Citylight Church is made up of people who live on mission to multiply disciples throughout our city. We gather on Sunday mornings for worship as the body of Christ and we scatter throughout the week to bring His light wherever He has planted us. We are not a place with programs; we are a people on mission. We love to connect people to live out their callings and present opportunities for them to engage their time, talents, and treasure in these areas.
One opportunity has been through a partnership with our neighbors at The Banyon at Montclair. Montclair provides nursing and rehabilitation for people. A few years ago, a friendship was made between a few members at our West location and with their Activities Director, Kevin Palmer. Since then, City Groups, members and families have come alongside Montclair throughout the year. This week was one of them with the annual Christmas wish lists. Members from West met at Montclair. One by one they sat and interviewed each of the 122 residents to hear what they would like for Christmas. With each interaction, a bigger perspective and blessing was received.
Kristine
“I do this because I love it. Even driving here today and pulling into the parking lot, I love it. Meeting and serving other people who are willing to be a blessing to this group of people who are largely unseen. I feel like I get what I want during the year. This group here who don’t have a whole lot of financial resources, it is a big deal to them to get a sweatshirt, a new pair of shoes, or a new coat. It’s exciting for me to get them things that they want and wish for. Not just everybody getting a blanket or everybody getting slippers ... But to get them things that they really want and can’t normally afford. It’s exciting and a blessing.”
Diane
“I serve because it brings me more joy. It’s wonderful to see the goodness of God all around us. I serve here because I have been drawn to this age group, and I feel like I can relate well to them. We serve to be a fragrant aroma of Jesus.”
Kate
“I think it is important to recognize at every stage of life we have worth and dignity. Sometimes when the people are not in the stages we are in, they are forgotten. There is nothing more beautiful in all the spaces where people gather and remembering that we are all worthy of being heard and being listened to and having our stories heard. To be offered the same value that people are offered on the outside of these spaces. Everybody should serve others.”
Mallory
“I am doing this to help contribute and give back to our local area here. It makes me feel connected and it gives other’s opportunities to be connected. We need each other. I think this is a population we don’t think about enough. It can be lonely. Everyone needs connection.”
Kevin, Activities Director
“I oversee happiness here at Montclair. I make sure life has meaning and purpose and enjoyment here for our residents. Some residents are here for a short period of time and some a longer period of time. I try to make sure I take care of their needs and have something to look forward to every day.
When we did this last year, I remember one resident asking for a new pair of shoes. They were falling apart and he was taping them. This church helped supply a new pair of Adidas. He would only wear the new pair for one day. He didn’t want them to wear out. He would do one day with the new shoes and one day with the old. He was so happy. He couldn’t believe that someone would go out of their way and buy something so valuable and meant so much to him. We might take this for granted. It’s beautiful to see these blessings and on a regular basis from this church.
When the church comes it makes me feel grateful. I love it. It’s not just one thing but multiple. We were able to put on a Fourth of July show for the residents this year. We had a banjo and singing, fireworks and we brought the residents out to the parking lot. It helped to make new memories today instead of only ones from the past for our residents.
I have seen residents come out for these activities that never had before. Now they are coming out of their room and doing these activities on a regular basis. It’s amazing. Life is good. People should serve because God is good, and he is good to them. Serving brings blessings back to you. Thank you Citylight, from the bottom of my heart. Our facility and residents are better because of you and are enriched and blessed because of people at Citylight Church. I am blessed. I get to have my mom here every day and be a part of people’s lives and this church.”
With each list written and accounted for, sweet connections were made between interviewer and interviewee. The bond between neighbors, Montclair and Citylight, were deepened. A bigger and greater understanding of God’s love for all and the call to serve was given and received ... “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving Montclair has become a joy, a privilege and an absolute blessing. Please join us.
If you would like to adopt a resident this Christmas, grab a gift tag at West starting Sunday, November 23rd. For other outreach opportunities, please contact Karen Cogdill.