Dear St. John’s United Church of Christ family and friends,
I am excited to share some wonderful news! St. John’s United Church of Christ, The Bongards Church, is now an official Partner Church of Love INC of Carver County. This partnership gives us another meaningful opportunity to put our faith into action by connecting with neighbors, serving local families, and sharing God’s love in practical ways.
Our first major opportunity through this partnership will be A Family Christmas at Bongards, on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, at St. John’s UCC at Bongards.
Through Love INC of Carver County, we are welcoming 16 invited families from the Norwood Young America, Mayer, New Germany, and Hamburg areas for a morning of Christmas joy. Families will enjoy gifts for their children, crafts and other activities, snacks, fellowship, and the opportunity to experience the kindness and generosity of their community during the Christmas season.
This is more than a Christmas event. It is an opportunity to remind families that they are not alone, that their community cares about them, and that the spirit of Christmas is found in the love we share with one another.
There are three important ways we can help make this event a success:
First, we need volunteers! We especially need people willing to help with the children’s craft activities, along with other areas of the event. You do not need special experience—just a willingness to share a little time, a friendly smile, and a welcoming spirit. You can sign up through our volunteer coordinator, Chris Wing, at the link below or contact Chris directly.
Second, we are collecting financial donations through the end of November. Our November Fruit of the Spirit giving opportunity will support this event. If you would like to contribute, please make your donation through St. John’s online giving page and designate it as “Fruit of the Spirit.” These gifts will help provide the resources needed to make this Christmas celebration special for the families attending.
Third, you can help make Christmas special by purchasing presents for the children. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy of giving with local kids and help make their Christmas a little brighter and memorable for their family. Please contact Chris Wing for information about available gift opportunities and how to participate.
Volunteer sign-up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DAFA82BA6F9C43-66547565-family
Contact: Chris Wing
Online giving:
https://stjohnsuccnya.churchtrac.com/give
For general questions, please feel free to contact me at pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
As a congregation, we often talk about our mission to Love God, Connect with Others, Serve Others, and Live Abundantly. This partnership with Love INC gives us a wonderful opportunity to live out that mission. We may be a small congregation, but together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families right here in our own community. Though we are small we are mighty!
Thank you for the many ways you continue to share your time, gifts, and love. Let us make A Family Christmas at Bongards a joyful expression of the hope, generosity, and love that we celebrate in Christ.
May the spirit of Christmas take root in our hearts and overflow into the lives of others.
In Christ’s love,
Rev. Scott Siefert
Pastor, St. John’s United Church of Christ
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