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发帖数: 8775 | 1 By Jessica Martinez, CP Reporter
December 17, 2013|10:11 am
http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-church-gives-away-30000
In the spirit of giving, The Heights Baptist Church in Texas hosted its
largest holiday outreach, 'Three Trees,' event giving away Christmas gifts
to hundreds of families in need after collecting thousands of dollars worth
of donations.
Over the last month, the congregation began gathering toys and $30,000 in
gift cards for 325 families and over 1,000 children, compared to the 125
families and 350 children that the church served during the first year of
the annual holiday giveaway.
"We feel it is necessary to serve others as this is a pretty clear mandate
in the Scripture," said Richard Covington, a pastor with The Heights, to the
Christian Post. "We cannot think of any other way to celebrate the birth of
our Lord and Savior better than doing the very thing He did and that is to
serve others. Serve is one of the four core values around here; worship,
grow, serve and share. This is not just a one-off event."
Three Trees, held last weekend, is named after a children's book that the
church used for a sermon series eight years ago. It is the church's literal
way of illustrating the story that traces the significance of three trees in
the life of Jesus – from the manger, to a fishing boat, and ultimately to
the cross. Ever since then, the meaning of the trees has played a role in
the annual giveaway's title, as each represents a gift that the church has
been able to give to each family.
During this year's event, with the help of 700 volunteers, every child in
attendance was given a new toy and a $20 Payless Shoes gift card in addition
to their families having the opportunity to choose between a $40 Wal-Mart
or Target gift card.
Covington said that most of the families are from a local elementary school
in Richardson where the church has a partnership and from various apartment
complexes where the church has ministries.
"Our guest families were pretty overwhelmed with all that they got," said
Covington.
The Heights is a community-focused church that hosts a wide array of
outreach events throughout the year including 'Engage Sunday' where members
spread throughout the city and serve different communities. Furthermore, the
congregation believes in serving beyond their local limits. Currently, The
Heights has appointed missionaries to Central Asia, Europe and Africa.
"About eight years ago we asked a question," said Covington, according to
Dallasnews.com. "If we cease to exist, would the community miss us? Not the
people who come here every week, but the people who never step foot in?' So
we said, 'No, not unless we serve.'" | J*******g
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【在 J*******g 的大作中提到】
: By Jessica Martinez, CP Reporter
: December 17, 2013|10:11 am
: http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-church-gives-away-30000
: In the spirit of giving, The Heights Baptist Church in Texas hosted its
: largest holiday outreach, 'Three Trees,' event giving away Christmas gifts
: to hundreds of families in need after collecting thousands of dollars worth
: of donations.
: Over the last month, the congregation began gathering toys and $30,000 in
: gift cards for 325 families and over 1,000 children, compared to the 125
: families and 350 children that the church served during the first year of
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