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SHOEBOXES FOR 'OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD'

We are taking part in 'Operation Christmas Child' again this year and so we will be collecting shoe boxes filled with gifts for needy children from church each Sunday, from now until Sunday 8th November. This year there are two ways in which to give:

  1. Traditional - by packing a decorated shoe box with fun toys: e.g. dolls, cuddly toys, yo-yo's, skipping ropes, balls, hygiene items (e.g tooth brush, wrapped soap), hats, gloves, scarves and school supplies. A donation of £5 is essential to cover project costs and this can be paid online or by cheque payable to Samaritan's Purse. We will have instruction leaflets and some pre-printed shoe box kits available in church for anyone who does not have a suitable box.                                                                                                                                                            Please note: toothpaste and sweets can no longer be included in the boxes, due to more stringent import regulations. Used or damaged goods, and war-related items such as toy guns, are also not acceptable. For further details please go to Samaritans-purse.org.uk 

        2. If you are unable to go out shopping, you can build a shoe box online for £20. Go to:  www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/online-shoebox-packing/ and follow the instructions.

Here's their 'how to do it' video:

(Please note: Any advertising that YouTube may put with this video is outside our control) 

 

And here's one about one person's experience of making a 'virtual' shoebox:

(Please note: Any advertising that YouTube may put with this video is outside our control) 

 

ONLINE CHURCH 

Our 'Online Church' section on this website is continuing, with lots to help you come close to God and worship while staying at home, if that's what you feel is best for you, or if you have to. Please click here to find this.

 

CORONAVIRUS COLLECTION

At St John's we do not ask people outside the church to help with our expenses as a church, believing that our own members' giving should enable us to 'pay our way' (though friends and visitors do make donations from time to time), and our Church Council has reaffirmed its longstanding policy that we will give away, this year as in any other, one tenth of our total donation income to Christian and charitable work outside our own. We believe in a generous God who will care for us if we are generous too.   

In addition, right now we are having a special collection which will form the basis for an extra donation by us to a Christian charity or charities working with those in need because of the coronavirus, at home and/or abroad. This is primarily an appeal to our own church members, but anyone is welcome to join in by using the red button on our Home Page - click here to go to it.