Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Anzalone family. Last week we had a couple of great outreach opportunities. First, the women's ministry has been delivering handmade diaper bags and gifts to the maternity clinic at one of the local community health centers. Our church was invited to participate in the Christmas party held for senior citizens, patient with disabilities, and all of the expectant mothers. We shared presents, candy, puppets, music, and a Gospel message with over 200 people present plus the health center staff and administrators. It was a great opportunity.
Since June, one of the families in our church has been inviting neighborhood children for a Saturday Bible time. This weekend we were invited to attend their Christmas program. The number of kids has grown to between 30 and 40. Parents from the community attended to see the kids sing and portray the Nativity. We also told the Gospel through the Christmas story. Pray for this outreach ministry to continue to grow.

Food Pantry Christmas Party

On Saturday, December 5, the church prepared a Christmas activity especially for the women and children of the households served by the food pantry ministry, Bendecidos para Bendecir. The Women's Sunday morning Bible class prepared food, games, arts and crafts, and a special devotional. The children were treated to a great program of puppets, music, refreshments, stories, and candy, all prepared by our generous Sunday School staff. The men and teens who were present were given a New Testament, and heard a personal explanation of the Gospel story. Every "ministry client" received the usual box of staple food items, plus fresh vegetables and chicken. Thanks to generous donors of extra money, we were able to provide over 90 children with Christmas gifts to take home too! Everyone, both givers and receivers, were joyful, blessed, and grateful. Pray for this ministry as Gospel seed is planted and hard ground is cultivated and watered, that God will give a great harvest.