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This past weekend Jackson continued our series in John as we look at how we need to be feasting on Jesus. What does it look like to feast on Jesus, and how do we do it on a daily basis?

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This past weekend Kensen shared a challenge with us as a church. He spoke from Matthew 5:3 and asked us what it would look like to completely lean on God. What would it look like to have nothing, yet everything in our Lord?

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Do you have questions about what Kensen is teaching? Leave a comment below, or ask us by clicking here.

This is an update from our Christmas Toy Store that we hosted in order to provide for the needs of our surrounding community. We hope you will celebrate with us as God enabled this to be a great success.

The fourth annual Toy Store at Park Community Church was a great event. Thanks to the generosity of many donors from our church and community, we were able to purchase hundreds of toys and invite approximately 180 families from Park’s partner ministries – including By the Hand Club, SLAM, C2A tutoring, and Parkside of Old Town – to shop at our “store.” On Saturday, December 17, approximately 85 volunteers showed up to  greet our guests, serve baked goods and hot drinks, work as retail assistants and cashiers, wrap gifts, make Christmas crafts with the kids, and even play live Christmas music for the guests as they relaxed and waited to shop. With the partnership of Help-Portrait Chicago, we were also able to offer free professional family portraits to all of our guests.

One of my favorite stories from the event is of a young mother who got extremely excited when she saw a learner’s electric keyboard on one of the tables in her store. She said that her daughter asked for two electronic toys for Christmas. Her mom was startled at the price of each toy and asked the daughter, “Are you sure there’s nothing else you want?” Her daughter assured her there wasn’t. The mom decided resolutely to set aside money, and saved up enough to purchase just one of the items on her daughter’s list. When she came to our toy store to buy some small items for nieces and nephews, she was shocked to see the other gift her daughter had asked for – the learner’s electronic keyboard – available for just $5. She was overjoyed that she was able to give her daughter BOTH of the Christmas presents she had requested.

Another great story is of a single mother who brought her entire family – 7 children – to get their family portrait taken together. The mother confided that she had been waiting 20 years for a professional family portrait, but had never had the opportunity or financial resources to have one taken. When she saw the portrait that we were able to print out on the spot and give to her family, she started to cry.

Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who donated money or toys, showed up to serve, and made this event a success. We hope to see you next year!

This past weekend Jackson Crum continued our series in John as we are reminded that Jesus is the Bread of Life. What are your goals for spiritual maturity in 2012? How are you going to achieve those goals?

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Do you have questions about what Jackson is teaching? Leave a comment below, or ask us by clicking here.

This is a young woman’s story who attends the Near North Campus. It is a great reminder of the transforming power of Christ and an encouragement to continue to fulfill the vision God has given us.

I was born and grew up in Christian family in South Korea. I went to church every Sunday and participated in many church activities. After going to college, I started doubting the Bible and judging the claims made in the Bible. Shortly after, I quit going to church.

Last August, I came to Chicago for graduate school. Coming here was scary because I had never left South Korea except for short trips. I knew no one, and had no idea what I was getting into. I worried about my future. It was not just worrying, but it was fear. Having been in Chicago for about a month and a half, I became fearful of everything in my life and out of this fear, I became a mean person. I judged other people. I did not trust people and even hated them. It was serious and I started worrying about myself. Why was it that I kept on being this way? Where did this dark side of me come from?

In September, I decided to do something about how I was feeling. About that time, I was invited to attend church with a friend from school. I went to church and after attending once I wanted to continue. I started to think differently. I decided to join Alpha. It was through Alpha that I experienced the love of Jesus Christ, especially at the Alpha retreat. That experience gave me great relief and peace of mind, which allowed me to let go of the fear for my future. What I didn’t know was that this was just the beginning. On my way home from the retreat, I reflected on my life and realized how arrogant and judgmental I was. I couldn’t sleep that night and I knew I needed to pray for forgiveness. I prayed and that was the real moment that I became a Christian.

God now guides my life. In Him, I realized that I am not alone and I no longer fear anything. I take comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ is always with me and he loves me. In Christ’s love, I feel I can do everything. I started to pray every day for thankfulness, peace and hope and I prayed to have love for all people, even those I had hated. My new life in Christ is amazing and I want to share my experience with other people.

I want to hear your thoughts on this…

Agree? Disagree? Why?

Leave a comment below…

This past weekend Jackson Crum reminded us of our vision for the city of Chicago. God has placed you here for such a time as this. It is not by coincidence or chance. What are you doing to renew your city for Christ?

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This past weekend Jackson Crum took us through Matthew 14:22 and the fear that Peter faced as he stepped out of the boat to follow the Lord. What fear is present in your life? Find out how to handle this fear, and what role the Lord plays in that process.

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You can also follow along with Jackson’s teaching notes as you watch or listen to the message.

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Do you have questions about what Jackson is teaching? Leave a comment below, or ask us by clicking here.