December 2012 | Quarterly Issue | Giving One's Time & Talents

Two of Needle’s Eye's small group members have been captured by the vision and mission of Church Hill Activities and Tutoring (CHAT), founded by Percy and Angie Strickland. With 3,000+ at-risk children living in Church Hill, many of whom have suffered some form of abuse, CHAT takes these children off the street after school, builds a relationship with them, tutors them, and teaches them life skills and Scriptural truths.

When Doug Rucker, a member of a Friday morning men’s small group, moved to Church Hill, his heart broke for the children living there, and he immediately became interested in, and

involved with, CHAT. He serves on the board, attends various functions, and has helped with legal work and fundraising.

“I consider this my mission field. I don’t need to go to Haiti; I have more than I can ever do in Church Hill,” says Doug.

He also talks endlessly to his small group about CHAT.

SEEING BEYOND ONE'S WORLDIt’s not just another game of cornhole

Bill Selden, who attends the same small group with Doug, heard about children who were learning wood working skills through Nehemiah’s Workshop. A program offered through CHAT, the Workshop teaches youth how to conduct basic home repairs, use common household hand tools, and build small projects. Projects include picnic tables, toy chests, lamps, and cornhole sets.

Bill’s company, CP Dean, sells gameroom equipment and cornhole games. He decided to contract with Nehemiah’s Workshop to make a set and noted that the quality was excellent. With Bill’s guidance regarding a few minor changes, Nehemiah’s Workshop acquired Richmond Parks and Recreation as a client – which soon became their number one customer, ordering cornhole sets for all of their recreation centers!

“In our small group, we agreed that when an opportunity is presented to help others, you have to take that opportunity. Big or small, you need to follow through in whatever way you can,” says Bill. “You may not be able to build a building, but you can lay a brick.”

Bill adds, “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a child see beyond their world. Their world in Church Hill is not pretty. CHAT gives them the opportunity to see much more.”

Ra’Quan and Jurfawn are building corn hole games to sell. These “student entrepreneurs” work at Nehemiah's Workshop on week-ends and during the summer.

Kaitlin gets help from a volun-teer at a “Whacky Wednesday” activity. Kids are paired with an adult at Nehemiah's Workshop to build a project - anything from a toolbox to stilts!

NEEDLE’S EYE NEWS

IRON SHARPENS IRONFinding Encouragement and Guidance Through Mentoring

What could an investment advisory professional and a graphic designer have in common?

Six months ago, that was the same question Laura King asked herself when she was partnered with Holly Delano through the Needle’s Eye Young Professionals Mentoring Program. “I felt comfortable in my professional development but knew that I needed spiritual guidance and encouragement,” said Laura.

Holly is happy to provide that guidance. She disagrees with Laura, though, in that she believes Laura is very spiritually mature for her age. “When I read Laura’s bio, she seemed a lot like me. We clicked in-stantly. Even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, it feels like much longer.” She paused. “I hope she doesn’t mind my saying this, but she even feels like a daughter.”

Over time, they developed an “iron sharpens iron” relationship. “There will be moments in the day when I’ll think about Laura and pray for her. I’ll send her Scriptures, and she’ll respond back, ‘I needed to hear that!’ In those moments, I know God is sharpening the both of us. I’m hearing His voice, and she’s receiving His message.”

“Holly has encouraged me to get in a better habit of reading my Bible,” Laura added. “Now I find myself encouraging the youth at my church and challenging the girls I’m mentoring. I feel more prepared to be that role model for the younger generation.”

Both Laura and Holly have said that this experience has been a blessing.

“One of my concerns coming into this was that I didn’t have much time,” said Holly. “In reality, it’s been such a blessing. God has laid Luke 6:38 on my heart: ‘Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will de-termine the amount you get back.’ (NLT)”

“Let’s be honest, it doesn’t take that much time to let someone know you’re praying for them,” said Holly. “And what you give you get back – several times over.”

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM BUDDY CHILDRESS

“15He is the image of the invisible God… 16For by him all things were created… 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through

him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his

blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15a, 16a, 19-20 (NIV)

Christmas is the story of the event in history that defines love. It is the story of the One who was before creation, as well as the Author of it, coming to earth in the Person of Jesus Christ to reconcile that which was lost. It begins the watershed period of history, a story of forgiveness and redemption that initially leads to death on a cross but ultimately produces peace and victory over death through resurrection. Christmas is about God the Father freely giving us His Son so that we might be reconciled to Him and thereby become His messengers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19). On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Needle’s Eye, may this Christmas be a season of love, recon-ciliation, and peace for us all!Yours in Christ,

Buddy Childress Executive Director

Holly Delano and Laura King

Are you interested in becoming or having a mentor? Contact Lisa Rattner at lrattner@needleseye.org.

In the fast pace of life, do you ever think about what you will leave behind? Jim DePasquale, AIA, president of DG Group Architects, does.

Jim recently shared why, as part of his legacy, he has cho-sen to leave a gift to Needle’s Eye in his will: “Needle’s Eye has given me my Christian MBA, and I want others,

especially the younger generation, to have the same experience available to them to be able to develop their business or profession through the lens of Christian principles.”

So how has Jim’s long-term involvement with Needle’s Eye become such a formative part of who he is as a business owner, employer, and community member?

Jim became actively involved in Needle’s Eye in the late 70s by participating in a Christian Presidents Group, attending Needle’s Eye seminars and workshops, and hearing speakers share their work/faith stories.

“I started my business in 1976 and became involved with Needle’s Eye shortly after its beginning in 1977,”

MILLER & RHOADS CHARITY CHRISTMAS TREE CONTESTNeedle's Eye is participating in a contest for the best Christmas tree this December! More than 50 non-profits in the Richmond area are competing, and the winning organization will receive a $1,000 grand prize.

YOU can help Needle's Eye win by casting your vote! Visit the Needle's Eye link between December 5th and Christmas Day to vote for the tree, themed: "Jesus Will Turn Your World Upside Down."

Needle's Eye will use the proceeds of the contest for the young professionals ministry, which has impacted more than 100 young adults within the last year. If you vote with a gift of $36, it will provide one hour of ministry through the Young Professionals Workshop, Young Professionals LIFE Group, or mentoring.

To cast your vote and make a gift, visit www.tinyurl.com/NEMTree

AN UPSIDE DOWN CHRISTMAS TREE?It's actually not as crazy as you might think. This is how it was originally done back in the day… Christmas trees were hung upside down from the ceiling as a sign of Christianity. So if you really want to get technical about it, you have been decorating your tree upside down all these years!

he recalls. “Through Needle’s Eye, I’ve learned how to use God’s priorities in both my business and personal life. I learned of God’s purpose for work and His management philosophy, as well as Christian principles for dealing with people – all as a practical application of faith.”

“Whether you work in a retail store downtown, a dental practice in the West End, or another place of business, the marketplace application of Christian principles learned through Needle’s Eye, alongside your church and faith community impact, will equip you with the day-to-day practical tools you need.”

God has blessed Jim with innumerable gifts, and he has touched countless lives. In addition, future generations will be touched by Jim’s life through his legacy gift that will enable Needle’s Eye to equip future business people with Christ’s values, ethics, and love.

In recognition of Jim and a number of others who have left a planned gift to Needle’s Eye through their estate planning, Needle’s Eye created the “1977 Legacy Circle” and celebrated the group in October with a luncheon.

WHAT IS YOUR LEGACY?

For more information on leaving a planned gift to Needle’s Eye, please contact Elizabeth Massie, Director of Annual Giving, at emassie@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283.

WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT ABOUT SMALL GROUPS?

In a small group, you’ll discover that you’re not alone.God never meant for any of us to go it alone in the Christian life. We really do need each other. Needle’s Eye provides Christian community through small groups around the city.

Want to get plugged in? Check out www.needleseye.org/small-groups. For more information or questions, contact Lisa Rattner, Director of Small Group Ministry at lrattner@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283.

RE-ORIENTED LIFE: VALUING SMALL GROUPS

A highly skilled and successful doctor, Tom Meeks used to begin every day filled with adrenaline and anxiety, determined not to get behind. When his marriage fell apart and back issues led to a sudden retirement, Tom’s thoughts turned to faith and how to give his life value. In 1990, he connected with Needle’s Eye and soon started attending a small group on Tuesday mornings.

Twelve years later, Tom’s passion now centers on small groups and mentoring. He is involved in a Needle’s Eye small group almost every day of the week and loves the opportunity to reach people there.

“Needle’s Eye small groups put people at different levels of faith together, allowing doubters to come with questions and giving skeptics the opportunity to be heard. The Word is alive, and God does it,” Tom explains.

But he jokes that he is often known as being over-the-top!

“As a young person, I was self-assured and self-focused, but now my assurance comes from certainty in my salvation and life experience. Before coming to Christ, I went from one confused spot to another, and I just want people to know and understand that you need to be obedient to God.”

Tom still wakes up early every day, but now his focus is on the King-dom of God, not on anxiety or getting ahead. Says Tom, “A life being lived apart from Christ is empty. There is no value. With Christ, life is completely re-oriented.”

UPCOMING SMALL GROUPS, EVENTS & MORE

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LIFE GROUPSwww.needleseye.org/young- professionals-ministry A group where friendship, food, and faith intersect.

When: Tuesdays, 6:45-9 PM Where: 8423 Yolanda Rd. Henrico, 23229

When: Thursdays, 6:45-9 PM Where: 11221 Eastborough Ct. Henrico, 23233

COMMON GOOD RVA CONFERENCE www.commongoodrva.com Our city needs many more Christians who see their vocations as a way to advance the common good of Richmond. Join speakers Andy Crouch & Dr. Amy Sherman to find out how.

When: Jan. 18-19, 2013Where: The Early Center, Union Presbyterian Seminary 3401 Brook Road Richmond, 23227Cost: $55

CROSSROADS CAREER EXPLORERS GROUP www.needleseye.org/special-events-workshopsA Christ-centered workshop for job-seekers: find your calling and purpose, prepare resumes, prep for interviews, network and more!

When: Wednesdays, Jan. 23- March 6, 6-8 PMWhere: Needle's Eye Office 104 Berrington Ct. Richmond, 23221Cost: $30