The Christmas Joy offering provides assistance to retired pastors and church workers who need extra help in retirement. Some assistance can also be given to current workers who face situations requiring unusual financial needs. Fifty percent of the money given to the Christmas Joy Offering will go to provide financial help to current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs.
Students of color attending Presbyterian schools will receive 50% of the offering to help pay for their education. This will help them grow in their faith and knowledge so they can be used by God to serve as He leads them for many years to come. A good education will help them earn a good income so they do not live in poverty.
We will have readers for three weeks in December, giving examples of how this offering has helped Christian workers and students. The offering will be collected on December 17th, but if you cannot give then, offerings can still be brought through the middle of January.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY
We have a Christmas family again this year, a mother, Monica, a boy Evan age 8, and a girl, Hazel age1. Each child is to receive 2 $75 gift cards. The family receives a $150 gift card for enough money to give something to the mother, too. The family’s gift cards need to be delivered to Pathways on December 7th, so December 3rd is the last day to give money to help the family.
REENEWAL MINISTRIES
Renewal ministries has helped bring renewed spiritual vitality to thousands of Christians since 2003. This results in clarity of calling, missional impact, and deeper devotion to Jesus Christ. Ignatius retreats are held in a series of five retreats over five month period. Seasonal prayer retreats an open prayer retreats are also offered.
Ignatius retreats are based on the teachings of Ignatius Loyola, who lived in the 16th century. Ignatius taught that nothing is more life-renewing and life-giving than walking and talking with Jesus Christ. renewal ministries has some classes on zoom. Their contact phone number is 425-361-7953. Their website is https://renewalminnw.org. Pastor Amy D has worked with this group. Our $100 mission allocation for this much will go to Renewal Ministries.