Shepherd's Heart 11/7/25
Dear Good Shepherd Family,
Gifts of Impact — Sharing God’s Love Near and Far
When we look at the world today — the conflict, division, suffering, and uncertainty — our
hearts can grow heavy. The needs around us can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to even begin. We long for God’s peace, His justice, His healing. And in moments like these, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the magnitude of it all.
But God’s Kingdom invites us to be different — to step out not in fear, but in love. To reflect His heart in a world aching to see hope. And there is no better time than this season to live that calling.
So where do we start?
We begin small — with one simple act of kindness, one moment of generosity, one expression of Christ’s love. Because every act of love — no matter the size — pushes back the darkness. It whispers to a hurting world: There is another way. The way of Jesus. The way of love. And that way begins with us. This season, you are invited to join God’s work of renewal — to bring hope, dignity, and joy to our neighbors near and far through simple, tangible gifts that make a lasting impact.
Ways to Share His Love in Action
Operation Christmas Child
Children around the globe will receive a shoebox — opening not only a gift, but also hearing the story of God’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus.
Bridge Communities
Local families experiencing housing insecurity will receive everyday essentials like laundry
detergent, paper towels, and toothpaste — small gifts that restore dignity and bring Christ’s
love into their homes.
DuPage Care Center
Elderly residents will be blessed with thoughtful gifts that remind them they are not forgotten— their lives still matter deeply to God and to us.
Foster Care Ministry
Children in foster care will know they are loved, valued, and seen as we help fill their Christmas with warmth, joy, and belonging.
Cherish Watoto — Kenya
Students and families will receive food bags to sustain them during their school break — a life- giving expression of hope for those living on only a few dollars a day.
Every gift, every prayer, every act of compassion says:
“You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten.”
When we give, we don’t just meet a need —we become the hands and feet of Christ in a world longing for His presence.
This is what it means to follow Jesus:
to see pain and respond with love,
to notice those who feel overlooked,
to choose generosity over fear,
and to shine His light right where we are.
May this be a season where lives are changed —the lives of those we serve, and our own lives as well.
Let it start with us.
Let His love be known through us.
And may the light of Christ shine so brightly through His people
that the world cannot help but see Him.
Click HERE to explore all Gifts of Impact opportunities and collection dates.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
With gratitude and hope,
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
Gifts of Impact — Sharing God’s Love Near and Far
When we look at the world today — the conflict, division, suffering, and uncertainty — our
hearts can grow heavy. The needs around us can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to even begin. We long for God’s peace, His justice, His healing. And in moments like these, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the magnitude of it all.
But God’s Kingdom invites us to be different — to step out not in fear, but in love. To reflect His heart in a world aching to see hope. And there is no better time than this season to live that calling.
So where do we start?
We begin small — with one simple act of kindness, one moment of generosity, one expression of Christ’s love. Because every act of love — no matter the size — pushes back the darkness. It whispers to a hurting world: There is another way. The way of Jesus. The way of love. And that way begins with us. This season, you are invited to join God’s work of renewal — to bring hope, dignity, and joy to our neighbors near and far through simple, tangible gifts that make a lasting impact.
Ways to Share His Love in Action
Operation Christmas Child
Children around the globe will receive a shoebox — opening not only a gift, but also hearing the story of God’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus.
Bridge Communities
Local families experiencing housing insecurity will receive everyday essentials like laundry
detergent, paper towels, and toothpaste — small gifts that restore dignity and bring Christ’s
love into their homes.
DuPage Care Center
Elderly residents will be blessed with thoughtful gifts that remind them they are not forgotten— their lives still matter deeply to God and to us.
Foster Care Ministry
Children in foster care will know they are loved, valued, and seen as we help fill their Christmas with warmth, joy, and belonging.
Cherish Watoto — Kenya
Students and families will receive food bags to sustain them during their school break — a life- giving expression of hope for those living on only a few dollars a day.
Every gift, every prayer, every act of compassion says:
“You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten.”
When we give, we don’t just meet a need —we become the hands and feet of Christ in a world longing for His presence.
This is what it means to follow Jesus:
to see pain and respond with love,
to notice those who feel overlooked,
to choose generosity over fear,
and to shine His light right where we are.
May this be a season where lives are changed —the lives of those we serve, and our own lives as well.
Let it start with us.
Let His love be known through us.
And may the light of Christ shine so brightly through His people
that the world cannot help but see Him.
Click HERE to explore all Gifts of Impact opportunities and collection dates.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
With gratitude and hope,
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister