Celebrating Growth and Giving Thanks With Community Service
Elijah Waterman: Hey—aren’t you…?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Wait! Aren’t you…?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Elijah!
Elijah Waterman: Taylor Joy! What are you doing here?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: What am I doing here? What are you doing here?
Elijah Waterman: I’m here to talk about the Church Of Christ’s 110th Anniversary!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Well, I’m here to talk about how, since last year, one of the biggest, most impactful and funnest, and even life-changing things happening in the Church is…
Taylor Joy Lagpacan and Elijah Waterman: …the INC Giving Project!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Wow! I’m so glad we’re here together for this!
Elijah Waterman: I am too!
[SHOW INTRO]
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: In January of 2024, the INC Giving Project exploded back into action with exciting launches around the world.
Elijah Waterman: But did you know that the INC Giving Project has actually been around for over a decade?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Elijah, how old were you in 2011?
Elijah Waterman: I was about six years old. How old were you?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: I was 12 years old.
Elijah Waterman: Oh, okay.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: The first INC Giving Project I remember was a Teachers Appreciation Day.
Elijah Waterman: Nice.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: My friends and I prepared a musical performance for the teachers and attendees. I remember having a blast rehearsing with my friends leading up to the day of the event, and seeing the teachers so happy, feeling appreciated.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: We sang, “Give thanks—” and we all remember the choreography till this day.
Elijah Waterman: Oh wow! The first INC Giving Project that I remember, was a food drive and a canned food distribution my local did back in 2012.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Nice. Well, let’s check in with those who were there when it all started.
Brother Bob Pellien: The Church was primarily just having, what we called the Lingap Sa Mamamayan projects or the aid to our fellow man projects, mostly there in the Philippines.
Brother Bob Pellien: In 2011 in Los Angeles, when the first INC Giving major project happened, it was right after the dedication of the new house of worship in Los Angeles.
Aliw Pablo: One of the biggest impacts is opening our chapel doors and our compound gates to the neighborhoods all over the world. And especially for those where it’s a brand new house of worship, they’re able to do a chapel tour as well.
Aliw Pablo: And so when they got to know, “What? I can go in, even though I’m not a member of your Church?”
Aliw Pablo: It really softened their hearts. And it made them want to know more about the Church and to get to know the brethren.
Elijah Waterman: And getting to know the members of the Church Of Christ and our community has been at the heart of the project ever since.
Brother Bob Pellien: It broke down the barriers of uncertainty between the community and the Church. They knew that we’re here for them—we’re here with them—and they’re always welcome.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Throughout the years, the kinds of events that have connected us with our community have included…
Elijah Waterman: Neighborhood Appreciation Day,
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Police Appreciation,
Lt. Allan Roman: Overall, probably the one of the most positive experiences I’ve ever
been involved with in my career in law enforcement.
Elijah Waterman: Firefighter Appreciation,
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Military Appreciation,
Elijah Waterman: even disaster relief.
Flood Victim: We haven’t had anybody to actually walk the neighborhood saying, you know, “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” But I think this really meant a lot to me. You know, it may not mean a lot to others, but it meant a lot to me. You know, for somebody to actually show you that they care.
Elijah Waterman: And Teacher Appreciation.
Ms. Maynier:Yeah, teachers appreciation, which is so nice because we never really—because we never really—we really appreciate that.
Ms. Molefta: Yeah—it was our first time and we loved it.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh, and of course, Winter Wear Drives,
Elijah Waterman: Food Drives,
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: and A Help Up.
Elijah Waterman: Wait, wait, which one is that again?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh, it’s an event to connect jobseekers with resources for employment.
Elijah Waterman: Oh, okay. Gotcha!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: You know, growing up with the INC Giving Project meant that I started learning about the importance of kindness at a young age. I remember my parents would take me and my little brothers to INC Giving activities.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Everything from Firefighter Appreciation Days to community cleanups to Teachers Appreciation events; my family was always so happy going to these activities.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Being exposed to these projects helped me break out of my shell and realize the importance of helping our communities.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: One of my favorite INC Giving events was Singing For A Cause at elderly homes.
Elijah Waterman: Ooh, nice.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: I have this one really vivid memory of personally greeting and hugging one of the residents after our performance. Yeah, I’ll never forget how happy and appreciative she seemed and that big smile on her face.
Elijah Waterman: That’s such a sweet memory!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: You know, Elijah, moments like this showed me that kind actions can have such a positive impact on others.
Elijah Waterman: It’s so humbling to think that the INC Giving Project has had such a big impact, not just on our lives, but the lives of other people all around the world.
Murrielle Esteban: I never really used to do volunteer work. The INC Giving project has helped me to realize that a smile, a couple of words, a couple of hours with somebody
makes a big difference to someone who’s really struggling in life.
Nicole Constantino: Thanks to this project of the Church Administration, love, encouragement, appreciation and hope have been spread to the community.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan and Elijah Waterman: Whoa!
Elijah Waterman: Do you see that?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Yeah, I do! That’s so cool!
Elijah Waterman: Wow!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And every week we get to share INC Giving events happening in every corner of the globe.
Elijah Waterman: Most of the photos and videos we see of events today are shared on social media. But in 2011, social media was nothing like how it is today.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: When the project first started, in order to bring the stories to you, the viewers, INC programs like the INC Giving Show had to rely on media volunteers in districts around the world to record the events and submit the stories.
Elijah Waterman: But now this has become our window into the latest events. I see tons of posts all about volunteering, and making connections with people.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: This is one of those times where we can be truly thankful for the technology at our fingertips because it really can bring us closer together across the ecclesiastical districts in the Church Of Christ.
Brother Bob Pellien: Here we are, so many years later from that initial launch—it continues. We’re thankful that all of the districts continue that and keep it alive and well because of its effectiveness and because of the need.
Elijah Waterman: And the need in 2024: to help our community, reach out and introduce ourselves…
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: …and connect with them in personal, meaningful ways that leaves the door open for relationships built on faith.
Elijah Waterman: That’s just as important today as it was in 2011 when this all started. And so in 2024, INC Giving relaunched in a big way all around the world. You see all of these happy and excited faces? I definitely felt that at our relaunch event in San Francisco.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Mhmm, likewise with us in Temecula. Let’s see your excited face, Elijah! Nice.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Shortly after all these kickoff gatherings you started to share your INC Giving projects and the response was tremendous.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: There was so much content worldwide that the only way we could keep up would be by starting the INC Giving recaps that we share every week on incmedia.org, incgiving.org, and all across our social media platforms.
Elijah Waterman: Yeah.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: There were so many memorable moments from the relaunch and this, this little cabbage. Well, this cabbage was like the ball that got everything rolling.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: This simple act motivated INC Giving volunteers everywhere to contribute to this kindness movement, to do something, anything in their own way.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And that little ball grew and grew and grew and it became the most enormous cabbage of kindness.
Elijah Waterman: Yeah, exactly! Because next we started to see neighborhood appreciations everywhere, like these volunteers who were up at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday just to help their fellow commuters start their day.
Elijah Waterman: I don’t know about you, but this is me at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday….
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Elijah? Elijah?
Elijah Waterman: Oh, sorry. Where was I? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Um, check out this neighborhood appreciation held on an old airport runway.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: How about free eggs for this community in Alberta?
Elijah Waterman: Or these care packages handed out to those in need, like in Paris and Vancouver.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And gently used clothes found new owners in a whole bunch of clothing drives.
Elijah Waterman: Neighborhood appreciations are the best! I’d be happy to go and bring my umm..appetite!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Yep, that sounds about right, Elijah! I’d at least bring some snacks to share.
Elijah Waterman: Cannot relate.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: But yes, I agree. Neighborhood appreciation events are such an awesome way to get to know people in your community.
Elijah Waterman: But also, we saw some unique INC Giving projects like waste management workers appreciation and appreciation for transit or transport workers.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh, and how about this one from the Coast Guard?
Elijah Waterman: It’s so cool that it was held at the Coast Guard station! And those are all great groups to show thanks and kindness to, since they do so much for our day to day lives.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And for our elderly or senior community, we hope they have felt the love through the INC Giving Project as well.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Check out these elderly appreciations and singing for a cause events in Greece, Great Britain, Canada, Wisconsin and Sweden.
Patricia Stevens: It was great to be able to talk to people. All the chats I’ve had have all been very good.
Elijah Waterman: Awesome examples of how INC Giving has grown globally. You know who else received our appreciation and gratitude?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Ummm…
Elijah Waterman: Taylor-Joy! It’s obviously first responders!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh!
Elijah Waterman: Law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses or medical professionals all receive some form of love from our INC Giving volunteers.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Students and schools benefited too! They received donations. And there were even teacher appreciation events.
Judy Kislik: It was a wonderful feeling to be appreciated. I think you guys opened it up to the whole community–to the public school teachers and I’m going to take this back to my own community and it was a beautiful event, it’s very nice, beautiful.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Things like cleaning and school supplies really helped alleviate costs for educators and students.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: This was one of my favorite stories, and I’m happy to say I’ve met this young little INC Giving volunteer named Hudson.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Even though he was on vacation in the Philippines with his family, he made INC Giving a priority and gave out school supplies to some students there.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: It absolutely warms my heart to see how caring Hudson is, and good job to his parents for raising such a compassionate young man.
Elijah Waterman: Yeah, way to go Hudson!
Hudson Buenavista: Just like the Bible has taught me in Proverbs 3:27, it states, whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Which leads me to our last super power–generosity. There’s always room in your heart to help others. I believe that we can use all these superpowers and can drastically–and I mean drastically help change the world.
Elijah Waterman: And hey, do you remember this cool INC Giving project where free rides were given on skates?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh how fun!
Elijah Waterman: Wow, that’s so cool!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: But what a fantastic way to help our fellow residents by helping tired commuters get to where they’re going.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And the free rides did not stop there. Whether it was by tricycle, jeepney or even car, commuters were treated to free transport by caring and generous volunteers.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Check out this INC Giving project in freezing temperatures in Slave Lake, Alberta. I know I would have appreciated a ride in a warm vehicle instead of standing outside waiting for the bus or walking.
Elijah Waterman: Speaking of one huge way to show the community you care about is by donating blood. Just like these blood donors who gave the gift of life all over the world. Now that’s a lot of sleeves rolled up and a lot of lives saved. Amazing job to all those volunteers.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: 100%. That’s just incredible!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh! Thank you very much, INC Giving volunteer! You know what else happened through the INC Giving projects, Elijah?
Elijah Waterman: What’s that?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Our world got a little cleaner with all the coastal and community cleanups all over the globe.
Elijah Waterman: Oh yeah! Malta’s beach cleanup even made the newspaper.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And Port Moresby was shown on the local news. Then there were park cleanups in San Diego, Nevada, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And in colder climates—INC Giving volunteers got a great workout by shoveling snow like in Ohio, and honestly, just about everywhere in Canada.
I wonder if I’ll ever get to shovel snow.
Elijah Waterman: What I love is that we’re reminded that giving back to our communities doesn’t have to be on a grand scale, or through a huge group effort, like our young friend here who gave out free donuts to her community.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Oh, I remember that one! Such a simple but great way to show some kindness.
Elijah Waterman: For sure! And who doesn’t love donuts? What one?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Absolutely!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And these volunteers, they handed out free dish soap to their neighbors.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: This family held a cool skateboarding fundraiser for a children’s hospital through Capes For Kids.
Elijah Waterman: And we had several volunteers who gave back to food pantries or food banks. Hey! Taylor Joy, is that you?
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Yeah! That is! That was a great activity to participate in.
Elijah Waterman: And in the Bay area, Belle, Nikki and their friend Rogelie, donated books to a library and also gathered food for a food bank.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And through all of these INC Giving projects, not only did we give back to our communities and help out our neighbors, but we shared our faith in the process.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Jasmine from Temecula, California had a coworker join her when she helped pack meals at Community Mission of Hope.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And in Vancouver, when the volunteers there had a beach cleanup, people who were just walking around approached them to collect their recyclable bottles.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And during their little coffee break, a visitor from California, Gemma, came over to ask for restaurant recommendations in the area. After chatting for a bit, Gemma asked about their INC Giving shirts and so the Vancouver crew gave her one of the care packages that contained incmedia.org and incgiving.org cards so she could learn more.
Elijah Waterman: Honestly, with a big group wearing the same INC Giving t-shirts, I’m sure people must have been curious and asked many questions.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Definitely. And we really hope that this kindness movement only gains more momentum going forward.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: We’re diving into the exciting future of the INC Giving Project!
Elijah Waterman: And how the younger generation of volunteers is taking the initiative to make a big difference in our community!
Kez Gutierrez: I’ve been involved with the INC Giving Project ever since it launched. So I started when I was really young, and I continued to be part of the project.
Kez Gutierrez: I actually grew up with the INC Giving Project. And so the best part about it is seeing the project get bigger and bigger. Being so global, even more worldwide, that everyone around the world is helping the communities in every way that they can.
Kez Gutierrez: And the best part about it for me is seeing people my age, who also grew up with the project, continue to be part of the project. And even younger people, joining in to help their communities in every way that they can.
Elijah Waterman: One of the most impactful ways our younger generation is contributing—through food donations. We’re organizing food drives, collecting essentials, and distributing them to those in need—spreading love and care throughout communities.
Love Ann Sison: It’s through the INC Giving Project, we can show them we’re not just helping the communities here, we’re doing it all over the world—and it makes us feel really proud to be members of the Church Of Christ.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Our young volunteers are showing their gratitude to those who serve us daily through Appreciation Days.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: From teachers to firefighters and police officers, they’re saying a big “Thank you!” With heartfelt cards and small tokens of appreciation.
Shirley Anne Prentice:
It’s been a joy to have you—to have everybody here. I’ve never known anything like it. I have lived here a long time and this is the happiest, gentlest, likable I’ve ever known.
Elijah Waterman: And let’s not forget our seniors! Senior Appreciation Days are filled with joy and compassion. Young INC Giving volunteers are spending quality time with the elderly, sharing stories, playing games, and simply brightening their day.
Aliw Pablo: We hope that INC Giving can be a project that can continue for generations to come. That it’s something that young people in the Church—no matter where they are, what language they speak—that it’s something they can invite their friends to come—”Hey, volunteer with me!” And that’s how they introduce the Church.
Brother Bob Pellien: Profound missionary impact was a vision that Brother Eduardo had that we didn’t anticipate, in the very beginning.
Nicole Constantino: I am always all the more inspired to share my faith and the Christian values.
Elijah Waterman: The future of the INC Giving Project looks brighter than ever with the youth leading the way. We’re excited to keep growing, helping, and making a difference—one community at a time!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: Together, we’re building a brighter future—one act of kindness at a time.
Elijah Waterman: And as we celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Church Of Christ join us in the INC Giving project and be part of this incredible journey!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: For more information on how you can get involved visit our website and follow us on social media. Elijah, it has been really good being together in person! Let’s keep on spreading those good vibes every week on incgiving.org.
Elijah Waterman: Absolutely, Taylor Joy! And don’t miss out on any of our weekly recaps and all the excitement.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And don’t forget, whenever you possibly can—
Elijah Waterman:
Say it with us now!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan and Elijah Waterman:
Do good to those who need it!
Taylor Joy Lagpacan: And Happy 110th Anniversary to all the Iglesia Ni Cristo members all around the world.
Taylor Joy Lagpacan and Elijah Waterman:
Bye!
[SHOW EXTRO]
