are non-housed.  Resources like sleeping bags, jackets, shoes, etc are extremely important, especially for those who are living outdoors.  This is a dangerous time of year as the outside tempertures continue to dip making it an extremely vulnerable situation for those living outside. 

Getting involved is simple!  While you're at church pick up an ornament from the Giving Tree located in the foyer, purchase item on ornament and follow the instructions.  Please bring back your donation by December 20th. 

Also, check out One 4 One on Sunday at the Global Market.  Take an opportunity to get a sense for what they are doing, how you can be involved and how you can be partnering and praying. You can also visit their website at www.joinone4one.com