News

Here at CFC, we have several traditions, and most of them go toward blessing others. In the weeks to come, you will hear about the Thanksgiving Offering/Food Drop and the Christmas Eve global project. Another tradition that we are excited to do again this year is the collection of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  

Our good friends and fellow CFC members, Gary and Carolyn Case, have organized and overseen this opportunity for many years along with an incredible team of volunteers. They have even traveled to tour Samaritan’s Purse headquarters to learn more about this wonderful ministry. There is no better couple to tell you more about the chance you have to be a blessing. Read the info below from our dear friends:

Want to change the life of a child and family forever? Yes, there are toys, hygiene items, and school supplies that may be included in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, but The Greatest Gift booklet that tells of the life and Gospel of Jesus Christ is included as well. Local church leaders in each country are trained to present the Gospel at the large group gift-opening events. Additionally, since 2010, over 15 million boys and girls have enrolled in the twelve-week discipleship program explaining Biblical principles that children can easily understand called The Greatest Journey.

Operation Christmas Child started in 1993 with Bosnian refugees. Since then over 200 million shoebox gifts have been shipped worldwide! Each year, gifts are given to new children, many in hard-to-reach places. Many also result in new church plants. 

One great aspect of this ministry is the team approach:
 • People packing a shoebox
 • Volunteers putting the boxes into cartons
 • Processing Center volunteers
 • People transporting cartons of shoeboxes
 • People training local pastors in evangelism and discipleship in their own countries

All of this leads to children, families, and neighbors hearing and responding to the life-changing power of Jesus. People sometimes ask, “What is the most important thing to put into a shoebox gift?” It’s nice to include a gift that will wow a child (stuffed animal, soccer ball, toy car, etc), but the most important thing you can put into a shoebox is your prayer for the child who will open it. 

We are thankful for the CFC response the last few years which you can see below: 

CFC Drop-Off Site Collections:
2019 = 2132
2020 = 1829
2021 = 1937
2022 = 2374

CFC not only collects from our church family, but during National Collection Week (Nov 13 – 20), we are also a drop-off site for area churches, organizations, and individuals. 

You can pick up your box(es) over the next 2 weekends. Please return them by noon on Sunday, November 19th. 

When people like you pack shoebox gifts, you give the opportunity to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This ministry would not be possible without people like you who faithfully and generously pack shoebox gifts. Each shoebox is a Gospel opportunity and an opportunity to change lives.

CFC, thanks for being a blessing in the past and for considering this opportunity once again. We can’t wait to see you here this weekend at one of our 4 worship services!