{"id":28743,"date":"2021-11-04T10:33:28","date_gmt":"2021-11-04T14:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=28743"},"modified":"2021-11-17T12:44:28","modified_gmt":"2021-11-17T17:44:28","slug":"operation-christmas-child-blesses-families-in-2021-11-14-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=28743","title":{"rendered":"Operation Christmas Child Blesses Families in 2021 (11\/14\/21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunday 11\/14\/21 was our day to celebrate Generosity.\u00a0 We did “generous things” such as submitting our “estimate of giving cards”, and Pastor Jim’s sermon reminded us that we are designed to be generous and that we miss moments of contact with God if we’re too focused on ourselves.\u00a0 But this Sunday was also special because it was the day when we presented our “Operation Christmas Child” boxes on the altar.\u00a0<\/span> <\/em><\/p>\n

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Operation Christmas Child<\/span><\/h3>\n

For the past couple of months, PUMC’ers have been filling special shoeboxes with items that could be used by kids.\u00a0 These “items” included little things like pencils, notepads, toy cars, yoyos, stuffed animals, soap, washcloths, and toothbrushes.\u00a0 They’re little “dollar store” items that most of us dismiss and take for granted.\u00a0 But to a family in need,these shoe boxes become expressions of God’s love.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Operation “Boxing Day”<\/span><\/h4>\n

In the weeks leading up to Generosity Sunday, pre-wrapped shoeboxes were made available in the Narthex.\u00a0 We picked one up, took\u00a0 a trip to the dollar store,\u00a0 and then filled our box with small items which were big enough to brighten someone’s Christmas….<\/p>\n

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On Sunday 11\/14\/21, we\u00a0 brought our boxes to church and laid them on the alter.\u00a0 The Youth Group, Our Father’s House Preschool, and others added to the collection of boxes,\u00a0 and over 100 shoeboxes were delivered to Samaritan’s\u00a0 Purse for distribution across the globe.<\/p>\n

Below is a small sample of the shoebox gifts which we donated to this year’s Operation Christmas Child…<\/p>\n

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To\u00a0 learn more about what’s inside of these boxes and about what Operation Christmas Child is, click this drop down box to read the website article which announced this year’s Operation Christmas Child.<\/p>\n

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Announcement Post<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

You can make a difference in someone’s life simply by going to a dollar store and filling a shoebox with stationary, toys, and other inexpensive items.\u00a0 You don’t even have to find a shoebox!\u00a0 Premarked boxes are available in the Narthex (or you can supply your own).\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

One of our “Christmas Traditions” is to participate in Samaritan’s Purse’s “Operation Christmas\u00a0 Child.”\u00a0 This is an easy way to show generosity with people who need our help.\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Operation Christmas Child<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

WHO:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Anyone!<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Make a child’s Christmas brighter<\/span><\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/span><\/strong> Return filled boxes to the church by Sunday 11\/14\/21<\/span><\/p>\n

$$$:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A few bucks at a dollar store and $9.00 for postage<\/span><\/p>\n

HOW:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Fill a shoebox with goodies.\u00a0 Read on for details…<\/span><\/p>\n

Reminder:\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If you pack your own box and leave it at the church for distribution, please include a check for $9.00 made out to “Samaritan’s Purse<\/span>“<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

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Share the True Meaning of Christmas!<\/span><\/h3>\n
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A shoebox filled with inexpensive gifts represents a priceless opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As church partners hand out shoebox gifts to children in need,\u00a0 they share the love and concern of people who have taken the time to give Christmas gifts to children they don’t know.\u00a0 And, Samaritan’s Purse will add to your gift by including booklets that tell the story of Jesus Christ in the local language.\u00a0 Your gift will not only brighten a child’s Christmas, it will also invite them into a relationship with God. \"\"<\/div>\n
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Operation Christmas Child delivers shoebox gifts all over the world by whatever means necessary; plane and ship to cart,bicycle, and raft. You can even track your shoebox on line, so you’ll know exactly where it’s going, and when it arrives (if you get your box from the church Narthex, scan the QR\u00a0 code that’s affixed to it). \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n
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As you pack your shoebox, please remember to pray for the child who will open it. Ask the Lord to use your gifts to reveal His great love and saving grace to a child in need. Pray that God will open doors to some of the world’s darkest corners.<\/div>\n
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Leave your filled shoebox at the church, and we will transport them to the local Operation Christmas Child collection center.\u00a0 Sameritan’s purse will then distribute the boxes to needy children across the world.<\/div>\n
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Who is Samaritan’s Purse and How Do I Pack a Box?<\/span><\/h3>\n
The following links to the Samaratian’s Purse website will tell you more about Operation Christmas Child and about Samaratian’s Purse.<\/div>\n
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