Christmas Challenge

The Soapstone Christmas Challenge

This Christmas, we invite our congregation to look beyond traditional gifts and remember how blessed we are. Instead of buying presents, consider giving a donation in honor of someone you love—or encourage others to give on your behalf. Together, we can share Christ’s love and make a real difference for those in need.

Our challenge focuses on:

• Recognizing our blessings

• Looking outward to help others

• Praying for those in need

How to Give 
Choose any of these easy options:
• Visit the Christmas Challenge table in the Narthex during December.
• Place your donation in the offering plate at the Christmas Eve service.

Your gifts will support three impactful ministries:

Arise Collective: Arise Collective is a  501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina whose mission is to equip women with the tools and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive, both in prison and in the communities to which they return.

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the prison and jail population.  Even though they have paid their debt to society and can become successful, productive citizens, far too often they face significant barriers to obtaining jobs, housing, social services and more. Arise Collective believes that systemic problems require holistic solutions.  We strive to interrupt cycles of poverty, addiction, and violence by providing much-needed resources, a helping hand, and community for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. To learn more about Arise Collective, click here.

Carolina Rebuilding Ministry: CRM is a faith based nonprofit organization that focuses on repairing homes to foster the health and well-being of residents in need in the Eastern NC area.  Repairs are made with primarily volunteer labor and donated materials and can range from floor joists and subfloor replacement to roofing.  Soapstone is uniquely equipped to serve in this capacity due to our amazing tool trailer that was funded by our generous congregation several years ago. To learn more about CRM click here.

North Raleigh Ministries: North Raleigh Ministries equips families and individuals in crisis with the resources and skills they need to achieve stability. Key services include food assistance, one-on-one case management, and Pastoral Care. They also operate a thrift shoppe to sell donated goods, with proceeds supporting their programs.  To learn more about NRM, click here.
Core services

• Crisis assistance: Offers support for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, with services focused on helping them move toward stability.
• Food assistance: Provides help through a food pantry, including crisis assistance, tailored support for those in programs, and a “self-shop” market experience for clients working on financial and personal stability.
• Coaching: Provides one-on-one coaching and empowerment coaching to help clients navigate challenges and create a path toward a more self-sustaining future.
• Pastoral care: provides emotional, social and spiritual support by connecting individuals to support systems.