Faith in Action at Christmas

Sometimes, and especially at Christmas time, we wonder, “How can I give?” Whether we’re able to give much or very little, we often don’t know specific ways we can give to meet specific needs or to bless specific people. Does my gift really make a difference?

My name is Karin and I’m the coordinator of the RMCC Christmas Benevolence Ministry, also known as “The Blessing Board.” It’s a ministry that answers the question of how you can give, and ensures that your gifts really do make a difference.

For the past two years, our church family has taken the opportunity to care for each other in a specific way during the Christmas season. We do this by identifying families and individuals who need a blessing and anonymously matching them with those who are willing and able to give. This “matching” happens at the Blessing Board, located in the North Foyer.

The Blessing Board is organized in a way that allows different levels of need to be matched with different abilities to give. There are a lot of ways to contribute, whether big or small. Often a family, friend group, or home group will get together to ‘adopt’ a larger family.

Due to the private nature of individual circumstances, we keep the details of both those who give and those who receive highly confidential. All gifts are given and received anonymously.

Some examples of need include those experiencing unemployment, fixed or low income, single parents, and those who can’t leave their homes. This ministry is a practical way for the church to “contribute to the needs of the saints …” (Romans 12:13 ESV)

The gifts we recommend include items such as …
• toiletries,
• household necessities,
• grocery gift cards, and
• gas gift cards.

We also encourage some special gifts of love such as …
• treats,
• candles,
• devotional books,
• a game or puzzle,
• warm gloves or slippers, etc.

I’m able to reveal ages and gender of the recipients and occasionally specific likes and preferences in order to bless each of them in a special and personal way.

Another piece of the ministry is provision of Christmas dinners, and there is an opportunity to contribute a portion or all of the food needed for a meal.

Every year, I’m reminded that giving is literally faith in action. The response and generosity from our church family is overwhelming. It fulfills this admonition from James:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17 NIV).”

The Blessing Board ministry is a great opportunity to practically share the love of Jesus with other members of our RMCC family. Please prayerfully consider how the Lord would like you to be a part of blessing others this Christmas. And please feel free to come visit me at the Board on Sunday mornings! We will be up and running on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

Written by Karin Cayetano