12/13/07

Caroling for Cans!

Fa La La La La La La La La... Sorry I'm still in the caroling mood :-). Last night a group of around twenty adults, teens, and children gathered here at the church and went out into the community to sing Christmas carols and collect canned food for the Monroe Food Bank. With a carafe of cocoa in hand and joy in our hearts we set out to spread the Christmas cheer around our city while working to help others in need. We had the kids who were four and younger ring the door bell or knock and hand the people in their homes a card that asked for canned food donations. It was inspiring to watch young children get excited as they ran to the doors of peoples homes to sing them songs and ask for donations. Every person who opened the door welcomed us with a smile and each person was extremely thankful we stopped by. One house had a sign that said no religion, no solicitation, no politics and one of the kids rang the doorbell before I could stop them. They opened the door and we apologized that we had seen the sign after we rang the doorbell. She told us it was okay and enjoyed the music as we sang about Christ and donated food. It's amazing how the season of Christmas softens peoples hearts, where at any other time they would yell at you for knocking on their door, they welcome you with a warm smile and a generous donation. Another door was opened to us and a women and her children grinned from ear to ear as we sang to them. After we finished she let us know that they had a really difficult day and that our singing lifted their joy and was exactly what they needed.

We finished the evening back at the church with cocoa, cookies and candy canes. We all had an incredible time spreading the joy of the season. People are open and soft to hear the message of Jesus Christ during this season. Don't miss the opportunities that are all around you during this time. One way to seize this opportunity is to invite everyone you know to our Christmas Eve services at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm here at The Rock Church.