It is that time of year when we want to help our neighbors in need. This year we will have two opportunities.

On Friday, Dec. 22, we host our regular Soup Kitchen. We will be preparing a special Christmas meal and would like to give out Christmas gifts. If you would like to help with the gifts, please bring unwrapped items to the church (by Dec. 20) that will be given to the guests on the 22nd. We are asking for the following items for men and women: socks (warm and heavy, not dress socks), underwear (sizes M –XXL), gloves and hats. There will be a box in the lobby area for you to place the items.

The second opportunity is to provide a meal during the two weeks that we will be hosting Open Doors in 2024, which is Jan. 1-14. We will provide shelter, dinner and a grab-and-go breakfast during these two weeks. Two area churches have committed to providing meals on six of our hosting nights. We are asking our members to provide meals the remaining nights, plus grab-and-go breakfast items.

We are also looking for a group to clean two sets of bathrooms each morning so they are ready for the day’s regular activities. Please let Pastor Scott, Doug Gardner or Pat Haden know if you are able to fill this urgent need.

We will be in the lobby area between services beginning this Sunday to sign up those who wish to provide meals and other items during Open Doors at First Pres. Thank you for sharing your generosity toward our neighbors in need.