Thanksgiving and Christmas are times for sharing our blessings – of “things” and of our time. This year, our churches continued to meet the tangible needs of our neighbors as they shared the love of Christ.

Week of Warmth coat distribution

Hosted at Immanuel Church in Gurnee, over 160 families received almost 550 coats and other warm winter gear. At each appointment, volunteers & families connected. One volunteer shared: “I was struck by one woman who came. She was quiet and she admitted to having a problem with depression. She was attending a Mormon church, but when asked if she would like a Bible she jumped at the opportunity. I think she felt seen and loved. She held my hand while we prayed and squeezed it at the end.”

Thanksgiving Meal Boxes

Our many-year partnership with the Gurnee Jewel provided about 120 meals for our Love INC neighbors. Volunteers from eight churches met at Vertical Encounter to serve – either greeting neighbors picking up their meals or delivering them to the home-bound. Each time, our churches provided physical sustenance while offering prayer and the love of Jesus.

Christmas Tree Lot

Our friends at First Presbyterian of Waukegan transformed their fellowship hall into a winter wonderland, with the help of Christ Community Church’s youth group. In all, 30 families were blessed with new-to-them Christmas trees and many other decorations to help them celebrate the season.

Praise be to God for each connection made this holiday season!