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Here we are in December. Cold weather, lights, lovely treats everywhere, kids looking forward to a break from school...the wonderful season celebrated by multiple faiths. Joy, peace, goodwill and hope for the new year.

"Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Lk 2:13-14 (NIV)

Holidays are particularly stressful for some. Certainly those who find themselves in situations of homelessness can find the holidays difficult. But this season is also a time of abundance in acts of kindness and hearts of giving. There are 17 Family Promise families both current and graduates who are linked up with other families or organizations who are providing support and gifts this Christmas. Our postings on Facebook of needs result in immediate response from generous people in our community. People stop in the day center and offer services, and bring donations for the day center on a daily basis. There is a constant flow of wonderful people through the doors of 905 Tennessee and we are so grateful.

One consistent theme we hear from the families is gratitude to all the volunteers from all the churches, congregations and organization as well as from the many who come in through the day house offering support, love and service. It is really a joy to listen to them describe the experiences from the evenings in the churches or with volunteers who spend part of the day with our guests. Thank you to each of you for giving of your time and service to this organization. What Family Promise does works. It makes a direct impact on families and our guests do experience God's love through each of you. What a joy it is to be a part of this wonderful organization and work alongside of all the volunteers.

We want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and holiday season with your own families and with friends. We are thankful for the abundance in service and generosity in the Lawrence Family Promise Network. Blessings, Grace and God's guidance and care throughout the new year.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise? Blessed are they who maintain justice and constantly do what is right. Ps 106: 1-3 (NIV)

Family News:

We have a full house in the program, currently with 4 families and 14 people. Our youngest child is 15 months, and the oldest youth is 13 years of age. All but the baby are enrolled in Lawrence schools, 3 of them are in middle schools. The children and the families have become a wonderful support for each other through this stressful time. It's fun to watch the older kids watch after the baby, and great to see the support of the youth towards each other. God in His grace, have allowed these students to come into the program at the same time, and be a supporting force for each other.

The current rotation host church is the Clinton Parkway Assemblies of God, who are hosting in Plymouth Congregational Church due to a construction project in their own building. Our friends at Plymouth graciously offered their church for 2 full weeks, so that CPAG can host in their facilities. Our guests enjoyed 2 weeks in one location!

One of the families that joined us in early November now have keys to their own home. They hope to be moving out of the program by early next week! If anyone is willing to offer some Christmas decorations for this family, please let us know. They obviously are so excited to be in their own place by Christmas.

Give a Gift that Gives Back!

Body Boutique has generously chosen Family Promise as an organization to support through the holidays and are offering 10 visits for 10 dollars. Coupons for this offer are available for purchase at Body boutique and the Day house (905 Tennessee). This is a win/win/win with so many benefits!

1. Win for you - you can give a gift to someone (or get one for yourself) for 10 visits to Body Boutique - perfect for starting those new years resolutions!
2. Win for Body Boutique - they get to introduce their services to more people.
3. Win for Family Promise - We get 100% of the purchase of each coupon (every $10)!!!

We've got the coupons at the Day House, or give Dana a call at 764-9506.

Upcoming Trainings:

This Sunday, December 4th at 11:45 A.M. at St. Margaret's Episcopal
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, 7:00 P.M. at Corpus Christi

If you would like any training in your own church, please contact Dana at 764-9506.

Day Center Needs

Body wash
Shampoo and Conditioner
Laundry Detergent
Disinfectant wipes