“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 (NIV)
During this holiday season there are many ways in which you can volunteer and serve others and give monetarily to support your church, your community and abroad. Here are many ways you can give back and make a difference in the lives of others.
These dates are for the 2025 Christmas Season.
Thanksgiving in a Bag
Help a family in need this season by filling a bag with groceries and a making a $20 donation for a refrigerated ham. Stop by the welcome table after church, mail a check, or donate online.
Please drop off filled bags by November 16.
Operation Christmas Child
Bring joy to a child this Christmas. Pick up a shoebox (while supplies last) or use one of your own.
Return your filled box to FPC with a $10 check to Samaritan’s Purse anytime before November 24.
For recommendations on what to put in the shoebox, check out How to Pack a Shoebox.
Heifer International
December 7 & 14
Donate to support individuals around the world.
Be a Santa to a Senior
Bring Christmas to a local senior by purchasing gifts for them.
Choose a card at the OAM Table on Sundays or contact Sandie, purchase the three gifts, put them in a gift bag, bring it back by December 12 and brighten a local senior’s Christmas.
You can bring your gifts back to the OAM Table on Sundays or the Church Office during the week.
For more information, contact at Sandie@fpclakeland.org or 863-686-7187 ext. 242.
Parker Street Ministries
Neighborhood Christmas Store
Details to Come.
Parker Street Ministries is committed to Gospel-centered community development beginning in Lakeland’s Parker Street neighborhood. Supporting their Christmas Store by volunteering at one of their store shifts or donating for gifts will bring generosity and joy to the Parker Street and North Lake Wire neighborhoods. Your donation will provide new gifts for kids to shop for their parents and siblings.
Hanging of the Greens
November 23 | After the 10:30 am services
All are invited to help decorate your church for Christmas. Help hang the garland in the sanctuary, trim the Chrismon tree, create a poinsettia tree and set up the nativity scene.
Caroling to Homebound Members
December 17 | 5-9 pm
All ages are invited. Meet in the Youth Hall at 5 pm for pizza. Return about 9 pm.
Please RSVP to Sandie by December 15, to ensure enough transportation and pizza.
Christmas Joy Offering
Sundays in December
By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor God’s gift of Jesus Christ by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Donate online or with your weekly offering.