“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 for for the 2023 Christmas Season.
Thanksgiving in a Bag
Help a family in need this season by filling a bag with groceries and making a $15 donation for a ham. Stop by the welcome center on October 22, October 29 and November 5 or donate online. Distribution and collection of grocery bags will be November 5 through November 12.
Operation Christmas Child
Bring joy to a child this Christmas! Pick up a shoebox (while supplies last) in the welcome center on October 22, October 29 and November 5 or provide your own box. Return your filled box to FPC with a $10 check to Samaritan’s Purse anytime from Monday, November 13 to Monday, November 20. For recommendations on what to put in your shoebox, check out How to Pack a Shoebox.
Support Our Missionaries
Sundays October 29 – November 19 | Welcome Center
Purchase hand made ornaments to support the Kyrgyzstan community.
Be a Santa to a Senior
Sundays November 12 – December 3 | Welcome Center
Bring Christmas to a local senior by purchasing gifts. Stop by the Older Adult Ministry table.
All gifts must be returned by December 8.
Heartland for Children – Rudolph Round-up
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
November 19 and 26
Heartland for Children, the lead agency for community-based care, provides foster care, adoptive and case management services to children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. Sponsor a child by picking up their wish list on our sign up Sundays, at the church office during the week, or making a donation online which will be used to purchase gifts. Bring all gifts to the church office by Monday, December 4.
Parker Street Ministries
Neighborhood Christmas Store
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
November 19 and 26
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.
Sanctuary Decorating
November 29 | 9:00 am
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 12 | 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 10, to ensure enough transportation and pizza.
Christmas Joy Offering
December 3-24, 2023
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.