News > January 2023

January 2023

Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Image

We asked, we prayed. God heard, you gave.

Thank you, thank you for helping in our year-end fundraising! We set a target of $400K, and you very generously contributed $393K making this our second-highest giving month on record! The final picture for 2022 is still pending as we await news of grant funding which was slightly delayed. Our annual report will summarize the amazing story of 2022, so stay tuned.

Not unlike most organizations, the start of every new year involves intense planning. This is a milestone season as we are entering the 15th year of Tree of Life’s journey. We have an abundance of ways for you to volunteer across Purcellville, Leesburg and Sterling as the year unfolds and our monthly Volunteer Introduction Program kicks off this month. See the regional dates below.

Some exciting plans are also underway to expand our Gospel Enterprise footprint – an official announcement coming in the next few weeks!

The Scripture we highlighted in the closing weeks of 2022 came from the Apostle Paul’s closing words to his friend Timothy when he spoke of finishing strong and keeping the faith. Thanks to you, we have been able to do that during December. The action now begins all over again for a new year, but with the same purpose – to reach out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Paul Smith
CEO
Banner
Banner

SBC’s GO FUND THEM Campaign: Results

Thank you for helping to FUND THEM!!

Your support left ALL at SimplyBe Coffee both humbled and honored. $86,181 (unbelievable!) was donated by our amazing community to support an amazing community of staff. Extending employment and internship opportunities to those with disabilities is one of the most impactful steps along the Tree of Life journey, and we cannot thank you enough for making this happen.

What better way to profile one of our Core Values – Community is our front line!

Please watch for future campaigns to Go FUND THEM during 2023! Thank you again!
Image

Save the Dates!

Volunteer Introduction Program: Sterling – 1/16, Leesburg – 1/19, Purcellville – 1/21

SimplyBe Connected: SimplyBe Coffee – 1/18 @10am

Story Time: The Clothing Closet – returning on 2/8

Give Choose – 3/28
Learn More
Banner
A NEW WAY FOR A NEW YEAR

Happy New Year! Let’s start the year out with a multiple choice question.  What does the new year look like for you?

  1. I’ve lost my way
  2. I’m still looking for my way
  3. I’m continuing the way that God has shown me
  4. I don’t know

Let’s read from Hebrews 10:19-25:

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus’ coming to earth opened a whole new way for me to draw near to God. I don’t need to rely on anyone else—not a priest, not a pastor—for me to draw near to God. Jesus is the only One I need to draw near to God.

Jesus has given me some action items that He wants me to do—to meet together, so I can encourage others and be encouraged by them. He also wants me to hold unswervingly to the hope He brings, not because of my faithfulness, but because of His faithfulness to me.

Now I can share the love of Jesus in full confidence in Him, as He shows me who He wants me to be. Through Jesus, I am a new person with new hope, for I have found a New Way.

Lord, thank You for providing a new Way to draw near to You. You are faithful to give me hope for a brand new year!  Amen.

Be blessed!
Chaplain Wayne