Merry Christmas!

Last Sunday morning, despite all of the snow that came down on Saturday (22 inches!), we had a great time at Celebration. There was a Kingdom Kids choir, a group of teens and helpers rapping the books of the Bible, people doing special music, Ed playing the piano, and an amazing message of Jesus. I'm so thankful and proud to be a part of Urban Hope Community Church!
Jess and Pete help with Kingdom Kids and the youth group and live just a few blocks from the church. God used them big time this week to help provide Christmas presents for a family without any this Christmas. It's amazing to see people being so generous with what God has given them.

These guys are some of our leaders and core teens. What an honor it is to be a part of the body of Christ with them.

Here's some of Mary, Melissa, and April's kids. They are so precious! Melissa decided to follow Jesus last Sunday, so we are praising God for a new sister. Cheryl, another friend and lady from our church, decided to follow Jesus this past Sunday, too. Praise Him! Thank you to those of you from other churches who provided Christmas presents again this year for these kids. I'm sure God has used that to encourge them and draw them closer to Him!

April has been living for God and praising him for everything! Derrick has not had a seizure for over four weeks and doesn't have to have surgery. God is good! She cooked lunch for everyone after Celebration two weeks ago (50+ people) because she was feeling so thankful for God's goodness and just wanted to bless other people because of it. Who does that???!! We've been having fun making healthy food together because she wants to feed her children better food.

Carmen lives across the street from the church and her grandson Jose came to Celebration with her on Sunday. Carmen decided to follow Jesus a few months ago and has been coming to our house church some. She works often on Sundays, but pray that she will really get connected and serve God with her whole life along with us.

Have a merry Christmas from Urban Hope!