At the end of each year, we prayerfully seek the Lord about how to allocate a special Christmas Offering. It’s an opportunity to profoundly help those in need, invest into the next generation, advance the mission God has called us to, and give our best gift to the Lord. Thank you so much for your generosity in last year’s offering. You can read about the results below.
Throughout this year, God has continued to bless our church as we’ve grown spiritually and numerically. Each new person represents another series of miracles; new life in Christ, baptisms, restoration of families, hope for the hopeless, growth as disciples, and healing. The following initiatives directly relate to our continued growth and health.
Results + This Year’s Initiatives
This year, our Christmas Offering is going towards the three initiatives explained below. As you read, remember, God is our provider. May we call on the Lord and trust Him to fund the vision He has given us and to do more than we ask or imagine. Here are the details of the offering:
1. Next Chapter Fund
With the last two Christmas offerings, we paid off the debt on our building and began paying off the debt our land. We’ve secured assessments and completed a clear path forward process for our new church building, expanded space for all our ministries, and the Land of Grace development. With this year’s offering, we’ll fund the essential next steps that will lead to a presentable vision plan in 2025 and, Lord willing, breaking ground soon after that. This is very exciting and truly a strategic opportunity to help us move into our next chapter. Every dollar will be multiplied many times over as part of the vision for the Land of Grace. It will build the Church, equip our generation for the mission of God, help eradicate our debt, and fund missions work around the world.
2. Benevolence Fund
We know God has called us to be a church where the desperate can find new mercy and new beginnings. Through last year’s offering, we were able to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope to hurting, food to the hungry, and freedom to the captives. We’re called to tangibly care for those in our church and community that are in need. Each year, this fund provides groceries, gas, counseling, effective ministry, and lifelines for those in the most difficult moments of their lives.
3. Next Generation Fund
Our kids and student ministries continue to grow and flourish. We’re working hard to keep up with effective ministry and discipleship. Each year, this offering helps us resource students, send students and leaders to camps, facilitate encounters with the Lord that mark their lives forever, and teach them to know and follow Jesus. We are so grateful for how the Lord continues to build GraceLand Kids and GraceLand Youth and we are honored to invest into their growth and development as a Jesus generation.
We are thankful for how God is guiding our steps, building our church family, and calling us to trust Him as we respond to what He is doing in our midst.
Goal: $125,000
This is a miracle number for us. The only way we’ll reach this goal is if our whole church family, and friends of our church, step up to sacrificially give. All things are possible. Remember, it’s not about equal giving but equal sacrifice. Every gift matters!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I give? The Christmas offering will be on Sunday, December 8th and Sunday, December 15th. If you miss those days or can’t give at those times, you can give towards this offering anytime between now and January 12th.
2. How do I give? Write “Christmas Offering” on your check or giving envelope or select “Christmas Offering” in the drop down menu when giving online here. Note: If giving online (especially a large amount), you can select “Bank Account” on the bottom to give via check (routing & accounting numbers) and minimize the online giving fee.
3. Will I receive giving credit for taxes? Yes. If you want credit for 2024, your gift must be given by Dec 31st.
4. Should I detract from my regular giving for this offering? No, this is meant to be above and beyond regular tithes and offerings.
*Thank you in advance for your vital partnership. We could not do what God has called us to do apart from your generosity.