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Hello families!
What a wonderful Sunday we had!
Children leading us in worship, a fond farewell to Hope and Jill with the beautiful fingerprint gifts from the children, and then filling up Blessing Bags for 100 folks that are living in transitional housing in hotels without any towels and toiletries.
We had a great discussion about the recipients of our bags before we jumped into filling them. Tying it in to Simon's sermon, we talked about how we are afraid of what we don't know or don't understand or what is different from us. Folks that live on the streets can be very different from us, a mystery, or even scary to both kids and adults, but they are also children of God , just like us. When we remember this connection, it is hard to just look away. When we learn more about people in their circumstances, we gain understanding, loose some of that fear, and can actually enter into more meaningful relationship - whether it be by being an advocate, by helping at the Covenant Dinner, by volunteering at MAC and Threads, or making eye contact with someone or saying hello.
The kids took time to write a blessing for each bag. They wrote things like: "You are one in a million!" "Don't give up hope, we love you!" "Always remember that God loves you". "I wish you will find a nice home and be safe".
If you are in town and want to have a very meaningful experience as a family, come help us give out bags, do crafts with some of the kids that will come through the line, or help paint faces. Email be if you want to join in. Kathy Roberts
Coming up on Dec. 3rd is Advent Adventure and Wreath Making between
services in Ellis Hall. I will need a few volunteers to help at a table with a craft. Please go to Sign Up Genius to sign yourself or your teen to help.
On Dec. 6th, we will celebrate the life of St. Nicholas with magical story-telling, ringing bells and singing Christmas Carols with our Children's Choirs in between two dinner seatings with festive food and music. Sign up now and bring a friend to this special night - it is the best way to kick off the season.
St. Nicholas Dinner Sign Up
Dec. 16th, we will be hosting a Christmas party for Refugee Ministries and a party for Focus families (families with a child with disabilities). You are welcome to come help out at either, just send me an email and I can give you more information.
Dec. 20th, we will take our lovely voices and go caroling together. Location to be determined, fun and fellowship guaranteed!
Peace,
Kathy
PS - Ms. Kimmell and I will be taking the 6th grade choir members to Cumberland Island this weekend. Steve Davis and Beth Frilingos will lead Children's Church with Joshua Smith helping out.
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