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Gift Mart 2009 - Three Thousand Familes Served!

Take a look at this pic.  And then multiply it by more than 3000.  Over the last couple weeks through Community 4:12 COMMUNITY was able to sponsor three Gift Marts that served more than 3000 families in under-resourced communities.  Here is what it took to serve more than 3000 families and show them the love of Jesus this Christmas:

• Over 14,000 toys for 3 Gift Marts.
• 1,500 Volunteers!  
• Over 120 Partnering Organizations:  Churches--Orchard Valley Community Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Wheatland Salem United Methodist, Hope Tabernacle, Warehouse and others.  Schools--countless elementary, middle, and high schools sponsored toy drives.  Businesses-Wal-mart, Starbucks, Caribou, Crate & Barrel, Coke, Hub Group, and many, many others.  It is amazing to see this kind of unity!
• $20,074 raised for Schools!  All to support school improvement initiatives that limited school budgets won't support!

We are making an IMPACT on the 20% who live in poverty, but also on the 67% of the world that is far from God.  The 67% are watching us as we serve the 20%.  Here is what the principal of Rollins Elementary School said as she worked as a volunteer this year:  "...I'm  blown away by not only the generosity of your church, but how incredibly welcoming and friendly EVERYONE is.  Just being around the people from your church and seeing how much they give and sacrifice has inspired me and my entire staff to want to give more and serve more.  You all are an incredible example of generosity and service that inspires us all."

Extra! Extra! COMMUNITY In The News!

Extra!  Extra! Seems like COMMUNITY was in the news quite a bit this last week.  In case you missed it here is quick re-cap of some of the news-making that happened over the last few days:  First, was the front page story from USA Today titled Multi-Site Churches Means Pastors Reach Thousands.  If you haven't read the article, you should check it out - some great content.  I got the distinct impression when being interviewed by USA Today reporter Cathy Grossman that she was a Christ Follower based on some comments she made; however I don't know for sure.  The print edition had more content than the on line version; but both included quotes from COMMUNITY attenders Scott Patton and Jeff Wagner.  Pretty cool, huh?  Then, the same day NBC 5 Chicago did a special during the 6:00 news titled Hand Up, Not Hand Outs at Bryan House.  The segment was terrific and gave a brief overview of COMMUNITY's Rick Guzman's ministry to refugees through Bryan House.  I'd encourage you to click over and check it out.  Lastly at the end of the week there was an outstanding article in a local paper, The Naperville Sun titled Joining Forces to Help With Dignity.  This article went into great detail about the 3 Gift Marts that we held this year bringing in 15,000 toys and raising over $20,000 for local public schools.  It is good to see that good news is still making the news!

LN Interview: Releasing for Reproduction

A Sign Of Things To Come...

We just got the sign put up at our new location in Yorkville.  Stay tuned for more information for the Grand Opening!  I think this is a sign of great things to come and just one more way we are making an IMPACT through COMMUNITY.