For the past few Christmas seasons,St.James' has taken part in supporting the Operation Christmas Child project. Our parishionners take great joy in packing shoe boxes with Christmas gifts for needy children around the world. For additional information visit Samaritan's Purse Canada website at http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/aboutus/
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the message of God’s unconditional love. Anyone can participate in this simple, hands-on project.
Last season, 661,530 shoe boxes from Canada were collected and distributed to children in more than 15 countries. Each gift is a special reminder to a child that he or she is loved. Delivered by teams of local pastors, charities, and civic leaders, Operation Christmas Child gifts provide opportunities to make a lasting impact on children, families and communities. Often, the shoe boxes open doors to provide other aid, allowing Samaritan’s Purse to provide resources for a better tomorrow.
Operation Christmas Child focuses on the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus Christ – God’s greatest gift. Separate from the shoe box and when culturally appropriate, we offer children “The Greatest Gift of All,” an illustrated Bible storybook in the local language. When possible, children can further explore a faith in Jesus Christ through a voluntary Bible study program.
The shoe boxes don’t leave Canada on their journey overseas without first making an impact on the people who pack them. The project fosters compassion in Canadian families, individuals, and businesses by expanding their world view and showing how it is greater to give than to receive.
Ingersoll & District Inter-church 56 Thames St. S. Ingersoll, ON N5C 2S9 519-933-7730 This outreach group Is a sub-committee of the Ingersoll and District Ministerial Association. One of our main functions is to look after the Christmas Hamper Program for this area. Many residents are recepients of a hamper every Christmas season. In addition, we also provide assistance to those residents experiencing difficulties with utility expenses, emergency medical or other health related expenses, urgent home or automobile repairs and food needs. St. James' regularly holds fundraisers and donates to this important organization. OTHER OUTREACH PROJECTS IN THE PAST YEAR INCLUDE: Relay for Life - Canadian Cancer Society Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Oxford County Ingamo House - Woodstock Local Food Bank Saint Monica's House - K-W, Cambridge Region World Vision Primate World Relief Development Fund Anglican Ministries of the North |