On Sunday, November 8th, the tables were filled with all sorts of goodies ready to be packed into shoeboxes to be sent to children throughout the world as part of Operation Christmas Child. During the Sunday School hour, our adult and youth Sunday school classes spent time packing 30 stupendous shoeboxes.

The number of gifts these packers managed to fit in a box was truly amazing to see ~ soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, school supplies, stuffed animals, soccer balls, tools, t-shirts, socks, toys…and more! Members of our adult Sunday school class also wrote notes which will be included in each box, and our Sunday school kids colored hearts to be sent along as well.

Please know how meaningful these gifts are to the children who receive them. Thank you to our St. Mark’s congregation for your OCC donations throughout the year ~ even in a year marked with Covid! Thank you to our behind the scenes helpers who helped set up (and tear down) Fellowship Hall for a smooth, socially distant packing party. And thank you to our packers for filling these boxes not only with gifts, but with hope and love that will be sent around the world.

Please pray that through God’s grace, our shoeboxes will bless each of the 30 children that receive them.

We look forward to continuing this mission project with all of you in 2021! If you would like more information on Operation Christmas Child, please visit Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.