Christmas is a time that sparks the light of Jesus: his joy, peace, and hope. Each year we find ourselves inspired to somehow spread his “good news of peace and joy.” We share meals, enjoy laughter, give gifts, and make memories.
This season – these moments – remind us of the words Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Through 2023’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.
WAYS TO SERVE
Claim A Tag & Buy Items for our City Partners
Nov 4th – Dec 4th
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.
South Street Thanksgiving Meal
November 26th, 5pm
South Street Ministries in Summit Lake is hosting a Famsgiving meal for the community. They are asking for help to donate food. Sign up below! If you need to donate non-perishable items before November 20th email Sarah Yajko at [email protected]
Rahab Christmas Dinner
Dec 6th
Sponsor a table at the Rahab Christmas dinner. To sponsor a table we ask that you provide the decorations for the table, decorate it on Dec. 6th and have one female from the sponsor group join the women for dinner. Set up will be at 5pm with dinner at 6pm.
There are also opportunities for men to be servers at this event.
We are also hoping to provide a gift basket for each of the 30 women.
All three sign ups can be found on the sign up sheet.
Akron Youth Mentorship
December 4, 5, or 12th (there are also dates Jan-May 2025)
Help in providing dinner and dessert for students and leaders involved in mentoring at Akron Youth Mentorship. This is a great opportunity to gather your life group, neighbors friends to make and serve a meal for about 30-45 students and leaders.
Urban Vision Christmas Store
December 10th
5:30-7:30pm
Come and help students shop for Christmas gifts for their friends and family. You must be 15 years old to serve at the Store.
Legacies of Success
Sign up to serve a Saturday shift to assist with home renovation/repairs in North Hill. Help first time homeowners take one step closer to being in their own homes. No skill necessary to participate.
INVITE A FRIEND
Power Kids movie night
December 3rd in the Ghent Auditorium, 5pm
Invite a friend to come and watch the movie with you and your family.
Remember
December 4th at 6:30pm in the Ghent Auditorium
We all have loved ones we miss. This year, what if we took time to remember?
Join us for a free event at Grace Church as we remember the people we miss and look to the future with hope together. Enjoy music, hear an encouraging message from a pastor, and light a candle in remembrance.
Mergy Christmas
December 13th from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Ghent Auditorium
If you are a high school student come and check out our Christmas party. There will be food, games, a message and fun.
No sign-up needed.
Collective Christmas
December 14th from 7pm in the Ghent Auditorium
Join in the Christmas celebration with other young adults (18-24 yrs old) for volleyball, basketball, and food! Wear your best ugly Christmas sweater to win a prize.
No sign-up needed.
Grace Church Christmas Program
December 21st – 24th at the Ghent Location
Join us for a family friendly way to celebrate the meaning of Christmas. Show up early to enjoy the winter wonderland experience!