Where: Camp Stillwood Conference Centre in Chilliwack.

Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Registration forms can be found on the resource table.

So, how do I do this? For one, I stay away as much as possible from the mall and simplify my shopping with gift cards, not going overboard and trying to get it done ahead of time. I slow down my life as much as I am able and spend my time with family, doing Christmas baking and listening to Christmas music….perhaps going to a Christmas play or VanDusen Gardens which is lit up beautifully for Christmas. I’ve learned not to try and see everybody between Christmas and New Year’s because there are 365 days in the year that I can get together with them. I look at my Christmas to-do list to see if there is anything I’m doing just because, that has just become a burden rather than a joy.

As a family we open up our home to those who perhaps can’t afford a Christmas dinner or are alone and share the love of Christ with them. One of the blessings I have, as being part of CCR, is to be able to bless those who are less fortunate with gift cards and see the relief this brings to someone financially strapped and wondering how they are going to make it, especially if there are kids involved. I love this time of year, and I especially love it when I can take the time to reflect why Christ came as a baby in a manger……for me, to save me from my sins and give me eternal life!

God is really moving in Hand Up to Hope; we had another large crowd out for dinner and there is a fellow by the name of Ron who we will be helping to find housing, hopefully at the UGM. Since I spoke with him last week his demeanor has changed as he sees a glimmer of hope for his life to be changed. Pray that Ron would see God’s hand and God’s love in this and that he would have a new beginning and new life, spiritually.

Our volunteers have grown in number and we are planning to get a second night going with the help of Emmanuel Church. It feels like God is moving us on to the next phase of this ministry and I am excited for what God is going to do in the lives of the people we give hope to, and in our lives as we are blessed in sharing God’s great love with our friends on the streets. Know that you are part of this as you give of your finances to CCR and, as a result, we are able to help those in our local community…and the prayers that you lift up on behalf of Hand Up to Hope are so appreciated as well as your loving welcome to the people who have attended our church from this ministry.