During the holiday season, many of us look for opportunities to engage in charity or serving others. In this episode, Pastora Angelina Zayas, CEO and Founder of The Gap Community Center in the North Austin neighborhood of Chicago, shares her story, her passion and her experience with loving others well.  Through her story and some of ours, we share lessons learned and practical tools for serving others well.

To serve at the GAPC/Gap Community Center Christmas Store, click here: https://signup.com/go/ZhDYMOx

To donate to the GAPC/Gap Community Christmas Store, click here: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gap-community-center-christmas-store?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2B4803-donation-alert-v5

Things to remember: 

1)    Each person was created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity. 

2)    When we serve others, we serve with respect, humility, gratitude and openness. 

3)    When we serve, we seek to honor, empower and build relationship. If these things are lacking, the serving may be more about us than about those we serving. 

4)    We can begin serving exactly where we are, loving our neighbor right across the street. 

5)    God is already working. We are not saviors. We are people who are invited to join in God’s work of redemption, transformation and Shalom. This is a gift! 

6)    Be creative, courageous and loving! 

7)    Reflect with your kids after you’ve served. What did they think? Learn? How did they/you grow? 

Ideas for serving: 

1)    Bake cookies, write a kind note and deliver them to your neighbors. Meet your neighbors if you have not! 

2)    Provide babysitting coupons for single moms and dads in your life. 

3)    Reach out to your church and write cards or visit shut-ins this holiday season. 

4)    Go to a local refugee or immigrant owned business. Say hello. Ask questions. Learn. Listen. Make a purchase. 

5)    Welcome international college students into your home over the holidays or for a dinner. Many international students can’t get back home due to visa restrictions. 

6)    Serve at a shelter for people who are currently homeless. Find a center that refers to guest by name, allows guest to serve with you and share a meal with you. 

7) Serve at or support a Christmas store, such as the Gap Community Center. 

Organizations we love for serving/partnership: 

1)    The Gap Community Center-Youth Advocacy, Domestic Violence Shelter, Food Pantry. www.gapcommunitycenter.org

2)    World Relief-Refugee and Immigrant resettlement and advocacy. www.wr.org

3)    New Community Outreach-Youth advocacy and trauma work. www.newcommunityoutreach.org
1)    Subculture Incorporated-emergency scholarships and support for black college students and those who serve them. www.subcultureinc.org

2)    Breakthrough Urban Ministries-empowerment for homeless individuals and advocacy for youth and families. www.breakthrough.org