Living on Mission

Justice...why should it matter to me?

This Wednesday, WRCC will host another "Justice Session" bringing awareness to Orphans in need. You may ask, why would I attend something like that? Or maybe, why should it matter to me? I've had a few conversations about this very question recently. Many times it seems that if the issue at hand hasn't had an impact on the individual or their immediate family, then it's off the radar. It may not mean that you don't care about the issues of Orphans or the Unborn, but that these issues just haven't crossed your mind. I won't go into the Biblical direction we've been given to care for Orphans in need and to uphold the value of a life God created, but I would challenge each of us to look outside ourselves and our own situation. Do you ever wonder why you were born in a certain place? Why you were blessed to have loving parents? These questions have certainly commanded my attention over the last several weeks as we've journeyed down this "justice" road. I would challenge each of us to open up our hearts to these issues of social justice, to become more aware of the issues that other people are faced with everyday, and to explore the possibilities of how God might want to use your life to change another.

King of Justice

God loves justice! He is the King of Justice! Do you ever ask yourself any of these questions...Why are children abused? Why do kids not have a Mom or Dad? Why do the unborn go unheard? There are many people in our community that struggle with these questions everyday, because they have experienced them in some way. But what if we haven't experienced these things? Should they still matter to us? I believe they should, because they matter to God. In fact, they break God's heart and He's always looking for one of His children to step up and take action on behalf of those He loves so much. This Wednesday, February 3rd, 7-8:30pm, WRCC will be hosting the first of five Justice Sessions to address specific social justice issues. These issues are sometimes hard to define in print, but rather are best understood by hearing the stories of changed lives and those who engage them on a weekly basis. Our prayer is that each session would inspire and touch the hearts of those attending to take action in some way as they are prompted. This is a community awareness event so please bring your neighbors, friends, and co-workers as we journey through each social justice issue and help make lives better in Jesus' Name. For more details on Justice Sessions, please visit www.wrcc.org/outreach/communityworks.

Riverwood Christmas

It was an amazing scene at Riverwood this Christmas! Chad Walters, neighborhood team leader, shared the story of Christ with the children and many residents enjoyed refreshments and music. Thanks to everyone who gave gift cards to bless families in this neighborhood and others. God continues to use His people to accomplish His purposes in the community! Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas with Chris

This past week, Chris Taylor, went with the Outreach Team to the Noblesville Chamber's Christmas lunch. He was kind enough to allow us to photograph him next to the Christmas tree (well, maybe he didn't know the picture was actually coming, but he was right on cue with the smile!) Chris will be spending the next 2 months with us at WRCC as an intern in both Outreach and Jr. High ministries. He's served with us in both areas for a couple of years now and is really pursuing the passion God has laid on his heart to love and serve others in Jesus' Name. He has been a great friend and we are blessed to have him here with us during this time. If you get a chance, please send Chris an encouraging note at ctaylor@wrcc.org  Welcome Chris!

Leading the Parade

Over the past couple of years, Brian & Debbie Marks and their small group have served in the Noblesville parades with Community Works. But not this year! This year, Debbie Marks stepped up as the new Team Leader of local parades. This past weekend she led a great team of people in an effort to remind our community that God loves them and so do we. Over 1,000 bags were handed out to people lining the streets. A BIG thanks to Debbie and the team for engaging our community in this year's Christmas parade! 

A Thankful Little Boy

We received colorful note recently from a little boy who lives in the Suburban Estates neighborhood.  A couple of years ago God blessed us with a couple of brand new basketball goals to put up in the neighborhood. Every time I drive by and see some kids or a family shooting some hoops, I'm reminded of how generous our God is and the opportunity He gave us to show that to the people there in a very tangible way. Anyway, this little boy wrote the following on this note filled with some great stickers and clouds..."Thank you for coming to my neighborhood and giving us a new basketball court" Hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!  

Meijer Simply Gives Big

Thanks to Meijer and all those of you that donated toward their Simply Give program, our Food Pantry received $4,320 in Meijer gift cards recently! Meijer donated $100,000 in matching grants which was disbursed across all their stores. Their match along with your generosity will help feed hundreds of families in Hamilton County. In addition to the in-store displays and matching grant, Meijer also has given us several shopping carts, bags, shelving, and on the clock volunteers to help out with our Food Pantry on Thursdays. If you missed the opportunity to donate through this program, you're not too late!  The second phase of the program has already begun and will continue through mid-January. "Simply" pick up $10 Simply Give cards located in the displays at Meijer and at the check out counters and pay for them at the check out counters. The money goes directly into an account set up for our Food Pantry and we will receive the gift cards after this phase is over. Thanks for making a tangible difference in Jesus' name!

Fred Knoll
Community Works Pastor