Brandon UMC has started preparing for two ministries they do annually:
Collection for Operation Christmas Child –
Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need around the world together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
By filling ordinary shoeboxes full of toys and other fun items, you can be part of giving boys and girls what may be their first gift ever! Local churches in more than 100 nations hand out these Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at festive outreach events where the Gospel is presented in a child-friendly way. Each box bursting with items such as a soccer ball, doll, or stuffed animal becomes a tangible expression of God’s love to the child, their family, and their community. Many shoebox recipients also participate in our 12-lesson follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey.
Empty shoeboxes and instructions are in the back of the church sanctuary. Take one, fill it, and return the filled boxes by Sunday November 23. We’ll take care of sending them in for distribution.
“Tree of Sharing”
Interchurch Social Services is again championing their “Tree of Sharing” Christmas outreach. Children in need of holiday gifts register for assistance. For each child we sponsor, our church will provide (at least) one toy and one clothing item.
> By October 6, we specify how many kids we’ll sponsor.
> By Friday Nov. 21, we’ll receive the children’s info.
> Gifts will be distributed on Wednesday Dec. 17. (And you could volunteer as a distribution helper!)
Thank you for being a part of these ministries!