First Presbyterian Church of EJ
November 1, 2026
*Just a reminder to Fall Back this Saturday/Sunday! Change your clocks!
*If you are out trick or treating, stop by to say hi at the Church! Also, if you are interested in helping with handing out treats, please join! It's always fun to connect with the community!
*Information about Operation Christmas Child is below! Please read if you are participating!
*Care and Share Secret Santa Project Information is below!
*You can still turn in your pledge cards to the office! Thank you!
*Pastor Jaime will be out of the office from October 26-November 3rd. She will be back in the office on October 4th. If you have an emergency please contact Toni Jeffery or Sarah Malpass. There will not be yoga on the 28th.
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Please pray for:
Brady Schroeder who has recently been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and is receiving treatment at U of M; Denny Jesiek who is having a knee replacement on Thursday; Kathryn Bell who broke her ankle; the Healey family on the death of Zila; Toni's brother, Butch, who is having heart issues; Natalie Malpass' dad, Tim Pilat, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and will be traveling to Florida for treatment; Ayden Peterson, nephew of Nancy Sherman, who suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident and is in critical care in Nevada; Mark Robinson who continues his healing from his foot surgery in Minnesota; Ken and Nancy's niece, Paula, who had a double lung transplant; Sally Lilak; Boden Vrondran; Ted Jeffery; Jeff Cook; Joy Porter; Bonnie Jones; Debbie Archer; Nancy Ortwine (Tracey Sherman's mom); Vic Patrick; Bob Visser; Tom Reid; Leslie (Sally Lilak's friend from Florida); Rich and Wava Dietrich's sister-in-law, Lynda, who is struggling with Dementia; Stephanie Saad; Mary Jason; Bonnie Grover; Ken Kline; Our Nursing Home Residents: Nancy LaCroix.
**Please let us know if you need someone added to or removed from the list! Thank you!**
November 1st: Aubrey Skrocki
November 5th: Nikkii Little and Allyson Camiller
November 6th: Sherry Pursel
November 7th: Gabby Dunlap
November 3rd: Denny and Marilyn Jesiek
November 4th: Eric and Karyn Dunlap
Each year, we have the opportunity to share God’s love with children around the world through Operation Christmas Child! Shoeboxes are available in the back of the church and anyone is welcome to participate in this ministry.
How to Pack Your Shoebox
Choose your gifts. Fill a shoebox with fun, useful items for a child. Choose a boy or girl and an age group: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
Include a special gift. Choose a “wow” item, such as a doll, stuffed animal, toy truck, soccer ball and pump, or musical instrument.
Fill your box! Add school supplies, personal care items, clothing, accessories, and small toys.
Pray. Pray for the child who will receive your box. Consider including a personal note and photo.
Put the label included in the box ON the box and mark whether it is for a girl or boy and the age.
Help cover shipping costs. A suggested donation of $10 per box helps cover processing and shipping expenses. How do we do this at our church? Option 1: You can scan the QR code on the label sheet and donate online using the code to the right of the label. This allows you to follow your box and see where it goes! Option 2: Fill out the postage paid envelope included in the box and mail a check written to Samaritan's Purse with Operation Christmas Child in the memo line. If you are preparing multiple gifts, please make one combined donation. You can mail this envelope yourself or we can mail it. Please let Susan Kinloch know what option you have done.
Return your completed box to the church. There is a space along the wall in the fireside room that we are keeping the boxes until we have to turn them in to be sent.
What Should I Include?
Toys and fun items
Dolls, stuffed animals, toy cars, and trucks
Balls, Frisbees, jump ropes, and yo-yos
Building blocks, puzzles, and other small toys
Musical instruments and craft kits
School supplies
Pencils, pens, and pencil sharpeners
Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
Notebooks, erasers, and pencil cases
Rulers, scissors, and glue sticks
Personal care items
Toothbrushes, combs, and hairbrushes
Washcloths and fun adhesive bandages
Nail clippers and eating utensils
Clothing and accessories
T-shirts, socks, hats, and gloves
Flip-flops or shoes
Backpacks, small bags, and purses
Hair accessories, watches, and jewelry
Don't forget! A personal note and photo can make your gift extra special.
🚫 What NOT to Include
Operation Christmas Child asks that you do not pack the following items:
Candy, gum, chocolate, or any food
Soap or toothpaste
Liquids or lotions, including liquid glue
Medications or vitamins
Used or damaged items, including used clothing or toys
Scary or war-related items, such as toy guns, toy soldiers, or military vehicles
Wearable traditional camouflage
Seeds or items collected from nature, such as rocks, sand, or shells
Money or play money
Breakable items or glass containers
Aerosol cans, matches, or fire starters
Knives, saws, razor blades, or other prohibited sharp items
Alcohol wipes
Magic or sorcery-themed items, such as Pokémon or Harry Potter merchandise
When in doubt about a particular item, please check the official gift guidelines before packing it.
Thank you for helping bring joy, hope, and the love of Jesus Christ to children around the world!
Questions? Visit the official Operation Christmas Child gift suggestions page for more information.
Our next Meet and Eat is November 9th! Dinner is at 5:30 pm. If you haven't joined, we would love for you to join us! Please come, and bring a friend or two! It would be helpful if you could sign up so we know how much food to prepare. The sign-up will be in the Fellowship Hall, or you may email Stacey at StaceyChipman317@gmail.com. If you forget to sign up and want to come, PLEASE COME anyway! We will have plenty!
November 1st: All Saints Sunday; Deacon's Meeting
November 8th: Join us during fellowship to celebrate Nancy Visser's service as Clerk of Session for 10 years!
November 15th: Congregational Meeting
November 22nd: Session Meeting; Decorate the church for Advent
November 29th: First Sunday of Advent
December 6th: Advent Happening
December 20th: Christmas Pageant; Bring a snack to chair during fellowship
December 24th: Christmas Eve Service; 5:00 pm
November: Toilet Paper (a priority right now), shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hygiene products
December: Toilet Paper (a priority right now), mac and cheese, pasta and noodles, ramen.
Devotional Yoga Held on Wednesdays
Online Giving for First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan
It's easy to sign up for online giving to First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan! Either scan the code or click on the following link!