What Does it Mean to be a Year-Round Volunteer?
A Letter from Wendy Burkett
When you hear the words “Year-Round Volunteer” what picture comes to mind? Do you see it as a lot of work; a labor of Love; a chance to connect with other people of like interests?
Per Wikipedia “Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor for community service. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.”
Fortunately, as Connect Volunteers with OCC, we are actually partnering with like minded people to bring the Gospel to children around the world. Imagine the look on a child’s face as they open their gift of the shoebox filled with things they may have never seen and certainly never owned. This is God’s love. We get to be a part of this. As Connect Volunteers we receive training and we understand the difference OCC is making in the lives of children all over the world, so we are ready and willing to do anything that might make us even slightly better at serving God.
Have you ever felt undervalued? Have you ever wished that you could make a difference where you are? Do you feel that the problems are just too big and you couldn’t possibly even make any changes or difference? Perhaps becoming a Connect Volunteer will show you how valued you are as a Child of God and knowing that we do make a difference – one shoebox at a time for the love of just one more child.
September 11th we will host the Annual National Project Leader Workshop. Additionally, you won’t want to miss the Friday Season Launch—it will be the foundation for all the practical tips shared in the local workshops. Hosted by Shoebox Recipient Izabella McMillon, this virtual event will explore how shoebox gifts take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. During this virtual session they will talk about the ministry happening in the pacific islands, among unreached people groups, and how Build a Shoebox Online allows the Gospel to be taken to closed areas. You’ll hear from a number of guest speakers about how Operation Christmas Child opens the door to share the Gospel. And, you’ll get a first look at exciting new resources and public promotions that are coming up soon. It’s taking place Friday, September 10 at 7 p.m. Be sure to sign up for the National Project Leader Weekend!
We as the Adams County Area Team continue to encourage others to pack just one more shoebox – which is one more child to hear about the Gospel. It is about Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication, bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is about the Great Commission. It is about One More Child and that’s an Opportunity that we all get to take part in by God’s Grace.
September Collections:
In September we will be collecting cold weather items, such as hats, scarves, mittens, as well as supplies such as yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks.
We’ve tried to make it easy for you to donate the items you collect. Here are some ways that you can donate items:
- There is a collection box in the lobby at Littlestown Chapel where you can drop off your items on Sunday mornings beginning at 10:30 a.m.
- Send us message to let us know you have items ready! We can arrange for a convenient time for you to drop them off.
- You can also contact us to let us know that you have items that you would like for us to pick up. We’re happy to do that anytime!
Upcoming Events:
- Project Leader Workshop – September 11 (11 AM – 2 PM) – Bethel Assembly
- Paint Night – September 18 (1:00 – 3:00 PM) – Littlestown Senior Center
- Chicken BBQ – October 16 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) – Littlestown Ace Hardware Store (790 W King St #3, Littlestown, PA )
- Annual Hallelujah Party – October 30 (2PM – 6 PM) – Idaville United Brethren
- Mini-Packing Parties – October 23, 30, and November 6 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- National Collection Week – November 15 – 22