A Different Take on a Familiar Christmas Tradition

It’s not unusual to see bright red kettles and hear the ringing of bells as we stroll through shopping malls and big box parking lots during the Christmas season. The familiar sights and sounds of the Salvation Army’s annual fundraising effort to help the less fortunate is a sure sign that the holidays are upon us. But did you know that the Salvation Army undertakes another initiative to assist families in need during Christmas?

In recent years, the Salvation Army began hosting the Christmas Warehouse, where gifts are received, packaged, and distributed to folks who have preregistered and qualified to be the beneficiaries of these gifts. It’s like other gift–giving programs, and those receiving gifts through the Salvation Army can pick them up at the Christmas Warehouse. Approximately 2,800 local families received gifts through this ministry in 2021, and at least this many are expected for this year as well.

The Christmas Warehouse is conveniently located at the State Fairgrounds. First Presbyterian Church has committed to providing volunteers to work there Tuesday, December 13. The day is divided into morning and afternoon shifts of four hours each: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Feel free to sign up for one shift or both.

There are plenty of opportunities for members, as well as their friends, to get involved as we need 20-25 workers per shift. We will be giving out the gifts which have been marked and staged for ease of distribution when recipients arrive at the Christmas Warehouse. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for our church to serve our community during the Christmas season. If you are interested in participating, please visit the church website under the “Local Missions” tab, or look for the e-board with a QR code. Your willingness to join in this effort is much appreciated!

Dan Cannon

Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringing

We will be ringing for our Christian brothers and sisters for the Salvation Army at Lowe's Foods on Forest Drive on December 2, 3, 9, and 10. We have many slots to fill! Anyone 16 and up can be the ringer "of record," and teens and kids are welcome to join others. This is a great opportunity to cheer the hearts of shoppers, raise funds for the poor, and introduce your children to Christian service. Sign-ups are available on the church app and on the website at firstprescolumbia.org/serve.

Brad Martin

Parents’ Night Out

Friday, November 11 - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

For our First Presbyterian Church families, we are offering a Parents’ Night Out for children who are birth - 5th grade. Volunteers are also needed. Please contact the Children's Ministry to register.

Angel Tree

The Angel Tree ministry is a unique opportunity to love and serve our community by purchasing Christmas gifts for children on behalf of imprisoned parents. To learn more about how you or your family can participate in this ministry, please stop by one of the Angel Tree tables in the Atrium or The Bridge during the month of November for more details. For more information, please contact Brad Martin at (803) 543-8440 or [email protected].

Discipleship Together

Each semester, our ladies gather for supper, fellowship, worship, and teaching. Join us on Tuesday, November 8, from 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. for Discipleship Together with Anna Claire Dando. Dinner and dessert will be served in Jackson Hall beginning at 5:45 p.m., and teaching will take place in the Sanctuary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Please visit the church app or website to register.

Operation Christmas Child 

Please join us in this year’s Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive to reach as many children as possible with God’s word. You may pick up shoeboxes and label brochures in the Atrium of Jackson Hall; instructions and gift guidelines are provided with the boxes. Please return your filled shoeboxes to the Atrium no later than Friday, November 11. A donation to cover shipping and handling costs of $10 per box is requested. 

College Lunch Invitation

Our next lunch for college students will be our annual "Friendsgiving" Lunch on Sunday, November 13, in Jackson Hall following the 11:15 a.m. service. We invite church members to attend and build relationships with our college students.