“For it is in giving that we receive.” ― Francis of Assisi Yuletide and holly, eggnog and mulled cider, family and friends, goodwill to men… Here it is again: the most wonderful time of the year! It’s when we get to celebrate God’s perfect gift: Jesus Christ, wrapped in swaddling clothes, adorned with grace, laid in a manger and worshipped by angels and men. In celebration of this most precious gift – as well as the significant gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense and myrrh) to the newborn Messiah – we also get to participate, giving to those nearest and […]

Ultimately, we are not measured by what we inherited but by what we do with the story we’ve been given. Steve Pemberton’s story is one of resilience. Born to an alcoholic mother, a murdered father and discarded by his sisters, he was placed in the foster care system at the age of three and had no memory of his family. By age five he had been in so many homes he’d lost track, and the people who eventually were entrusted with his care stripped him of his self esteem, hope or encouragement. “The teachers, nurses and doctors looked but didn’t […]