Leadership Meeting, February 13th, 7 p.m. (6:30 Consistory)
Christian Education 10 am Sundays. No Youth Education 2/16 (President’s Day Weekend)
February 9th, Potluck The Fellowship Committee is proposing that we try something new: Second Sunday Pot Luck. Instead of our usual coffee hour, we will gather for a shared meal. We want everyone to feel welcome to take part in the meal! It is not necessary for everyone to contribute food. Your presence will be the most important thing you can share. Please plan to join your MRC family on February 9 to enjoy good food, generosity, and hospitality!
Check out how ways you can help our church family, coming and going. Coming: Take a month to clean the sanctuary, volunteer in the nursery, read Scripture, or host coffee hour, or join a committee.
Going: Join the Mission Planning Team for conversations about how we are being called to go or look out for coming opportunities. The Food Pantry can also occasionally use volunteers. See Russ Ryan for details.
Sign up for the weekly connection email. Announcement reminders plus weekly prayer requests and occasionally other things of interest. You can sign up through the website: middleburghreformed.org
Operation Christmas Child
Destination Togo
The shoeboxes we packed last fall will bless children in the African nation of Togo. This small country in Sub-Saharan Africa gained its independence in 1960. Togo’s economy depends on subsistence and commercial agriculture. Half of the nation’s population lives below the international poverty level. Teacher shortages result in low quality education and high drop-out rates, especially in rural areas.
Please pray for the children in Togo who are recipients of our gifts. We know that through Christ all things are possible. May the Good News of Jesus lead the children, their families, and their friends to a brighter future!
Preparing for Our 2020 Packing Party
Some of the most cherished gifts children receive in their OCC shoeboxes are letters and photographs. Bundles of Christmas cards to which you may add a note are located in the foyer. Chase away cabin fever blues by writing cheerful notes to children!
During the month of February, we will be collecting toothbrushes (multipacks appreciated) and small stuffed animals. You may leave them in the OCC box in the foyer. Always be on the lookout for a bargain. Gifts of all kinds are always welcome!
As we grow the number of shoeboxes, we pack each year, we also need to grow the funds that cover shipping and the training and equipping of those who distribute the gifts. On September 19, we will be hosting our third Harvest Bazaar to benefit Operation Christmas Child. Please save the date! A new fundraising campaign for this year is called Giving with Gratitude. You will find more information in the foyer. Thank you for supporting Operation Christmas Child with your prayers all year long.