As we enter the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy & healthful time of the year, for many it is a time fraught with sadness, anxiety and depression.  According to Harvard Health, one aspect of the Thanksgiving and holiday season that can actually lift spirits is being "grateful."  We know this is a major tenet of our lives as a people of God, but is also supported by positive psychology research.  "Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."  

Our "Giving Tuesday" matching gifts of $10,000 will help in a big way to assist some of our Community Kitchen unsheltered neighbors find temporary shelter during this winter, as PADS works on motel funding for those not eligible for their Butterfield Road / former Red Roof Inn facility.  We can help the homeless through the anxiety and depression of a cold night outside through extended stay facilities, where even the least expensive studio room costs $600 a week, but allows for in room meal preparation reducing overall food costs. 

As PADS President and CEO April Redzic recently told our Tom Williams  "My greatest fear is that someone will freeze to death because I didn't help enough."  Our entire Mission & Justice Team and supporters have a similar fear.  

Help this Giving Tuesday reach our $10,000 matched goal! Help this Giving Tuesday reach our $10,000 matched goal!  You can give using this LINK to donate through Vanco on the church website under General Operating – Note “Giving Tuesday”, or via PayPal, Vanco Text or by sending a check to the church marked “Giving Tuesday.” Make sure “Giving Tuesday” is mentioned so it gets matched. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Frencl at bookkeeper@uccdg.org or 630-968-0358 x222.   

           ~Joint effort of Mission & Justice and Stewardship/Giving