Holy Week: Four Services, One Story
March 22, 2024
“Every infant comes into the world looking for someone who is looking for her,” says psychiatrist Curt Thompson. Such longing goes beyond our first moments and continues throughout our lives: “Am I wanted? Am I seen? Am I valued?” The gospel speaks the ultimate “yes” to this question. Jesus welcomed the poor, the ostracized, the lonely, and the little children to His side. He reached (and reaches still) to heal wounds in those whose past has included deep hurts, including abortion. Jesus is looking for every one of us. As we are ourselves touched by the gospel, we learn to welcome others.
The need is nothing new. And in many ways, the need begins on a practical plane. A new parent is far more likely to welcome her baby with joy and peace if she has some basic resources in place. In this summer of 2022, we have the opportunity to team up as a church body to provide tangible resources to moms and dads facing an unexpected pregnancy as they welcome their infant(s) into the world.
And so, we are excited to bring back the ThriVe baby shower this summer! At this special event on August 30 you will hear about ThriVe’s life-affirming care of women in our community and their compassionate approach to assisting women (and men) facing crisis pregnancies. A delicious lunch is included with the $15 registration fee to help support the work of this important local ministry.
What is ThriVe? ThriVe is a local ministry supported by Central missions that defends the unborn by supporting women and those close to them during crisis pregnancies, encouraging men and women to adopt a Godly view of sexuality, challenging men to fulfill their responsibilities in positive ways, and leading those served to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. For many years through the ThriVe Shower, Women in Ministry has purchased new essential baby items for families in need. In 2019, more than $10,000 in baby care items were purchased, including 30+ car seats, 30+ pack & plays, bouncers, swings, high chairs, etc., along with many lovely handmade items!
This year’s Shower begins in Fellowship Hall at 10 am, with lunch served at 11:30 am.
FAQ
Q: What kinds of donations are needed, and how do we participate?
Here’s how it works: In the weeks before the shower we shop to meet the needs that ThriVe has requested. Shopping in advance enables us to display Central’s offerings at the shower so that everyone can see the deep generosity outpoured. Especially this year with supply chain and shipping challenges, now is the time! The easiest ways to support this effort are
- You can make a (tax-deductible) monetary donation using the “Donate” link below and Central volunteers will purchase what is most needed. (Monetary donations made to the church in advance are tax-deductible. (Checks must be mailed to the church office at 7700 Davis Drive, 63105; please include “Thrive” in the memo. Important: the $15 registration fee is not tax-deductible and should be sent by separate check.)
- You can shop directly via our “Thrive Central” Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TJ346HJREGR3?ref_=wl_share. Your purchases will ship directly to the Thrive Shower.
Q: What about handmade or gently used donations?
We welcome handmade knitted items (hats, booties, blankets, etc) and handmade sewn items! New or very gently used maternity and baby clothing (sized newborn to 2T) is also much appreciated. Small items such as these can be delivered to the ThriVe Shower bins (on the lower level near the Nursery entrance) on Sunday mornings throughout August.
Q: Who is invited? May I bring a guest?
Please consider bringing a friend or family member to join you! This event is open to all (men or women), and children may attend when accompanied by a parent.
Realistically, what we can offer is so small in comparison to the great needs all around us. I’ve certainly let such thoughts paralyze me in the past. Yet Jesus Himself invites us to give what little we can and watch Him multiply it- multiply resources for the needy, multiply encouragement for the weary, multiply welcome for the questioning.
Because He sees, He values, He is looking for every single one of us.
