Giving Tree 2025 was a huge success—because of you! Your incredible generosity and faithful support made a lasting impact this Christmas season. This year, our church family joyfully distributed 253 gifts to The Next Door, Oregon Department of Human Services, Hope Medical, and several families connected directly to our own HRAC community. That brings the total number of gifts given through HRAC to more than 3,800 since 1999—what an amazing testimony of God’s love in action!

These gifts are more than presents; they are tangible reminders to children and families that they are seen, known, and deeply loved. I’m continually encouraged by the care and intentionality you show—whether thoughtfully selecting a tag, shopping with a specific child in mind, or praying over the gift before it’s placed under the tree. Thank you to every volunteer who helped organize, shop, sort, and distribute gifts. The Giving Tree truly would not be possible without you.

How fun was last week’s kids’ sign-along?! The joy on their faces was unforgettable! If you weren’t able to attend—or if you’d love to experience it again—you can watch the kids below! A huge thank-you to Tatum Picha for sharing her gifts with our Children’s Ministry and patiently teaching the kids sign language over the past three weeks. What a beautiful way to worship together!

If you’re still looking for last-minute gift ideas for a child in your life, here are a few of my favorite Christmas books that I’ve loved reading with my girls:

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (also shared by Pastor Keith at the start of Advent)
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Spunky’s First Christmas by Janette Oke

This Sunday in Children’s Ministry, we’ll be sharing the greatest story ever told—celebrating how Jesus came to earth for each and every one of us. We can’t wait!