Expressions of Love

Driving west on Freedom Drive, it’s easy to miss Christ Resurrection Church. No colorful signs announce what looks like any other church or community building. But, what goes on inside Christ Resurrection Church (CRC) every weekday afternoon is changing lives.

Each afternoon, the “A Better World” program takes over the rooms of CRC, and 1st-12th graders in the Ashley Park neighborhood are offered a safe place to go after school and be mentored by caring adults.

The women in Christy Berkau’s LifeGroup chose to get involved with ABW one year ago when they heard about the Thursday night “Family Fun Night” ABW sponsors.

“Our group was praying about an opportunity to serve hands-on in the inner city,” explains Christy. “A Better World had a need for enthusiastic volunteers and we liked the idea of helping families grow closer.”

Several months into serving with ABW, Christy’s group was inspired to do something big for A Better World as a “thank you” for impacting the families of Ashley Park.

“We knew the next step as a LifeGroup was to share what we’ve learned during our LifeGroup meetings – the power of God’s love and the power of community,” explains Christy. “That growth in our own lives prompted a desire to share God’s love in a more tangible way with ABW.”

That opportunity came when the pastor of Christ Resurrection Church, Ken Gilliard, asked volunteers from Forest Hill to come up with ideas to support ABW following the summer months when funds are low.

“Our LifeGroup and another FHC LifeGroup (Janet and David Dougherty’s couples group) took Pastor Ken’s request seriously and decided to do something really big that would make an immediate impact,” says Christy.

The LifeGroups organized a yard sale on October 10 in order to raise a large amount of money to donate directly to ABW for whatever needs were most immediate. After a long day of selling, negotiating and receiving donations, the LifeGroups raised almost $3,000!

“All the money raised went to purchase supplies for the after school program and supplies to re-stock the ‘Good Scents’ store at Christ Resurrection Church,” explains Christy. “It was great to give so much money to bless the after school program and the church, but our LifeGroup was blessed even more when we saw how grateful ABW was to receive this gift. That was the real blessing to us.”

Christy encourages other LifeGroups to give back to inner city partners that do so much for the Charlotte community. “It’s easy to give one day a month serving dinner or tutoring kids,” she explains. “But, think outside of the box and be creative about large ways your LifeGroup can help these ministries help families in need.”

To learn more about A Better World, and how LifeGroups can serve, click here.