Christmas Grace: Sharing the Spirit Since 1994

An Update on the History and Heart of a Cherished Tradition

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time once again to reflect on one of Church of the Servant’s most beloved outreach programs: Christmas Grace. What began over 30 years ago as a simple act of staff support has blossomed into a vital ministry of hope, generosity, and God’s love.

Humble Beginnings: 1994

The story of Christmas Grace begins in the winter of 1994, when the Church of the Servant staff lent a helping hand to Putnam City CareShare. The request came through Linda Brinkworth’s office and was organized by her assistant, Stephanie Leenders. What started as a single-season initiative would soon evolve into something far greater.

Becoming a Mission-Driven Task Force

As the church’s mission efforts expanded, so did the vision for this Christmas outreach. With the addition of Jeremy Bassett and a more structured mission program, the initiative became an official Task Force under the church's Mission Council. During this time, we shifted our focus toward helping local partner agencies—those with connections to COS and clients truly in need. To better communicate our goals, we called it Christmas Family Adoptions—a name that made our mission clear: matching families with donors to help meet holiday needs.

A New Name, A Deeper Purpose

Over time, questions arose about the use of the term “adoptions,” prompting the Mission Council to reconsider the name. After inviting the congregation to share ideas, a beautiful new name emerged: Christmas Grace. The name reflects the heart of the ministry—to extend the grace and love of God through the act of giving. It was a small change that made a big difference, better aligning our language with our purpose.

Listening and Growing

In 2006, the leadership team invited the congregation to participate in a survey to shape the future of Christmas Grace. Many offered valuable feedback, and as a result, the “wish list” portion of the family request forms was revised. The changes made it easier to understand the needs of each recipient, ensuring our gifts were as meaningful and helpful as possible.

Christmas Grace 2025: Continuing the Tradition

This year, the program will serve six partner agencies, reaching about 120 individuals, from infants to seniors. These are people facing difficult circumstances—families for whom your kindness can make all the difference.
Here’s how you can be part of this meaningful tradition:

  • Adoption Table Open Dates:
    • Sundays, November 2, 9, and 16

  • Gift Return Deadline: 
    • Sunday, November 23

As always, we invite the entire church family to participate—whether by adopting a family or individual, donating, or volunteering. Christmas Grace remains a shining example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

As we approach this season of giving, may we remember that in each wrapped gift lies a message far greater than the item itself—a message of love, dignity, and grace.