This season – these moments – remind us of the words Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Through 2022’s Hope Project, we can share these “gifts.” We can serve our neighbors by claiming a tag to meet a need or by helping at a local community event. We can invite our friends to be with us, inviting them to experience the hope of Christmas in a unique way. And through it all, we can ensure that the best of the holidays shows up exactly where it’s needed. We can be a part of bringing joy to our world.
At Christmas, we remember and celebrate that God has given us His Son to bring peace and redemption. He nudges us and gives us opportunity to give, serve, and love. Let’s do all we can to ‘repeat the sounding joy’ of our Savior.
WAYS TO BE A PART
OF THE HOPE PROJECT
SERVE
Sign up to volunteer at one of the upcoming community events. Browse the event list below. Get a hold of the event organizers and explore how you can help.
Or
INVITE A FRIEND
Spending time with others is a great opportunity to spread hope. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, neighbor, or casual acquaintance, we’d encourage you to check out these different spaces that you can invite a friend too.
SERVE
There are so many ways we can serve our city and global partners this time of year. This could include preparing a meal, dropping of toys for kids or volunterring. Check out some of the ways you can serve this season.
INVITE
A FRIEND
In a season that has been uncertain and hard, at times, we want to continue to be people who share hope with others. We have created a few unique spaces for you to invite your neighbors, friends, and family. We hope this is a space where we can build relationships and prayerfully wait for the “no-brainer moment.” If these spaces do not work for you, we encourage you to pray on your own, or as a family, about the ways that you can “invite a friend” this Christmas season. Want some help thinking that through? Text 330-664-9995
WAYS TO SERVE
Claim A Tag
Nov 4th – Dec 16th
One of the ways we serve as a church is by giving. Hundreds of items are needed to serve our city and global partners this time of year. These items are used to stock the Christmas stores, continue programming needs, and bless families during the holidays. Our global partners will be using these funds to help continue food pantry programs, the building of community centers, and providing for school and church needs.
Restore Thanksgiving Meal
November TBD
Sign up to provide a wonderful Thanksgiving meal for the men at Restore.
Sign up, Here
The Landing Thanksgiving Meal
Nov 19th
Help prep food and serve it for the community in and around Middlebury Chapel
Sign up, Here
Assemble Landing Christmas Boxes
December 3rd
Help us assemble Christmas boxes for the homeless community.
Sign up, Here
South Street Christmas Store
December 10th
Come and help students shop for Christmas gifts for their friends and family.
Sign up, Here
Urban Vision Christmas Store
December 10th
Come and help students shop for Christmas gifts for their friends and family.
Sign up, Here
Teen Parents Christmas Gathering
December 12th
Help in providing dinner, dessert, or a craft for dinner from 6:30-8:30pm
Sign up, Here
The Garage Toy Drive
December 16th
The Garage will be hosting a drive-through toy giveaway and would love to have help from 4-7pm.
Sign up, Here
The Landing Christmas Meal
December 17th
Help prepare part of a meal to serve and eat with the community in and around Middlebury Chapel.
Sign up, Here
First Glance Christmas Party
December TBD
First Glance needs volunteers to serve and provide childcare during their annual Christmas party.
Sign up, Here
Crossings Christmas Gift Assembly
December TBD
Help prepare gifts for Christmas
Sign up, Here
INVITE A FRIEND
Marvel Trivia Night
November 8th
Location: Ghent Auditorium
Invite a friend to play MCU-based trivia and win prizes and more!
Sign up here
Movie Night
December 2nd – 7:30pm
Location: Ghent Auditorium
Who doesn’t like a pancake bar, hot chocolate, and a Christmas movie? Come and have a fun night with your friends and watch the movie Elf!
Ages 13 and up only, please. Anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Sign up Here
Game Night
December 10th – 9pm-2am
Location: Ghent Student Center
No sign-up needed. (18+ unless accompanied by a parent/guardian) We will have 5 Xbox systems available to play and ethernet hook-ups ready to go. If there is a certain game you want to play, bring it, or your system, along. There will be pizza and snacks. Explanations for all table top games will be provided!
Questions? Text 330-664-9995
Hospital Gift Bag Assembly
December 14th – 6pm
Location: Montrose
We want to express our gratitude to medical professionals at Akron General this holiday season. We will be assembling gift bags for them and would love for you, your family and friends, to join us!
Sign up Here
Grace Church Christmas Program
December 18th – 24th – Times and tickets coming November 19th
Location: Ghent
Join us for a family friendly way to celebrate the meaning of Christmas. Show up 15 minutes early to enjoy the winter wonderland experience!
Get free tickets Here