October Mission - Operation Christmas Child 

Operation Christmas Child is a project of the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse. Their mission is to provide partners around the world with shoe boxes filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies which are then sent to children around the world and on Native American reservations with the Good News of Christ. These gifts are shipped to children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, famine and disease. While it is important that we continue to pray for these children, the Christmas boxes provide a tangible contact with God’s love and care through God’s people. The boxes are often the first contact they have with Christianity, and this small gift has resulted in children and their families becoming Christians.

Our goal this year is to fill at least 90 boxes. Please plan to take at least one box to bring the love and joy of Christ to these children. The instructions for what to avoid placing in the boxes are inside when you take one. Please note that this year food (including candy), and toothpaste may not be included. Shipping costs are $9, and it would be helpful if you could place this, marked for the purpose, in the offering plate rather than in the box. This would allow one check to be written from the church. If you would like to contribute but are not able to shop for a box, you may do so by writing a check to JUMC and marking OCC on the memo line or by placing any amount in the collection envelope and marking it for OCC.

We will be collecting boxes October 1 through October 30. Boxes and detailed information about what to put in them will be available in the Narthex beginning October 1. Boxes must be returned to the church by October 30.