Abundant Compassion Project

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for
them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The size
of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are
few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to
send out workers for his harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38

Thanks to a generous $10,000 gift given by a member of
our church, we created the Abundant Compassion Project.
Our goal was to cultivate a harvest of compassion in our
community. One thousand dollars was granted to ten
compelling nominations.

Grants were open to individuals, small groups, and ministry
teams within the church. In keeping with our value of
abundant compassion, the grants will fund a project entirely
or be the seed for a much larger endeavor.

The needs around us may feel as big as ever,
but we can do for some what we would love
to do for everyone. As a community, let’s be

praying to our compassionate God as we
send workers out for his harvest.

Rebuilding Together Aurora

Rebuilding Together Aurora is a safe and healthy
housing organization that provides homeowners
in need with critical home repairs, home safety
modifications, and energy efficiency upgrades.
Grant funds will be used for an upcoming repair
project for veterans’ homes.

Camerata Chicago

Camerata Chicago is a chamber orchestra serving
Chicago and its surrounding communities with
performances of great music featuring musicians
of global distinction. Grant funds will provide free
tickets to those who would otherwise be unable to
attend the Handel’s Messiah concerts in November.

Roseland Community "Good
News" Day Care Center

The Roseland Community “Good News” Day Care
provides free day care for children of teenage
moms, college moms, and low-income moms in
the Roseland community. Roseland's mission is
to provide Christ-centered child care in a nuturing
environment and to give encouragement and hope
back to the community. Grant funds will be used
for new classroom shelves to hold school supplies.

Living Abundantly Ministries

Living Abundantly Ministries is a non-profit ministry
working to strengthen the capabilities of churches
from all faith backgrounds to promote a Christ-
centered culture of healthy living in congregations
and neighborhoods. Grant funds will be used for
scholarships for students and low-income seniors
in Wheaton and Southside Chicago churches to
participate in a spiritual wellness program.

Immanuel Myanmar Church

The Immanuel Myanmar Church was established
in 2010 for immigrants from Burma to gather in
Christian community. For the last year, the church
has worshipped at First Pres Wheaton. Grant funds
will be used to support a new church building of
their own.

Set Free Ministries

Set Free Ministries serves inmates in prisons and
jails in Missouri and Illinois. Each week, volunteers
and staff share God’s word with these inmantes.
Grant funds will be used for Bibles and study books
for ministry in Cook County jail.

Christmas Sharing

Christmas Sharing is an all-volunteer charitable
organization run by a coalition of Wheaton and
Warrenville churches, including First Pres, that
provides assistance to families in need during the
Christmas season. Grant funds will be used for
purchasing additional winter coats for Christmas
Sharing week.

Special Needs Ministry

Recognizing that many families in our community
are dealing with any number of special needs,
this project envisions creating a safe space and
good care for those families. Grant funds will
help provide the resources for a ministry or
program to support these families.

Community Outreach Event

In expressing the First Pres value of joyful
generosity, this project will offer food, fellowship,
and fun for people in our community who would
otherwise not have many resources to spare.
Grant funds will provide this at no cost to people
in our community.

Mission:USA The Bridge

Mission:USA is a Chicago-based nonprofit non-
denominational Christian missionary organization
that helps troubled, disadvantaged, and at-risk
people make positive changes in their lives, fueled
by a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The
Bridge is a weekly program designed to help men
and women coming out of prison find a new church
home. Grant funds will help provide food and
supplies to help support the weekly gatherings.