Dear Friends,

Greetings from Chelten Avenue, where the message, “Jesus Never Fails,” continues to shine brightly from our rooftop sign, lighting the cold, dark nights that come earlier and earlier each day! Inside, we are warm and cozy (our new windows do a great job keeping the heat in). And more importantly, we are surrounded by the warmth of love, family, and festive cheer. Friends bring blessing after blessing: gifts for our men, toys for their children, home-baked treats, decorations, and more. We are so grateful for you!

As Christmas approaches, all of our regular programming continues – and we’ve added some new things, too, like our sewing club. While trying his hand at a sewing machine for the first time, one resident, Joe, smiled and said, “I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and learning something new.” We also recently held a formal ceremony recognizing two men who earned their PA Commonwealth Secondary School Diplomas, complete with caps, stoles, and a processional to Pomp and Circumstance. Last year, I shared that Gregory had taken the third of five exams for his diploma – he passed it and went on to pass the two remaining exams! Just last week Wayne graduated and moved into his own place. Twenty other men are currently employed and saving toward an apartment. Every day, men are being encouraged in the grace and goodness of God as they are strengthened spiritually, emotionally, physically, academically, and socially.

In addition to our regular programming, we have many wonderful holiday traditions. A resident who has spent past Christmases here shared in chapel this morning that all the volunteers, gifts, and special dinners make the Mission feel like a family – and that makes him happy. Another agreed, saying he still cherishes the photo he has from last Christmas standing with a friend in front of our chapel Christmas tree. They agreed: the Mission is family. Thank you for helping make it so. Your generous support makes all of this possible. You don’t just enable us to be a family – you become part of it with every gift given, every cookie baked, and every hand-drawn Christmas decoration shared. These holiday “extras” help to make the Mission a warm and loving home.

As you and your loved ones approach the holidays, perhaps one of these giving options might resonate in a special way:

Family Gift Exchange: Instead of giving gifts to each other, some families bless our men by giving gifts to the Mission (cash, gift cards, or items for our men). For ideas or a wish list, call 215 438 3094 x 103. Donation receipts for each donor can be given.

• Special Year-End Cash Gift: Consider a year-end donation as an investment in the lives of our men. Large gifts help meet budgeted expenses and expand services.
• Gifts of Stock: You can donate appreciated stock directly to the Mission (consult your financial advisor for tax benefits). To arrange a transfer, call (215) 438-3094 x 103 or email hrice@whosoevergospel.org.
• Donor-Advised Fund Gifts: If you have a donor-advised fund, you can recommend that a grant be made to the Whosoever Gospel Mission.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): The Mission is able to receive up to a $100,000 Qualified Charitable Distribution from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) if you are 701/2 or older. You can make a QCD instead of taking your required minimum distribution (RMD). Your distribution must be sent by your IRA custodian directly to the Mission. The effect in most situations is both an income tax savings and an increased gift. Please consult with your financial advisor.
• Online and Recurring Gifts: You can save postage and time by setting up secure one-time or recurring gifts at whosoevergospel.org/donate.
• Gift Cards: While doing your holiday shopping, consider picking up a gift card for the Mission from Walmart, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Aldi, or Giant – all stores we frequent for food and supplies.
• PayPal Giving Fund: Search “Donate with PayPal Giving Fund” or go to PayPal Giving Fund’s website: www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/hub and search “Whosoever Gospel Mission.” We get the full value of your donation – PayPal doesn’t charge any fees.

Thank you for being part of the Mission family. With every gift, you extend love and contribute to a sense of belonging. The family that God nurtures here through your support truly is remarkable. If you’ve never experienced it firsthand, I invite you to come visit – I’d love to show you around. May the grace and peace of Jesus fill your heart and home this Christmas and always. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family!

In peace, hope and joy,

Heather L. Rice, D.Min.
Executive Director