TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Christmas For Giving, Church Says

ADVERTISEMENT

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: December 4, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - With the economy slumping and Christmas right around the corner, many people might be upset, but not Jeff Olsen of Wesley Chapel. He sees this as an opportunity for people to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Olsen, the pastor at Grace Community, said he thinks of Christmas as a time for giving, not getting.

"Christmas is a time for celebrating God's gift by being compassionate and caring for others," Olsen said. "A lot of families are going to have to simplify this year because times are tight. This is an opportunity to rediscover Christmas: It is not supposed to be about overspending and consumerism, it is supposed to be about the humble beginnings of Jesus."

He is encouraging people to go out and get involved in their community and to help others.

"There are things people can do instead of shopping," Olsen said. "I keep telling people you don't need an organization to help people. You can share with your neighbor or reach out to a co-worker as a secret Santa."

Not only is Olsen a pastor, he also is a father to four daughters: Karissa, 9, Madison, 7, Olivia, 5, and Julia, 3. He said he is teaching his daughters to have reasonable expectations.

"We are teaching our daughters to be thankful for what they have," Olsen said. "We are going to have them write a list on Thanksgiving for what they are thankful for then we will have them make a share list for ways they can help others. Then they will make a reasonable wish list for a few fun items they really want."

Olsen is not only teaching his daughters, he is also hoping to teach the members of his church about the gift of giving. About a dozen volunteers helped to serve and organize food at Metropolitan Ministries the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Kara Thompson, 15, of Wesley Chapel said volunteering at the ministries helped to open her eyes. She said she agrees with Olsen that Christmas shouldn't be about getting gifts, it should be focused on friends, family and faith.

"We helped to serve snacks and to direct people through the lines," Thompson said. "I never realized how many people go through this. We helped probably about 2,000 people in one day."

Marcelina Sitaf, 13, of Clearwater said she likes to help out with community outreach because it makes her feel good.

"I was excited to help serve food, because I knew I was doing what God wanted me to do," Sitaf said. "Helping all those people really made me thankful that I have all this when some people don't have anything."

On Saturday, members of the church will volunteer at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce's second Holiday Festival in the Park where festivities will include a tree lighting ceremony, children's parade, bounce houses, children's activities, and other holiday entertainment. Members of the church also will help Toys For Tots on Dec. 20 to help distribute toys at Wesley Chapel Elementary School.

The church also will provide some faith-based entertainment at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at with a children's program called "A King Is Coming." At 6 p.m. Dec. 24, the Christmas Eve service will include a Christmas story, a special message and gift for each child, a brief devotion and caroling.

On Dec. 28, there will be no services so families can plan a family service at home or worship with other families. Regular services on Sundays at 9 and 10:30 a.m. will resume starting Jan. 4.

The church meets at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in the Meadow Pointe subdivision.

For more information, visit http://exploregrace.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT