Amplify Kicks Off 2025 with Wonder

There was a buzz in the air as nearly 200 people packed into our room at Christ Presbyterian Church, including more than 80 first-time attendees!

Andrea McMaster, stepping into her new role as President of Amplify, set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome. She introduced the 2025 theme, Embrace Wonder, sharing a powerful message about the ripple effect of small actions. Accompanied by a short video clip of a single domino sparking a chain reaction, Andrea reminded attendees, “What you might think is small – your idea, brainstorm, or connection – can make a big impact. You may be the missing piece needed for a nonprofit to amplify their impact in our community.”

Participants were invited to reflect on their unique gifts and abilities, writing a single word that captured their God-given gift on a domino while enjoying the musical talents of Christian Anrkum & Lauren Moberg.  

Jo Saxton, our speaker for the evening, invited us into a year of wonder, exploring three profound ways to embrace it. First, she urged us to marvel at the wonder of the creation story and the Living Creator among us, asking, “What good thing does God want to create in your life this year?” She encouraged us to seize the opportunity to embrace the God who continues to create beauty and life.

Second, Jo reminded us of the wonder of being image bearers, uniquely gifted by God to bring good and life-giving things into the world. She posed the question, “What gifts has our Creator delighted to give you?” and challenged us to consider that our unique gifts and talents may have come from the very heart of God. 

Finally, Jo inspired us to embrace the wonder of partnering with God in the renewal of all things. She acknowledged the darkness and challenges of our world but emphasized the transformative power of redemption over mere coping. “Now is the time to dream,” she declared, reminding us that dreams often emerge in the darkest nights. She urged us to embrace our role as image bearers and partners in God’s creative mission, picking up the gifts we’ve set aside and redeploying them in service of the King of Kings, for the renewal of all things.

Founder of Coated in Love, Danielle Igbanugo, shared heartbreaking statistics about people facing homelessness in our communities and her God-given calling to meet them with love and kindness. Serving the community through a one day event called 3,000 Acts of Kindness, Igbanugo and the 100% volunteer-based team provide needed items and resources, while restoring hope and dignity. With a vision to bring this event to new communities, Igbanugo asked the Amplify network to help her reimagine how her largest operational expenses could be covered with in-kind donations so she can step into a paid full-time role and grow the organization.

Executive Director of ReSouled, Michelle Livingston Thorstad, shared the tremendous need among faith leaders in our community to receive mental health and wellness support. With a comprehensive proven program that includes individual therapy, group seminars, and support groups, Thorstad outlined the ReSouled Wellness Program created to provide a much-needed solution to address the complex and unique challenges pastors and other faith-based organizational leaders face. With a new name and big vision, she asked the Amplify network to help develop a plan to increase awareness and enroll local churches and nonprofits in the Wellness Program.

Amplify partners then rolled up their sleeves and got to work, sharing ideas, connections, and expertise to help each ministry overcome the barriers presented and reach new levels of impact. 

A special thanks to Schuler Shoes and Thrivent for sponsoring this event!