“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 14 ways you can give back and make a difference in the lives of others.
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 23, October 30 and November 6 or donate online. Distribution and collection of grocery bags will be November 6 through November 13.
Operation Christmas Child
Bring joy to a child this Christmas! Pick up a shoebox (while supplies last) in the welcome center on October 23, October 30 and November 6 or provide your own box. Return your filled box to FPC with a $10 check to Samaritan’s Purse anytime from Monday, November 14 to Monday, November 21. For recommendations on what to put in your shoebox, check out How to Pack a Shoebox.
Support Our Missionaries
Sundays October 23 – November 20 | Welcome Center
Purchase hand made ornaments to support the Kyrgyzstan community.
Be a Santa to a Senior
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center | Older Adult Ministry Table
November 13 – December 4
This program is organized by Home Instead to ensure that local seniors who do not have loved ones nearby will receive at least three gifts for Christmas. If you participate in this program, you will purchase the three gifts listed on the card you choose. You may add something extra, but no food. Place the unwrapped items in a gift bag, attach the card to that bag and bring it to Sandie McRory by December 9.
Rudolph Round-Up
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
November 20, November 27 & December 4
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. Their goal is to provide gifts for over 1,500 local children this Christmas season. FPC is carrying on its tradition of support by sponsoring at least 100 children in our area who are in need. 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 5.
Parker Street Ministries
Neighborhood Christmas Store
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
November 20 and December 4
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.
Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
November 20 and November 27
Volunteer December 5 – December 10
Help raise money for the hurting, hungry, and homeless in our community through the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. FPC has two hour slots available for Salvation Army Bell Ringers at the Walmart located at 3501 S. Florida Avenue. Sign up in the welcome center or call the church office at 686-7817.
Sanctuary Decorating
Tuesday, 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.
Blood Donation Drive
December 11 | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
One Blood’s Big Red Bus will be parked in the south portico driveway for blood donations.
Donate and receive a $20 eGift card.
Caroling to Homebound Members
December 13 | 5:00 – 9:00 pm
All ages are invited for an evening of fellowship and fun while brightening some of our homebound members’ evening. Meet in the youth hall at 5:00 pm and enjoy some pizza before caroling beginning with the Florida Presbyterian Homes.
RSVP to Sandie by December 11.
Heifer International Project
Sundays | Welcome Center
December 4, December 11 & December 18
Heifer International works to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities. A gift to Heifer is a sustainable gift. Donate online or stop by the welcome center.
Laundry Love
Sign up Sundays | Welcome Center
December 4, December 11 & December 18
A mission project of FPC, Laundry Love is an endeavor in which individuals from the church witness through action. The last Friday of each month, volunteers go to a laundromat and offer to assist with and pay for the laundry of those there. Stop by the welcome center to volunteer and donate or donate online.
Medical Benevolence Fund (MBF)
Sundays | Welcome Center
December 4, December 11 & December 18
MBF is a PC(USA) charity that supports healing ministries in more than 100 hospitals and clinics in the developing world. Funds are needed to support these ministries. Donate online or stop by the welcome center.
Christmas Joy Offering
December 18, 2022
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.