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Christmas Giving Ideas
On Sunday, December 3, Andy Sears led us at Newberg Friends to think about how we might view Christmas gift giving differently; how we might channel more resources to those in need in the world, by giving more simply and relationally to each other. (You can find the text of what Andy shared here  .)
We want to offer these links to organizations with whom we at Newberg Friends have a good and strong relationship. Many organizations are doing wonderful things in the name of Christ; you may be led to give elsewhere. Yet we offer these organizations as ones whose mission we wholeheartedly support.
Local:
Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ): The Love INC chapter in Newberg is almost two years old, and has grown steadily. Volunteers from churches throughout the town coordinate together with Love INC as a clearinghouse to connect volunteers with those in need. On their website, you can find monthly needs. Perhaps time, money, or buying something from their need list is a way you can celebrate Christmas this year.
F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service of Humanity): Newberg's F.I.S.H. is a long standing organization which provides food and clothing to the needy right here in our community. Donations of money and food, as well as volunteer opportunities, are always welcome.
Regional:
Twin Rocks Friends Camp : It's been our camp for 88 years, and a new master plan has wonderful visions for ministry. Gifts of time and money to Twin Rocks make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children and adults each year.
World:
Evangelical Friends Mission : Newberg Friends joins with Evangelical Friends Yearly Meetings around the world to support missionaries all around the globe. This year, their Christmas gift giving guide allows us to give toward tangible gifts in each of our mission fields. David and Debby Thomas, who were with us in worship on November 26, told us of their ministry which aims for the "fullness of Christ." They work to build churches, promote evangelism, and fight poverty by starting Morainga tree nurseries and teaching how to make fuel efficient stoves. They are EFM missionaries in Rwanda...just one couple out of many you can help through Evangelical Friends Mission.
Remember Nhu : Several people in our church community have sensed God leading them to work against the sex slave industry in Thailand. That journey has led them to the Remember Nhu organization, founded by Carl Ralston. Carl is part of a Friends Church in Ohio, and this organization builds orphanages and provides ways for those rescued out of the slave trade to build a new life and come to know Jesus.
Samaritan's Purse : For several years, our church has participated in Operation Christmas Child, a program to fill a shoebox with toys and needed supplies for children around the world as Christmas presents. This program is administered by Samaritan's Purse, and their gift catalog offers many tangible and thoughtful ways you can help provide relief around the world.
Kiva : Many organizations administer microloans as a way to fight poverty around the world; small amounts of money that help people start businesses that end the cycle of poverty, and are paid back overtime. What's unique about Kiva is how it makes it possible for an individual to channel loans as small as $25 to specific individuals around the world. On their website, you can choose from several pre-screened people with business ideas, send money that all goes directly to the person, and which they will pay back in 6 to 18 months. When it's paid in full, you can withdraw your money, or lend it again. Using their Kiva gifts program , you can give a Christmas gift in increments of $25 to someone. Tell them it's a gift that is simply delayed...or one they can choose to loan again. (Kiva is not a specifically Christian organization.)
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