Our shoebox season is winding down. Get those socks in this week! You may also want to donate $$ for shipping costs. We will pack the boxes on Wednesday, November 20, and we are expecting to exceed our total from last year. All the spots have been filled for the Samaritan's Purse event (thank you!). Be reminded that the date for this is Saturday, December 14.

Have you invited anyone to Thanks Day, Sunday, November 24? There is still time! Invite everyone for whom you are thankful to enjoy this day with special guests, Heart Cry, followed by a delicious meal! Start today praying for the Holy Spirit to take over on this day. We want souls to be saved and lives to be changed!

Join us in giving thanks as a community! Sunday, November 24 at 6pm will be the community Thanksgiving service. This event will be held at Bethel Presbyterian Church and will include many churches in the Lake Norman area. The offering this year will be given to support those in WNC affected by Hurricane Helene.

Gratitude is our daily focus for the month of November. One way to develop an attitude of gratitude is to do this daily devotional: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/14519 Also, continue to use your memory bands to memorize thankful verses, follow the gratitude prompts, and get your thankful leaves on the wall. If you plan to write a "thank you" note to your first responder, please turn them in this Sunday.

Carol singing and stocking sharing - if those activities sound fun, this is the event for you! On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Watchmen of the Streets will be ministering to our homeless neighbors for Christmas. For those who would like to go, be at church in time to leave by 5pm. For those who would like to help in other ways, you can give to this ministry (write WOTS on your envelope) and/or provide individually wrapped baked goods for this event.

Here is the news story regarding Watchmen of the  Streets when CCOG participated:  https://www.wbtv.com/video/2023/08/01/watchmen-streets/

WBTV News:  Watchmen of the Streets-Restaurants in Lake Norman area help feed the homeless

Christmas is a busy season for all of us, so remember to make church a priority. The church Christmas party will be on Wednesday Dec. 11 at 6:30pm. There will be an outdoor Christmas movie with a chili dinner on Saturday, Dec. 21: food beginning at 5:30pm, movie at 6pm. Our special Christmas service will be on Sunday, Dec. 22. Keep these dates in mind as you make plans with your family and friends.

Our next devotion from the Bible app is all about surrendering anxiety and resting in the Lord. It is a 40-day devotion which will be available through September and October. If you are unable to find us on the Bible app, this is the direct link: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/24728