Angel Tree Parties ROCK!

What a weekend! The Men's Breakfast we had Sunday was a great time of talking about what God is calling us to do as men in our church, and Saturday night there was a great meal served to the staff by one of the Connection Groups as a 'thank you' for all the hard work they do. Of course Sunday was amazing, with a bigger than expected 9 AM crowd battling the snow to come worship Jesus. I so love the 9 AM crowd!

But the biggest, best part of the weekend was Friday night. We held our first ever Angel Tree Party, and seven families of prisoners came to receive what God had put on our hearts to give them. There were presents that we got on behalf of incarcerated parents, and care-giver packs that included gift certificates and goodies galore. We had over 50 volunteers that night pulling out all the stops to bless these families who find themselves in a tough place. Here are just some of the highlights from that night:

• The first family to arrive got there at 6 pm for an event that started at 6:30. We were gathering for prayer and some last instructions, and they wandered over and joined in! They were also some of the last to leave, spending 2 hours talking, laughing, eating and enjoying themselves.
  
• The Student Ministry gang were excellent 'wait-persons' for the food and drinks. The teens were attentive and upbeat all night, and many pitched in to help with clean up afterward, too. We are seeing a glimpse of the future leaders of our church right now in Student Ministries - way to go!
• We didn't know how people would react to the idea of coming to a church they don't know, to a party with people they don't know, with any manner of agenda that they don't know about. So we told our folks to be prepared for two things: no shows, and people who come, get their gifts and leave. We had some no shows, but got one family's gifts delivered that night (the rest will be delivered soon, don't worry). But we were pleasantly surprised to see families stay for at least an hour, some as much as two!
• One family almost didn't take their coats off. They were ready to get in and get out! But when they saw food, warm drinks, and friendly faces, they sat down and relaxed. Soon, they were talking with their table hosts and having a great time. They even asked questions about FBC!
• We didn't do this to get people to come to our church, the point was to be a blessing, not to do marketing. But God stirred it up in people's hearts to start asking us questions about the church, and we had folks there who were excited to answer. I got called over to one table to talk to a family at length about who we are and what we do, all because they were curious. Two days later, there they were, walking into our 11 AM service! They felt comfortable enough to show up, and you made them feel at home during worship. Way to go 11 AM people, I love you!

The Angel Tree Party is one of the coolest, most openhearted, most wonderful events we've ever done. We've done bigger events, louder events, splashier events, but none more giving, loving and warm. I was so blessed to hear the feedback afterward from the folks who came to serve: it was great, and we can't wait to try this again!

Keep praying for the impact of that night to be felt in the lives of the families and their parents in jail this Christmas. God is on the move, and we are seeing Him use us to make a real and life changing difference! Can't wait to see what's next!!