We are now within 5 days of our deadline, November 23, 2008. We are excited to see that 264 gift-filled shoeboxes have already come in! We are in need of volunteers to assist in transporting the shoeboxes from Heritage to our collection center, New Song Community Church. We will meet at Heritage on Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 to deliver the shoeboxes. Many hands make light work, so we’d greatly appreciate the help. If you have questions, please contact Susan Slater. Blessed to be a Blessing!

Giving gifts at Christmastime is a reflection of the love and compassion we have experienced in Jesus. But during these tough economic times, not everyone has the financial resources to give they would like to. Heritage has set up a Seasonal Giving program that will run through the Christmas holiday. This is one way you can give to those who are hurting financially this year. Click here for more information. 

The Giving Tree is a wonderful opportunity to bless a boy or girl in a very specific way! Some our our church families won’t be able to afford Christmas gifts this year… that’s where you come in. The “Giving Tree” in the church lobby has ornaments with gift-ideas for a young boy or girl of anonymous church families. Simply take an ornament, purchase the gift, wrap and return it to the church lobby by December 7th. Click here for more information.

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ. Shoeboxes should be dropped off at the church “All Things Christmas” table by November 23. For information on how to participate, click here.

On Friday evening, November 7, and through the day on November 8th more than two dozen Alpha Course participants and leaders gathered to learn about and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. This weekend retreat, which is a regular part of the 10-week Alpha program, did not disappoint. Participants enjoyed fellowship in games and small group discussions, learned through video teaching, and experienced group and individual prayer. The presence of the Holy Spirit was obvious in the individuals who made a commitment to Christ for the first time and in others who rededicated their lives to following Jesus. For more information on the Alpha Retreat and the Alpha program, please go to our Alpha Journal.

This past weekend Pastor Jim continued our series entitled “Total Body Worship.” He called us to rededicate our bodies to the Lord, and many of you did by being baptized! To listen to the sermon, click here.