CHRISTMAS GATHERING 2012

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

WILDER MANSION

211 s. Prospect

Elmhurst IL 60126

TIME:  6:30 pm – 9:00 PM

SHOWTIME:  7:30 PM

Tickets: $10.00 Free will offering*

 REFLECT

ON THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!

SHOPPING – H'ORDEUVRES - DESSERT - DRAMA

the Mooncats, (YORK JAZZ Combo)

RSVP AT: http://www.christmasgathering.eventbrite.com

*Proceeds will be donated to the Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry www.elmhurstwalkinministry.org

What is a Christmas Gathering and how did it get started?

                Song, Drama, Laughter, Friendship…..It’s Christmas 

It all began over 15 years ago, when I was invited to tell an inspiring story about the true meaning of Christmas in someone’s  home in the town where I was residing. The host sent out invites to her neighbors inviting them to take time out from the busy Christmas hustle and bustle to come enjoy an evening of reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.  The house was adorned with Christmas decorations, a buffet table complete with sugary delights, tea and coffee.  Guests mingled and met new friends as we all enjoyed the treats.  She topped off our time together with singing and my inspiring message. History was made that year! The party was so well received that we did it in homes the next five years. i was inspired  to express the story of the greatest gift ever given to the world, Jesus.  It grew as a passion for me and my friends. The creative part of me started to come out to include skits with characters to express the Christmas message with fun and laughter. To me and my friends complete delight, it has been annually received by thousands since then. It is my steadfast love to express a message each year that is relevant to our culture that allows us to open our hearts in Song, Drama, Laughter, Friendship…..It’s Christmas after all! 

Fast forwarding to today, the event has evolved into more fun than you can imagine. We have included trendy locations to host the event, SHOPPING by local vendors and all proceeds of the ticket are given to a local non-for-profit. This year after all the mansion costs are paid, our proceeds from the evening are going to an in town ministry called “The Walk In Ministry.” http://elmhurstwalkinministry.org/

Where is the event held at?  Wilder Mansion – Prospect Ave., Elmhurst IL . http://www.epd.org/facilities/wilder-mansion.asp

I THANK GOD FOR YOU

Dear Friend:

I thank God for you. I greet you in the Lord Jesus Christ. Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving. Let’s reflect on what Jesus did  with His disciples at the last supper.

“The Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them…” (Luke 22:19).

In Ann Voscamp’s book “A Dare To LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are. One Thousand Gifts” she states (page 32) “he gave thanks” reads “eucharisteo.”

“The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning “grace.” Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be gift and gave thanks. The greek word chara means “joy.” Deep chara joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo-the table of thanksgiving.

Charis- Grace.

Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving.

Chara. Joy.

A threefold cord that might hold a life? Offer a way up into the fullest life?  Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo. A Greek word…that might make meaning of everything?”

Jesus was telling us that remembering to give thanks and break bread in His memory is life giving. Recently I have been meditating on last chapters in the book of John. This spoke to me. Whenever I am down, I can read this passage and I am once again filled with hope. It helps me to shift my eyes off of me and back on the miraculous plan Jesus gave me upon His death and resurrection.  

Let us break bread with gratitude in memory of Christ with our families and or friends tomorrow. Furthermore, daily as Christ gives us our bread may we find the tri-fold message of grace, thanksgiving, joy and live fully.

Prayer:  Most Holy Father bring us deeper into the reality of this truth. In Your precious name.

 

CHRISTMAS GATHERING 2012

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

WILDER MANSION

211 s. Prospect

Elmhurst IL 60126

TIME:  6:30 pm – 9:00 PM

SHOWTIME:  7:30 PM

Tickets: $10.00 Free will offering*

 REFLECT

ON THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!

SHOPPING – H'ORDEUVRES - DESSERT - DRAMA

the Mooncats, (YORK JAZZ Combo)

RSVP AT: http://www.christmasgathering.eventbrite.com

*Proceeds will be donated to the Elmhurst Walk-in Ministry www.elmhurstwalkinministry.org

What is a Christmas Gathering and how did it get started?

                Song, Drama, Laughter, Friendship…..It’s Christmas 

It all began over 15 years ago, when I was invited to tell an inspiring story about the true meaning of Christmas in someone’s  home in the town where I was residing. The host sent out invites to her neighbors inviting them to take time out from the busy Christmas hustle and bustle to come enjoy an evening of reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.  The house was adorned with Christmas decorations, a buffet table complete with sugary delights, tea and coffee.  Guests mingled and met new friends as we all enjoyed the treats.  She topped off our time together with singing and my inspiring message. History was made that year! The party was so well received that we did it in homes the next five years. i was inspired  to express the story of the greatest gift ever given to the world, Jesus.  It grew as a passion for me and my friends. The creative part of me started to come out to include skits with characters to express the Christmas message with fun and laughter. To me and my friends complete delight, it has been annually received by thousands since then. It is my steadfast love to express a message each year that is relevant to our culture that allows us to open our hearts in Song, Drama, Laughter, Friendship…..It’s Christmas after all! 

Fast forwarding to today, the event has evolved into more fun than you can imagine. We have included trendy locations to host the event, SHOPPING by local vendors and all proceeds of the ticket are given to a local non-for-profit. This year after all the mansion costs are paid, our proceeds from the evening are going to an in town ministry called “The Walk In Ministry.” http://elmhurstwalkinministry.org/

Where is the event held at?  Wilder Mansion – Prospect Ave., Elmhurst IL . http://www.epd.org/facilities/wilder-mansion.asp