The Gift of Giving

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”  (John 3:16)

Christmas is often referred to as the season of giving, a term prompting remembrance of the indescribable gift God gave the world when He sent His Son to offer the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful today if giving gifts at Christmas reminded everyone of that Greatest Gift Ever Given, and if every gift were given – and received – with a sense of joy and gratitude? As we often say, we don't know who is more blessed, those who give or those who receive. For Living Stones, the month of December was all about gifts -- gifts given and gifts received. And as we look back, we do so full of gratitude, not only for every gift and every giver, but for the ultimate Giver.



We are thankful for the generous donations Living Stones received from others, which enabled us to bless our neighbors at each of our locations with Christmas bags containing, among other items, heavy winter socks collected and donated by members of Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church, and warm hats and scarves gifted by St. Clair Health employees. Included in each beautiful, reusable bag made by Christians in Africa was a Christmas card reminding our neighbors of the reason we celebrate Christmas and of our love for them. All were happily handed to our neighbors by volunteers who wished them a blessed and joyous Christmas. 



In addition to the Christmas bags, neighbors in need of winter coats were invited to select a new or gently used one from a large selection collected and donated by members of North Way Christian Community Church’s Dormont Campus. And in February, we will distribute new, warm pajamas being collected and gifted by the UPS Women’s Leadership Group and Community Connections for the Pittsburgh Region. Our deepest gratitude to and for all.



We are also thankful for the love and support extended to Living Stones by two of our amazing partners from whose facilities we serve each month. Members and staff from both North Way and Fairhaven were quick to jump in, even during this busy time of year, with logistical and hands-on help to resolve serious plumbing issues so that we could serve as scheduled. They understand our commitment to never miss serving when and where we are scheduled, including Christmas Day. How grateful we are for these partnerships.

As truly wonderful as these gifts are – and they do help to sustain us – there’s nothing more important or appreciated than the gifts of time and energy given year-round by our dedicated team of volunteers, tiny support staff, and Board of Directors. Month after month – and year after year – they pick up, track, and deliver food; plan, prepare, and serve meals; schedule and direct volunteers; manage and track data; inventory and purchase supplies; manage finances; apply for grants and pursue other funding opportunities; develop, write, produce, and distribute communications materials; manage projects; plan fundraising, appreciation, and other events; and perform a myriad of other tasks too numerous to list. These people are the heart and soul of Living Stones, without whom God’s ministry would not – could not – exist. We couldn’t be more grateful.



As we look back on this 2022 season of giving, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the many gifts and givers who have so abundantly blessed both Living Stones and our neighbors. And we look forward to sharing the love that came to earth on that first Christmas with everyone God sends our way in the year ahead, all to His honor and glory.



Come to the Table

Second Sunday of every month

Baldwin United Presbyterian Church

201 Knoedler Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Third Sunday of every month

North Way Christian Community Church

Corner of Espy Ave. & Potomac Ave.

Dormont, PA 15216

Across from Potomac Avenue T stop



Last Sunday of every month

Fairhaven United Methodist Church

2415 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Celebrating 10 years of being God's

hands and feet!

To support the work we do, simply scan a code below or make a check payable to

Grow Living Stones and mail it to

GROW Living Stones, PO Box 13077, Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Thank you!

GROW Living Stones fosters the cultivation of relationships with neighbors who join us for meals at Living Stones tables. As relationships develop and deepen, GROW Living Stones volunteers come alongside those individuals and families to assist them in navigating the challenges in their lives and encourage them to find hope in Christ as they learn to trust Him.

"Won't you be my neighbor?"

Fred Rogers