Kyle Cutsinger, FCC Operation Christmas Child coordinator with FCC treasurer Betty Jolly
Although it is traditionally much too early to be thinking about Christmas, that is exactly what members of First Christian Church plan to do on Nov. 3, when the church holds its First Sunday Luncheon at 12:15 p.m. followed by a packing party for Operation Christmas Child. All are welcome to participate.
Members, friends and guests are invited to enjoy the First Sunday Luncheon featuring a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings at 12:15 p.m. Make luncheon reservations by calling 423 267-4506. Cost is $5 per person or $15 per family.
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief organization is all about helping those in need; that fits in nicely with the First Christian Church motto of: “Service, not lip service.” More than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love with the simplicity of shoebox gifts through Operation Christmas Child.
During a recent announcement, event coordinator Kyle Cutsinger told a story about a child from Romania who cried upon receiving his shoebox. Inside that box were math supplies such as compasses and rulers. Embarrassed to explain to his teacher that his family could not afford these supplies, one can only imagine his joy upon receiving something he so wanted.
What began as a service project for the youth of First Christian Church roughly seven years ago now engages the entire congregation. In the beginning, 12 boxes were prepared; the following year that number jumped to 25. In 2011 more than 150 boxes were sent and during 2012, a total of 187 boxes were collected, prepared and sent to Operation Christmas Child for distribution to children all over the world. First Christian Church will serve as one of several collection points for this event in Chattanooga.
First Christian Church is at 650 McCallie Ave. Its unique motto is a “Church of Service, Not Lip Service.” Visit Firstchristian-chat.com, like on Facebook, or call the church office at 423 267-4506 for more information.