Thanksgiving Basket Ministry
Thanksgiving Basket Distribution – Saturday, November 22nd: Join us in spreading warmth and gratitude this holiday season! First Church will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets filled with all the essentials for a festive meal to neighbors in need. This cherished tradition has been a cornerstone of our outreach for many years. Distribution is from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in our parking lot. We especially encourage our older youth to volunteer — it’s a meaningful way to give back, and we promise you’ll leave with a full heart. Please dress warmly and be prepared to be outside. Reach out to Annette Intravaia if you would like to help. Let’s come together to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for our community!
November Second Saturday Servants
Second Saturday Servants November Blessings and Giving Thanks: As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, it’s a beautiful reminder of how blessed and abundant our lives truly are. On November 8th, your delicious hot casseroles will bring warmth and comfort to our neighbors in need—what a meaningful gift of love and care. Please bring them to the church kitchen by 7:45 am for packaging. Our speedy and dedicated volunteers—Ruth Ann, Judy, Dave, Carole, Pat, Salud, Tom, Karen, Carol, and Val—are deeply appreciated for their time and energy. A heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving to all our bakers and packers who make this outreach possible. Winter Coat Drive: Warm winter coats in all sizes are urgently needed. Kindly place your donations in the mission collection box located in the narthex. Thank you for being part of this season of generosity and grace.
Coins of Love
The November Coins of Love will support the Divine Intervention Sleep/Warming Shelter. The Divine Intervention Warming Shelter provides a safe haven for 20 guests every evening from December 1 through March 31, offering shelter, safety, and sustenance to those experiencing homelessness.
September’s Coins of Love – Thanksgiving Food Basket Ministry $550.06
October’s Coins of Love – Rooted and Rising-Washington Park $71.00
SHARE THE GIFT OF PRESENCE THROUGH PRESENTS
Once again, we are excited and looking ahead to this year’s Prison Fellow ship Angel Tree Program! I have received the names of approximately 35 children who live in the FUMCWA neighborhood with an incarcerated parent. Like in years past, we will be providing each child with two gifts on behalf of their incarcerated parent to show the love of Jesus Christ to the child. By providing these gifts, we will also help provide a connection between the parent in prison and their child/children. On Sunday, November 23rd, look for the Angel Tree in the narthex where you will be able to choose an angel tag bearing the name and gift wish of a child. There will also be an instruction sheet for you to take as a reminder of the details of this year’s ministry. The gifts need to be purchased, wrapped, and returned to church no later than 10:30 am on Sunday, December 14th. Also, after the church service concludes on December 14th, please head over to the church library to help with the delivering of gifts to the children’s homes. We always need delivery volunteers, and many hands make light work!
It could be as simple as dropping off one or two packages on your way home from church. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Chesky Johnson or the church office.
Grace and peace, Pam Chesky Johnson
Wesleyan Congregational Care Team
Fall is here, and winter is right around the corner. Like the change of seasons, we often find our circumstances change. Change can also affect our emotional well-being. No matter what may be going on in your life, your Wesleyan Congregational Care Team caregivers are always willing to provide a steady shoulder or a listening ear. Please know we are here for you. You can simply reach out to Pastor Grace or call the church office. Members of the Care Team can also be identified on Sundays by the badge below. “God Cares About You & So Do We”
Prayer Chain Team
Our Prayer Chain Team connects us through prayer. To join this ministry, contact the church office. You’ll receive prayer requests via email and be asked to pray for them daily. Submit prayer requests by contacting the church office. Updates on prayer requests are also welcomed.
Recycle Socks and Raise Funds for Northcott Neighborhood House
We’re keeping the momentum going—our sock collection drive continues! Help us spread the word to neighbors and coworkers, encouraging them to clean their dresser drawers and upcycle their old socks. Our latest shipment of well- worn socks contributed a $10 donation to Northcott Neighborhood House, a local Methodist mission dedicated to literacy and mentoring. Every pair makes a difference! Drop your old, clean socks in the collection basket in the Gathering Room and be part of this simple yet impactful way to give back. Thank you for supporting our mission!
Towels for Dogs – A New (ongoing) Outreach
Wow! What a success this is!! Lance has delivered approximately 200 towels to help shelters care for pets. First Church REALLY cares about all of God’s creatures. THANK YOU!! Keep it up – the basket is in the Narthex.