Becoming GLOCAL with Mosaic
Glocal Ministries exists plans and executes tangible ministries locally and globally! That means is that we get to dream tangible action into reality with the generous hearts and willing hands and feet of Crosspointers.
December 2011 is a perfect example. At the end of November, only a few months into our existence as a church, we introduced everyone to Mosaic Centre in NE Edmonton. Incredible God stories came out of that event.
Wanting to provide ample variety for generosity we offered Three Giving Opportunities: 1. Money, 2. Hampers, Backpack & Gifts and 3. Participation in the Onsite Party.
The money target goal was set at $4,400.00. These funds would be used to cover the operating utilities of Mosaic Centre during the cold winter months. Crosspointers came through BIG and we were able to present Mosaic with a cheque for $5,600.00!!
Crosspointers donated:
- 20 backpacks stuffed with warmth and love!
- 25 Christmas hampers filled with food, Christmas goodies and love!
- 60 gifts for the Christmas Party planned for December 28.
We all know it’s NOT a party without FOOD:
So Crosspointers brought on the food: Turkeys, hams, perogies, potatoes, frozen corn, pickles, cream, butter, buns, cheese cakes…and perfect beverages to balance it off!
December 28 Mosaic Christmas Party:
Early in the morning on Bonnie, Karl and their family began transforming the frozen raw food into a masterpiece of mouth-watering delectables! A banquet fit to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus!
And what a party it was! About 20 Crosspointers headed to Mosaic Centre for an evening building relationships around Food! Games! Gifts! Santa! And Caroling—Ray, Brenda and friends kept everyone’s toes tapping until the warming bus arrived! An evening filled with memories for everyone!
Listen to their stories!
Wow, what an experience, the week and 1/2 prior to going to the Mosaic Centre I felt empty of God’s presence. Let me say I believe I was in the desert or maybe under a spiritual attack. How can that be? We are in one of the Best Times of the year the birth of Our Lord, and Saviour. I had Pastor Rob pray for me that Sunday Dec 26, By the end of the sermon I had my answer as to why: I was to be empty to be able to feel the Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control all over again. I was humbled, and felt all the above gifts from the people at the Mosaic centre. I felt it in myself and witnessed it with the other volunteers and staff. Some of the patrons will be in my heart forever. God Bless us everyone! (Brenda Walmsley)
I would have to say that my experience at Mosaic was a one that I will treasure forever. When I first got there I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt calm and easily started chatting with the patrons and staff there. I will never forget a young man’s laughter that rang throughout the centre--a person meant to fit in everywhere. When we began caroling, several of the men were great at joining in and help lead the singing with us. Everyone who was at Mosaic made us all feel welcome. They were such a great group of people that just need some friendship, and some just a change in their luck. My wife and I were so touched by the experience that we are considering volunteering at the centre. God touched a lot of hearts that evening and I would be the first to say I would do it again in a heartbeat. (Ray Walmsley)
This was my third time at the centre and it was great to see familiar faces…especially Jack and Ron. Mosaic is a warm community. The night truly was a party with lots of fun and laughter as we played games, smiled as children sat on Santa’s knee and sang along to Christmas Carols.
My job was to serve the meat- ham, and turkey, dressing and gravy. I felt like a Ukrainian Baba (sorry all you Ukrainians I’m not Ukrainian or a Baba) but I literally heaped people’s plates as high as they could go as people came through the serving line and specified what items they wanted. Many came back for seconds, and even took doggie bags home with them. It gave me a great sense of joy to do this!
Perhaps, this is a glimpse of the Father’s heart toward us. I think that He enjoys it when he can throw a party for us, lavish us with good things and love on us. (Jan VanVleit)
For me (Linda), this local project solidified my heart the role GLOCAL ministry has at Crosspoint. It was phenomenal from start to finish! For me, the Christmas season was extremely unique. I will share it with you next advent season. I am confident Jesus was pleased with his birthday celebrations! (Isaiah 58)
Now it is time to think GLOBAL! ….oh yes! Great dreams are being dreamt!
Here are some of the pictures from Mosaic:
