News from Operation Christmas Child
Reaching the Unreached
The Himba people of Namibia had not heard the Name of Jesus until Operation Christmas Child shoebox distributions were conducted in some of their villages in 2019. We praise God to know that Christian fellowship is now happening in six villages, and two churches have been built! Children participated in The Greatest Journey discipleship program and as they shared their faith with others, the number of believers multiplied. The Himba villagers learned about the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, so they no longer feared their ancestors or the spirit world. They learned they could have a relationship with God because of what Jesus did for them.
Giving with Gratitude
$84 was collected in September to go toward the $9 donation requested for each shoebox to be used for shipping and ministry costs. Thank you for GIVING WITH GRATITUDE!
Harvest Bazaar
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our 2021 Harvest Bazaar! We earned $1986.50 to go toward shipping costs and other ministry expenses related to the shoeboxes we will send on their journey to children around the world.
Praise God for His Provision!
OCC fund raising has gone so well this year we will be able to sponsor some children to be enrolled in The Greatest Journey course.
2021 Packing Parties
As we did last year with much success, we will have a series of smaller packing parties instead of one huge one. The first was held on Saturday, September 25. Our small, but able group packed 85 shoeboxes for 2-4 year- olds.
Our second packing party is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 13. (That is an early release day for MCS students.) Students should report to the fellowship hall after dismissal. Youngsters under 10 years old should bring a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teenage cousin or babysitter with them for assistance with packing. Older children and teens are encouraged to invite friends to join them. It is always fun to share the Good News with those who may not have heard it! Any adults who are free in the morning are invited to gather at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall to assemble shoeboxes. Children of ALL AGES (students, retirees, stay-at-home parents) who are free in the afternoon are encouraged to meet beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon to pack shoeboxes. We should be finished by 4:00.
Our final packing party is scheduled for Sunday, November 7. Stay tuned for more details!
In addition to the shoeboxes we pack together, some families like to shop for gifts and pack on their own. Please see Mary Lou if you need boxes to fill.
2021 Collection Week
Volunteers are needed at the drop-off site we host for collection week, Nov. 15-22. Please see Mary Lou if you can give some of your time to receive shoeboxes and pack them in shipping cartons.
Thank you for supporting Operation Christmas Child with your prayers, resources, and talents!
+ + +
Sundays
Join us for Coffee & Fellowship before and after Sunday worship. And you are invited to sign up to help.
Youth Education – 10 a.m. Classes PreK-Kindergarten, 1st-3rd, 4th-6th, and 7th-12th grade. Masks will be required. Will not meet on 10/10
Bible Study: Sundays, 10 a.m. 6 weeks on Ezra-Nehemiah. (Will not meet on 10/24).
Nursery: help create a safe and comfortable place for families during worship- volunteer to be in the nursery! We need two people (unrelated) each Sunday to provide the space starting after the 2nd hymn until the last.
To read scripture sign up on foyer the Table.
+ + +
SITWAY- or Blessa-Student: We’ve had a practice of sending care packages to college students. If you’d like to take a name, see instructions on the Foyer Table. The church can cover shipping for UPS packages through the Hardware Store.
Church Property Work Day: October 16th, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The list of “things to do” include window washing, cleaning siding, weeding, garden work, leaf raking, etc. for outdoors and maybe some projects for indoors. We will ask for volunteers to provide refreshments.
Church Directory available. Request a copy from Pastor Jeff.
Finance Committee Meeting, 10/7, 1 p.m.
Consistory Meeting, 10/14, 6:30 p.m.