All that we have, all that we are, are gifts from God. From our friendships to our financial resources, God has blessed us. We give—and we share—not to pay God back, but out of gratitude. This Advent, we invite you to take the grace you’ve received and share with a world in need. Whether through Christmas presents, assembling backpacks, or direct donations, we invite you to join us in making a difference here in the Bay Area and around the world.
Here are four easy ways to share:
Harbor House Christmas Store
Harbor House Ministries, one of our mission partners in Oakland, provides a safe place for opportunities, resources, and relationships to be shared so that children, teens, and families may flourish. Your gifts allow Harbor House families to shop for presents for their children at minimal costs. Order online or drop off gifts at First Pres Reception by December 10. Want to volunteer at the Store on December 16? Sign up here.
New Year’s Backpacks
Help stuff backpacks with essentials and extras for our neighbors in need. At our Advent Workshop on Sunday, December 3, we’ll work together to turn donated backpacks into New Year’s care packages that will be given out at our December 30 Street Meal. (Want to help give out backpacks or serve dinner to our Street Meal guests? Sign up here.)
Mission Partner Direct Donations
First Pres supports a range of mission partners that are sharing God’s love locally and globally. Select one or more partners and give them an extra gift this Christmas, perhaps in honor or in memory of the people dear to you. Through a personal donation or word of encouragement, our partners can more directly experience the impact of your giving and care.
Christmas Offering
Every year, the Outreach Committee identifies an organization to receive a special offering taken during Advent and at the Christmas Eve Service. This year’s recipient is our mission partner MISSSEY. Led by women and gender-expansive people of color, MISSSEY aims to address both the root causes of sexual exploitation and the multi-layered, traumatic outcomes. Learn more about MISSSEY.
Select Christmas Offering when giving online or write Christmas Offering on your envelope or check.