Demonstrating acts of compassion, giving, and service out of love for Jesus can impact hearts and change lives…one person at a time.  On December 3 and 6, Immanuel’s Crochet Connection Group and other volunteers decorated the Opportunity Center and Emergency Shelter of the Memphis Union Mission for the Christmas season.  To help make this possible, Immanuel also donated some Christmas decorations to the Mission.

On December 10, Immanuel’s Proverbs Connection Group joined hundreds of volunteers from the Memphis area through Neighborhood Christian Centers to package 10,000 Christmas food baskets that will be distributed to neighbors in need.  Each basket was filled with enough food to feed a family of four for up to four days.

During December, Immanuel helped meet some of the physical and spiritual needs of men in the alcohol and drug recovery programs at the Memphis Union Mission by providing Christmas Care Packages to 30 men whose lives are invested in these programs where healing, recovery, and preparation for successful living built on the foundation of Jesus Christ is emphasized.  Hygiene and clothing items, as well as gift cards, were donated by Immanuel members.  These items, along with Bibles, candy, and personal notes of encouragement written by Immanuel men, were packaged and gift wrapped by the LWML and Women of the Word Connection Groups before being delivered to the Mission.

Immanuel’s LWML Connection Group prepared and delivered Christmas baskets to 11 shut-ins during December.  These baskets included an assortment of homemade cookies and fudge, fruit, candy canes, hot chocolate, and snacks.