Family Christmas Celebration!

"What car am I in?"
"Can I ride in the van?"
"I brought back my permission slip...can I pleeaaaassee go?"

These questions echoed throughout Trinity Place as twenty two Granny's House kids awaited The Crossing's "Family Christmas Celebration" on December 10th. Once the rides were arranged, the Christmas music was in the CD player, and the "let's remember to behave" talks, we were complete, we were off to the church for a fun evening!

Once we arrived, the kids ate pizza with families from The Crossing and watched a Christmas program which had them dancing in the isles, laughing in their seats, and most importantly learning more about the Lord. To finish off the evening, all the kids stuffed teddy bears which were sent to Africa for kids in The Pistis School in Kenya! The kids even included "prayer notes" with each bear and they were so excited that their bears were going to children half way around the world!

Thank you to all the "host families" from The Crossing who made the night so special for the kids. As we made our way to the parking lot, several kids said "Look! There is my church family!! Next year...can I be with them again? Pleeeaassseee?!!!"

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Caroling in the Projects

“Joy to the world the Lord is come…” and so proclaimed our little band of red-Santa-hat-wearing carolers during the first two weeks of December. Granny Pam, accompanied by the Community Compassion team from Christian Fellowship Church, went door-to-door in Douglass Park and also visited Woodhaven homes spreading the joy of the season to anyone who would open their doors to our curious little “Choir,” which surprisingly grew in numbers and excitement with each passing night.

Without orchestra or hymnal, maestro or baton, we toted our bin of gift-filled Christmas stockings and lots of joy (and sometimes, a whole lot of noise too!) from house to house. As I heard the “Oooo’s and aaah’s” and the excited “Hurry up and get the kids so they can hear this” from the residents, I found myself thinking, “Maybe we don’t sound so off-key, after all!”

Our goal in taking the kids caroling was to mentor them in the simplicity of giving. It really is “more blessed to give then to receive” and we welcomed the opportunity to show them how to give away what they do have: a voice, a song, a hug, a smile... They experienced, first-hand, the pleasure of brightening someone else’s holiday season as they belted out “Joy to the World” and “We wish you a merry Christmas …from the kids at Granny’s House.”

Each evening, we brought the kids back to Granny’s House for hot cocoa and God-stories from their new Christian Fellowship friends. How exciting for them to hear about grown-ups’ relationships with God that actually began in childhood. They listened intently as different ones shared how much God cares about and stands waiting to help with the things that concern them like anger, making good grades, and obeying their parents.

And just before we all headed home, each Community Compassion team member gathered up two or three little ones to pray with them… such a sweet time. We are so grateful for, not only the gift-filled Christmas stockings they provided, but the kindness and love they showered on all the kids… we loved every moment and can’t wait to have them back at Granny’s House again!!

From all the kids, volunteers, and staff, we hope you have a really wonderful Christmas, filled with the life and love that only He can give.
-Granny Pam

Thank you volunteers!!

A big thank you to our incredible volunteers who have spent countless hours encouraging kids, mopping floors, solving homework problems, tossing around footballs in the front yard, and modeling Christ for so many Granny's House kids this semester. "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10.

Community Compassion

Thank you to Christian Fellowship church and Community Compassion who provided gifts for Granny' s House which included games, balls, puzzles and household items! The kids loved playing the games with members from the church, and had a great time getting creative as they made crafts for their moms! They especially loved the "treat bags" Christian Fellowship provided for the kids which included candy and Christmas pencils! Thank you to everyone who helped in such a generous way!