Women's Ministry Christmas Outreach - Prepare Him Room & Angel Tree

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Women's Ministries - Christmas Outreach

First Free Women's Ministries reaches out to the Rockford community through it's ministry in general, but also with two outreach events in particular: Prepare Him Room, a Christmas outreach brunch event and Angel Tree, a Christmastime giving ministry.

Life is full of many promises, some broken, some kept; the most significant, life-transforming promise of all, however, was kept when Jesus Christ stepped out of eternity and entered time in the form of a human infant, in order to reconcile us to God.

That great promise was the focus of this year's Prepare Him Room Christmas event on Saturday, December 4, 2010, "Awaken to His Promise." For the first time, this Christmas outreach was planned as two events in order to accommodate as many guests as possible. Ticket sales far exceeded expectations, with the 9:30 a.m. Morning Brunch selling out 42 tables of 8 seats in the first two weeks. When the ticket waiting list quickly grew to more than two dozen names, arrangements were made to add a first-ever Afternoon Tea at 3:00 p.m., serving 10 tables of 8 guests each.

Our special guest speaker for both events was Mrs. Judi Hayes, wife of our new senior pastor, Dr. Rusty Hayes. Sharing from her heart and recent life experiences, Judi spoke about "Trusting the Promises of God during Uncertain Times." The real encouragement that can only come from the Lord was clearly communicated to the approximately 400 guests at both the Brunch and Tea. Special thanks to Judi, also, for having the vision to add the afternoon event and her willingness to speak at both the Brunch and the Tea.

In addition, both events featured a clear Gospel presentation by Dawn Gessner, and special music provided by Jeff Rohl and Ruth Snyder, soloists, and by the men's trio comprised of Steve Kewish, Manny Livesay, and Jeff Rohl. Darla Ruiz and her catering team prepared breakfast casserole for Brunch and assorted tea sandwiches and pastries for the afternoon tea. Many thanks to all who helped make this year's Prepare Him Room events a reality, and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, whose First Coming we celebrated.

Kathy Holliday is the coordinator for "Prepare Him Room" event and can be contacted through the Women's Ministries office.

Coming soon: slide shows highlighting the morning brunch and afternoon tea - stay tuned!

Angel Tree

Angel Tree is an annual, nationwide Prison Fellowship Program that enriches the lives of prisoner's children at Christmas. More than obtaining gifts for needy children, volunteers create a lasting expression of genuine love.
Coordinated through Women's Ministry, a special Christmas tree is set up in the church with angel decorations. The angels include the name of a prisoner's child and their gift wishes. Participating families select an angel, purchase the gift, and return the wrapped gift to the church. Volunteers deliver the gift on behalf of the absent parent. This ministry begins mid-November.
Contact the Women's Ministry office for more information or to get involved.