It has become a tradition at Calvary, filling the front of the auditorium with so many groceries bags, one can barely walk around.  Then there is the monetary offering that is taken each year,  supporting the Food Pantry, our Ministry Fund, and a couple local organizations. And each year, we are blessed beyond imagination by the generosity of the Calvary Community.On Thanksgiving Day, you gave approximately 600 bags of groceries, and our Food Pantry went from bare to overflowing. Our Ministry Fund received a much needed boost. Local organizations will be blessed financially to help with their ongoing needs. And this year, many hurting and homeless persons will stay a little warmer this winter because you heard of a need and responded.As Christians, we are called to live a sacrificial life, allowing God to shape our hearts for the poor, oppressed, and hurting in this world. Through your sacrificial giving, $40,160.91 will go out and bless many people. Our prayer is that through this giving, you will  experience a deep intimacy with your Savior, and find blessings you didn’t know existed.$7,038.00 will go to the Food Pantry to replenish basic items, and purchase perishable items such as milk, eggs, bread, etc.$25,869.91 was given to the Ministry Fund. With this much needed boost, we are now $11,916 behind budget.$2,898.00 will go to The Holland Deacon’s Conference. The HDC is part of Classis Holland, and supports several ministries in the Holland area, such as My Brother’s House and My Sister’s House. The needs are great in our area, and we are thrilled to partner with the Holland Deacons Conference.$4,355.00  goes toward the Northside Community Park and Playground which will provide a beautiful environment  and a quality-built playground within walking distance of the many neighborhoods where Calvary is invested. The goal is to break ground Spring of 2012.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me . . .”  ~ Matthew 25:35-36a