SHOEBOX MISSION TRIP REPORT

By:  Rose Ann Myers

December 5 - 10^th were five days filled with work, laughter, learning and friendship.  Eleven people from our church (The Shoebox Trippers as we called ourselves) embarked on a mission trip to Charlotte, NC to work on Operation Christmas Child. 

Our first night’s stop in Staunton, VA resulted in our finding a wonderful restaurant, Mrs. Rowe’s.  After polishing off our dinners, we all were ready to call it a night.  Most of us went right to sleep.  However, one room (Connie Main, Shawne Helker, Lori Behling and Diane Tupper) had an old-fashioned slumber party.  They were a little sleepy the next morning.

We arrived in Charlotte about 3pm, after driving through fog most of the way.  A team meeting was held that night where we met the rest of the people from our area.  Some were from Watertown, Carthage, Richland and the North Country.   Patty Jennings was area coordinator.  We were to meet the next morning in the lobby at 8:15am to go to the warehouse.

            When we arrived, we were put through a brief training session, and then led out to the floor.  Madelyn Schmidt and Connie Main went to Candy Land to fill small bags with trinkets and candy.  The rest of us went out on the line to start work.  On our line, Kathy took money and checks out of the boxes.  Alicia Weber and I checked the boxes and removed any inappropriate items, or added items to incomplete boxes.  Then Duane Morton taped the boxes and Wayne packed them in shipping cartons.  Shawne Helker, Diane Tupper, Lori Behling and Sue Morton were doing similar jobs on another line. We worked until 5pm.  That night most of us were so tired that we just ate the snacks at the hotel and went to bed.  A few had energy for shopping.

The next day our routine was the same, except that we went to Red Lobster on our way back to the hotel.  On Friday morning we arrived at the warehouse a few minutes later so we were asked to work in the filler area.  This was where the items came from to add to the shoeboxes, if needed.  Wayne Myers and Duane Morton spent the whole four hours unpacking shoes donated by Walmart.  Shawne Helker stacked crates as they were returned.  Sue Morton and Alicia Weber filled crates with various items (journals, hats, t-shirts, etc.).  I filled plastic bins with small items to be used, and Lori Behling filled the carts.  Diane Tupper was there, but I don’t remember what she was doing.  At one that afternoon we headed home - tired, but with a feeling of accomplishment.  We knew that we had made a difference and it gave me a feeling of appreciation for our way of life.  I plan on going back next year and hope that many of Shoebox Trippers join me.  When we worked, we worked, but when we had time off we had a lot of fun.  Thanks, everyone.  We made a great team.  

And…  By:  Madelyn Schmidt         

Since our church became involved with the Operation Christmas Child, Shoe Box Project, I have thought how great to go to the processing site and help, but I never expected to do so. I was very pleased when the Outreach Committee decided to make such a trip this year's mission project. That ten people from our church were able to go and help was truly wonderful and I am happy I was able to go. We worked hard during our stay, but it was very satisfying. Considering the number of volunteers, the smoothness of the operation was outstanding. We also visited the Haitian display and saw the work that the Billy Graham Evangelical Association has done, and is doing, in Haiti - a place that truly needs our help.

I thank all the groups that financially helped pay for the gas used by the three cars that went.  

UNITY ACRES  

Christmas in Mexico Craft/Bake/Pie Sale  

The Christmas in Mexico Craft/Bake/Pie Sale held at our church on Saturday, December 3, was a grand success.  The Friendship Unit organized the event and at the end of the day counted $344 in profit for their group, and $782.50 in profit to contribute to the general church treasury.  Thank you to all who worked at the sale and to all who shopped!

2012 Confirmation Class Information Meeting  

Pastor Bill extends the invitation to attend a meeting to explore what “confirmation” is all about. Young people in grades seven and older, and their parents, are invited to attend this brief meeting, to be held at church on Sunday, January 15 at 2 PM. Please call 963-3272 with any questions.

Handicap Accessible Elevator Construction Update:

By:  John Aldrich  

Construction on the new handicap accessible elevator began on December 20.  The first phase will be to build the tower from the fellowship hall up to the attic. This will include removing some of the concrete floor in the fellowship hall. Then Accessibility Solutions will install the elevator and the supporting hydraulic equipment. Finally, Woodford will return to finish the trim work and the job will be done.  The fellowship hall will be available for use during the whole construction project so all the dance classes and Monday's Meals will not be impacted.  I believe that plastic will be used to contain any construction dust and all demolition materials will be removed in a timely fashion. If anyone has concerns, let me know so I can address them in a timely fashion at 963-8802.   Thank you.   

Note:  The ASAP budget at the close of 2011 is $19,883.86.  Many thanks to those who have contributed.

Who’s Hosting?  Who’s Cooking

 Coffee Hour                                          Monday’s Meal  

January 1:  Sue Morton and Esther Granger              January 2:  Monsons and Girl Scouts

January 8:                                                               January 9: Mortons and_______

January 15:                                                              January 16: Myers and Shermans

January 22:                                                             January 23: Jane Backus/Jeff Beardslee

January 29:                                                             January 30: Kelly Freihofer and ______

Thanks to all who cook, donate, serve and host.  If you would like to join in, please sign up in the church kitchen.  Cooks and hosts are reimbursed for ingredients and supplies.

A Thank You…  

Dear Church Family,  

Thank you so much for your kind support of my family.  I would not have been able to care for my mother for a month's time without your help.  I want you to know how much I appreciate all of the prayers that got us through a very trying time.  I am also grateful to those who prepared meals and delivered them to Andy and the girls. I am truly overwhelmed by your generosity - Thank You!
I would also like to thank Flora Kugler for taking the time to make phone calls and arrange the meal schedule that would sustain my family during my unexpected leave of absence.  Andrea told me all about the delicious meals I missed!
Words cannot express how blessed I feel to have all of you in my life. Please know that your kindness and generosity will always be remembered and appreciated.

Sincerely,
Cindy Ross