"Had an awesome experience yesterday ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Both Tom and I donated a couple hours of our day for a very good cause. We both enjoyed our time and would do it again in a heart beat. It's good to know that there are still good, caring, generous people out there, willing to donate for a good cause. Praise all that contributes to those in need. One never knows when they might need the help of the Salvation Army. I lost my home in a fire in 1988 and the Salvation army rescued me. They put me and my kids up in a hotel for 6 weeks and helped to put clothes on our backs. God Bless the Salvation Army!"
Bunny Bundy
"Last year in December of 2009 I was one of the lucky individuals to be adopted by Epikos Church. This was a very special Christmas for me. I had never had people that I had not even met care so much if I had a good Christmas or not. One thing that I really found to be heartwarming was that I had asked for a laptop, now I did not think that I would actually get it but it was just a thought. I did get the laptop after all from a couple apart of the Epikos family. I remember thinking that I should thank these people in person and so I went one night to church and I loved it! I am now an active member of Epikos. This is my church family. The Adopt a Family for Christmas thing is a wonderful idea and touches the hearts of many people. This year I am participating in the program. This is special to me because I am giving back the joy that I found last Christmas. Thank you Epikos! :D "
There is no pie in thanks.
BY JON SWANSON
When I was growing up, we went to church on Thanksgiving Eve.
It was a small church. Everyone knew everyone else’s story. So when people stood up and talked about what they were thankful for, we knew that they meant it. We knew what had happened.
Afterwards, we had pie.
It was great. I looked forward to the frozen chocolate cream kind of pies, or crumbly-topped apple pie. I actually looked forward to almost anything but pumpkin. I knew I would have pumpkin the next day. And with enough whipped cream, I would enjoy it. For my one piece of the year.
Later in life, when it came time for me to be involved in leading Thanksgiving Eve services, I kept hinting at the wonderful benefit of pie afterward. I nudged every year. Until I talked to my mom about it.
I discovered that having to prepare an extra pie, having to hang around people for an extra couple hours after the service, having to help set up and clean up had a price. I discovered that mom spent many Thanksgiving mornings carving turkey through a migraine.
It helped me see the human cost of sentimentality.
Tomorrow, some people won’t make it for the party at just the right time. Part of the decorations won’t go up. Aunt Mable’s famous potatoes that you made in her honor may have a lump or two.
Who cares.
Paul wrote,
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
Apparently, capacity for giving thanks doesn’t come from pie.
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Need your thoughts,prayer and suggestions on their request:
Portland Rescue Mission runs the Shepard's Door ministry:
"Shepherd's Door, our women and children's ministry center, is a refuge of safety and healing. The facility provides all they need—nutritious meals, safe accommodations, a beautiful and nurturing environment, counseling and training—all under one roof. Up to 37 women and their children engage in recovery during their 12- to 18-month stay."
They would like Epikos to come in one Sunday a month ongoing and serve a meal and lead out a short program. Would need a female to lead out but families and men could help out. It could be a great out reach program.
What are your thoughts?
WASHINGTON — More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found as part of a three-day nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children, the FBI said.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack said Monday that 69 children were removed from prostitution and 99 suspected pimps were arrested in 40 cities across 30 states and the District of Columbia. Authorities arrested 785 other adults on a variety state and local charges, Pack said.
All the children found were placed into protective custody or returned to their families.
The Everett-Seattle-Tacoma region had the largest number of children rescued for the third year in a row, The Seattle Times reported.
"Some of them are very young — 14, 15 years old," Steven Dean, assistant special-agent-in-charge of the FBI's field office in Seattle, told the newspaper.
Full article below
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40084045/from/toolbar
Welcome to our attempt to centralize our communication efforts. The next few weeks are going to be busy so check back often!
First up if your going to family or friends for Thanksgiving offer to bring the pie. Yep after Church on Saturday there will be pies for sale. For just ten dollars you can pick up a pie and be the hero not only at the dinner but all so to our youth. All money raised goes to the upcoming mission trip.
Next when you go shopping for the next couple of weeks can you do us a favor? Pick up a few extra can goods. Our can food drive starts after Thanksgiving and your gift would mean a lot to our local food banks
It's back! It will be time to adopt a family for Christmas. Look for the Christmas tree and candy canes in just two weeks with all the details.