If you're looking for a Christmas gift for a loved one, choose to give a gift in honor or in memory of someone special through our Christmas Offering! Income we receive from this offering will be divided equally between our local mission partners, namely: Jackson County Neighbors in Need, AWAKE, Circles of Hope, and Blue Ridge Health Jackson. When you make a contribution to this Christmas Offering, the church will send an informative–and handsome!–Christmas card to the person you are choosing to honor. Christmas Offering envelopes are available in the pew racks in both our sanctuary and in our church office.
Appalachian Shoe Boxes
To quote a favorite hymn, “Because I have been given much, I too must give.” You have been very generous in providing for children in Africa through Operation Christmas Child. This is the first year our church will also participate in the Appalachian Shoe Box ministry. These boxes will go to McCreary County, KY, the poorest county in the U.S.! Many children there receive no other Christmas gifts. If your heart is willing and your pocket book able, please consider giving to this cause using the list below.
Appropriate for all boxes: toiletries and grooming supplies (any bottles of liquids should be put inside a zip lock bag), travel size products, fine warm hats, gloves and scarves, school supplies such as pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, etc.
For K-6 possibilities: markers, crayons, balls, toys, hair bows, hair clips, card games, Legos, books, $5-$10 gift cards from Dollar Tree or Dollar General
For high school: gift cards from Dollar Tree or Dollar General, deodorant, body lotion, perfume, balls, wallet, socks, nail polish, lip gloss, flashlight.
Please label the box according to the intended age.
Any candy should be in a separate bag for distribution.
There’s an area in the Loving Kindness Room for gathering the boxes by this Sunday, November 19. Church member, Teresa Manring, has kindly offered to deliver the boxes during a business trip to Kentucky in early December.
Book Sale
Please join our own Karen Monteith in The Fellowship Center on Sunday, November 19 from Noon - 2:00pm for a Book Signing Party!
Just in time for CHRISTmas gift giving, Karen will be happy to sign and dedicate her book which is perfect for your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and those special children in your life.
Karen is generously donating all proceeds to 1st Explores.
CHRISTmas Treats to Eat will be provided by The Dorothy Edwards Circle.
A Note from Circles of Hope
Dear Fellow Friends of God,
Your most generous donation to Jackson County Circles of Hope is greatly appreciated. We have a new class in progress. Due to people like you and your blessed donations and receiving special grants, Circles of Hope are able to hire a part-time Case Worker for our organization starting in January 2018. Our summer class graduated and are on their way to accomplish their goals and success.
Through these classes and being matched with mentors of our community has helped our endeavor to address underlying causes of poverty and helping people attain economic stability.
Truly, you are demonstrating your loving compassion for others. We thank you and encourage you to stay involved with Circles of Hope; our community needs enthusiastic and caring people like you!
Sincerely,
Laura Wallace
*Praise God & have a blessed day!
Christmas Break Bags
United Christian Ministries Needs:
400 fruit cups for Christmas break bags
There are 450 children in Jackson County Schools who are eligible to receive free lunch and breakfast but who will not receive them during the long Christmas break. UCM will provide a special bag of food for each one. Churches have been asked to provide items selected for this purpose. We have been asked to provide fruit cups. The deadline is Nov. 26 to have them in the Loving Kindness room.
Rock-A-Thon
Our 1st annual Rock-a-Thon was a success! We raised $1,010.00 for United Christian Ministries youth food boxes. Thank you so much for your support and we look forward to having a rocking good time again next year.
A Note from Diana Fisher
Dear church family,
Thank you for the cards and many well wishes after my surgery. Also, thank you for the visits to Jim while he was in respite care. Your love and kindness mean so much to us.
- Diana Fisher
Nursery Volunteers Needed
The nursery is growing, and we need your help! We need two volunteers each Sunday morning in the nursery during the worship hour. Please contact Meredith Keskula at m.keskula@yahoo.com to sign up or ask any questions.
A Note from Betty Blanton
I guess it goes without saying that you surprised me Sunday with your celebration of my 80th birthday. I was speechless. It made me feel so good to know how much I am loved by my church family. Thank you for the many wonderful cards and gifts. It makes turning 80 not near as painful. I love all of you with all my heart. See you on Sunday. Love, Betty Blanton
Pastor's Tea
The Pastor's Tea was a great success! Thanks to everyone for coming out to enjoy a marvelous afternoon together!