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So, Really, It's Just Peanuts!
Last February, we celebrated our first Peanut Sunday. Peanut Butter is one of the most needed items by food banks across the country. Chandler Christian Community Center is no different. It's an easy to prepare, shelf stable protein. As an added bonus, it's yummy! We'll celebrate our 12th Peanut Butter Sunday on January 17th. In the eleven months prior, we've collected 275 jars of peanut butter for a total of 462 pounds.
If you remember to bring some peanut butter on the 17th, we'll collect more than 300 jars of peanut butter, a total of over 500 pounds!
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On Epiphany this year, people in worship were given a "star word".
Yes, it's just a star with a word on it. However, you're challenged to put it someplace you'll see it every day. Maybe that's on your refrigerator, or your dashboard, or your bathroom mirror.
Wherever you choose, let your star word guide this year's journey. Who knows what you'll find as you set out on your own journey following a star. Such a journey, after all, led the Magi to the Christ child.
If you haven't received a star word yet, they'll be available one last time on the back table this Sunday.
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For the last couple of years, we've attempted to do Ashes to Go in the Chandler/Gilbert area. What's Ashes to Go? Rev. Abby and an elder or two would go out into the community and offer ashes and a prayer with people who pass by. (Only the ones who want to, of course. No tackling people to impose ashes.) It's a way of taking church into the community in another way.
The hitch? We haven't managed to find any place with significant pedestrian traffic where we could hang out for a few hours. If you have an idea of where we could be for a few hours on Ash Wednesday, please let Abby know!
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IHELP Update
IHELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) has just finished its first year of offering 7 nights of shelter. Numbers for the full year are here!
In 2015, Chandler's IHELP program served 307 unique guests, providing 6,759 bednights. Of those 307 guests, 152 gained employment and 93 entered housing.
For all of you who prepare and serve food, stack chairs and move tables, thank you. It is making a difference in the lives of at least 307 of our neighbors!
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A Prayer Request
Emma Gustavson was recently diagnosed with autism. She'll soon begin attending a new school that can better attend her needs. Right now, they're aware she especially struggles with transitions. As her new teachers get to know her better, they'll have suggestions for how to help her at home and in worship, too. You'll soon hear more about how you can help. In the meantime, keep Emma, her mom Dawn, and her new teachers in your prayers.
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Thank you Chalice Family for our very generous Christmas Gift. It is an honor to serve you. Rev. Abigail, Kelly, Scott, Liz, and Fryeda.
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