Yellow Bag November/December – The Season of Giving

In November/December, our congregation actively participates in several opportunities to give back to our community.  So, for your Yellow Bag donations, please consider supporting one or more of the following causes in November/December:

The Alternative Gift Market

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree

HumanKind Ministries’ Operation Holiday

Wichita Alternative Gift Market

The 30th annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market is Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hillside Christian Church (8330 E. Douglas).  This year, our congregation is once again supporting a reading project – INSPIRE THE JOY OF READING – in Ethiopia.  Books are desperately needed for Ethiopian children, and this project makes reading accessible for children and families through donkey and horse-powered libraries, as well as children’s reading festivals and camps.  Your donation will improve literacy and encourage Ethiopian children to embrace the joy of reading.  If you can’t make the market, we will host two minimarkets at the Church on Sunday, November 9 and 16.

See more details on the bulletin board by the coffee bar.  NOTE: We need volunteers for our table during the market on November 7, 2025.  If you can help for an hour, the sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree

The annual Salvation Army Angel Tree collection is another way to give needy children in the Wichita area a special Christmas.  Just stop by the tree when it is set up, take an angel, and follow the instructions on dropping off gifts and wrapping gifts.

HumanKind Ministries’ Operation Holiday

Finally, a third way to give a helping hand to those in need in our community is to support HumanKind Ministries’ Operation Holiday.  Food and gift items will be collected in barrels located in the Church.  Just drop those donations into the barrels, and they will be delivered to the distribution point.  Collection will start in early November.

We are a very giving congregation, and we certainly have a servant’s spirit.  Donating to one or more of these holiday programs allows us to do God’s work on earth.  Thank you for your generosity.

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Food Assistance with the November Suspension of SNAP

Grace is taking food donations starting in November and continuing until the federal government reinstates the SNAP food assistance program for those in need.

We are supporting the Covenant food pantry and maintaining an emergency food supply here at Grace. In 2024, the Covenant food pantry served families 1,514 times, a 40% increase over 2023. By August 1, 2025, they have served around 850 families – about 125 a month.

They are expecting a dramatic increase in the need for those who are unemployed and work for the federal government, as well as those who now have no safety net in the form of SNAP benefits.  They take any shelf-stable food items or monetary donations to buy fresh vegetables.  If making a financial donation, please include ‘Yellow Bag Food’ in the memo line, whether by check or through mygpc.org donations.

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The Season Giving is Upon Us

In November/December, our congregation has multiple opportunities to give back to our community. So, for your Yellow Bag donations, please consider supporting one or more of the following causes in November/December:

  • The Alternative Gift Market
  • Angel Tree
  • HumanKind Ministries Operation Holiday

The 31st annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market is Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hillside Christian Church (8330 E. Douglas). This year, our congregation is supporting the Donkey Mobile Libraries project in Ethiopia. Ethiopian children desperately need books, and this project makes reading accessible for children and families through donkey-powered libraries.

Your donation enhances literacy and inspires Ethiopian children to discover the joy of reading. If you can’t make the market, we are hosting two minimarkets at the Church on Sunday, November 9 and 16.

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Stewardship: Talents for God’s Kingdom

God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents and abilities. Stewardship is about using those gifts faithfully for the glory of God and the service of others. As Paul reminds us, the church is one body with many parts, and each part is essential. Here at Grace Presbyterian, there are numerous ways to utilize your gifts, including singing in the choir, serving on committees, teaching, caring for children, extending hospitality, or assisting with outreach.

As we reflect on our theme of ‘New Beginnings: Serving in Faith,’ let us dedicate our talents anew to the work of the church. Together, our gifts create a tapestry of ministry that brings hope and healing to our community.

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Stewardship: An Opportunity to Participate in the Community of Grace

Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:24 – ‘But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.’

A Fresh Start in Faith

As we begin Stewardship Month at Grace Presbyterian, we reflect on the theme ‘New Beginnings: Serving in Faith.’ Just as Israel was called to remember God’s great works in 1 Samuel 12:24, we are reminded to serve Him faithfully with all our hearts.

Our church is entering a season of new beginnings with the arrival of Pastor Kevin Ireland. This is a time of renewal, of stepping forward in faith together. Stewardship is not only about financial giving. It is also about offering our time, our prayers, and our talents for God’s kingdom. As you consider your pledge for the coming year, remember that every act of service, every gift, and every prayer strengthens the ministry we share.

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