* NEW * Welcome to our new feature Faith @Home -- a weekly roundup of goodness focused on links related to faith and family, inspired articles, books, and activities that might encourage your faith journey @ home. Whether you are 2 or 92, there is something for you.

says Traci Smith in Faithful Families. 

@ Practicing Spirituality in the Winter - THESE WINTER PRACTICES are just so amazing and lovely. It helps to turn the winter doldrums into a time of rich spiritual growth. So good for all ages.

@ When you read a Bible story @ home - From the Dwell at Home products, I’m particularly fond of the free 5 ways series, such as 5 ways to help your family GROW IN FAITH, and WONDER WITH KIDS those PDFS would be great to stick on the fridge and use as a reminder.

@ To honor Black History month - If you have little ones, please read Miriam Willard McKinney's excellent post at Building Faith, Picture Books for Anti-Racists, which includes a link to the comprehensive, living list of picture books with links to purchase -- a treasure that will enrich your family for years to come.

1 . . . As we hunker down even more for the pending nor’easter, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in the 2020 Christmas Gift program by shopping for presents and gift cards for low-income families. You were not deterred by COVID-19, rain, or snow. SignUp Genius, on-line shopping, contact-less curb-side present drop-off, and sorting the presents in the Chapel rather than at our Waltham offices allowed us to accomplish everything safely. This year there were 278 people on our list (84 families) and every one of them received presents. More than 80 individuals shopped, wrapped, and brought presents to the church. Many others participated by donating money ($4,425). This money will be used throughout the year to respond to urgent needs. During the pandemic we have been providing grocery store gift cards and diapers to many of our families. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort. Even a raging pandemic could not stop you from sharing God’s love!

 ~ Sue Spencer

2 . . . On behalf of the children and families served by the Thom Charles River Early Intervention Program I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for your continued generosity with the Holiday Gift Drive. The beneficiaries of your donation have received an array of wonderful and thoughtful gifts. This holiday season has been especially difficult for these families due to the Covid-19 pandemic and your kindness and caring are greatly appreciated.

3 . . . WHCC has contributed financial outreach to New Life Furniture Bank of MA for many years and they recently thanked their donors. They distribute donated or purchased essential furniture and household goods to needy families. During Covid-19 they have operated a virtual store: www.NewLifeFB.org. They are accepting drop-offs by appointment only. Volunteers can sign up on the website to help with client orders or moving furniture, no more than 10 people on a given activity. Volunteers aged 14 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.   

~ Christian Service Support Board



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