Just before Thanksgiving, we’re so glad to have welcomed hundreds of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and similar cartons here as the Drop-off project led by OCC County Coordinator, Joan Spangler, continues today.

Already the volunteers serving here have received 1620 shoeboxes! Most of those were sent to the distribution center yesterday and there are many more on the way this weekend, through Monday at noon.

It’s so good to see what’s happening in the coordination between churches and many new and returning supporters of OCC.

There’s nothing quite like Thanksgiving for bringing people together! May each of you thoroughly enjoy Thanksgiving Day and all the get-togethers, games and outings that precede and follow it.

In a time of sharply divided views about so many issues in America, I see Thanksgiving as an enduring anchor in the storm.

It’s almost as if God supplied our American “ship of state” with a permanent reminder of His wise plans for a nation born out of a biblical view of individual freedom. In Thanksgiving Day, even our calendars silently bear witness to the good hand of God upon this “sweet land of liberty”.

One of many “blessings” we can savor about Thanksgiving is that it signals to all Americans that God is the source of all the things that are phenomenal about the USA. It also stands as a rebuke to the pride, arrogance and callous blasphemy that is so rampant in our culture’s media, music and mentality.

The storied history of how Thanksgiving Day became so deeply embedded in the American experience is truly amazing! That’s still true today in spite of all the troubles, sins, tragedies and complexities of the USA today.

For over 400 years now, songs, prayers, games and countless festive traditions of food and fellowship have touched hundreds of millions of hearts and homes. Even among millions who hold no specific faith commitment, the sounds, sights, smells and shared memories create a warm sense of “home” whenever Thanksgiving is mentioned.

Among every social class, whether wealthy or poor, of every ethnicity and race, and from every walk of life Thanksgiving creates a connection that runs very deep in people of all age groups.

Praying boldly for hearts and homes to be awakened to the glory God has in store for all who turn to Christ as Savior and Lord is one way to “celebrate” Thanksgiving.

 Within every family, with children always “soaking in” what they see from parents and loved ones, this Thanksgiving is also a teaching tool. It’s a vivid reminder of why we need to verbally and frequently express thanks to God for all types of blessings – both large and small. It’s also a golden opportunity to talk to kids about the reason the USA is so unique in the world!

This nation that arose from the toil, tears and back-breaking labor of pilgrims, pioneers, explorers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths, farmers, homemakers, soldiers and inventors who simply believed God created them to be free, has a bright future.

Kids can learn from their stories that faith in God holds a higher value than any government on earth.  They can still open a Bible and read words that stirred the Founders: “You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free”. (John 8:32).

Giving thanks is the starting point in prayer, the simplest form of prayer and the easiest way for kids of all ages to put their deepest feelings into words. Above all, an attitude of gratitude is such a powerful resource for shaping relationships and deepening respect in the family, church, school, workplace and community.

Join us in helping to renew the membership vision for strengthening our shared sense of mission in the Body of Christ.

Along with the welcome we give for all worshipers to find a spiritual home here, a new church family roster of active members will be available in January 2026 as a reference point for contacts, fellowship, prayer and encouragement of one another. Membership brochures and the Essentials statement of faith booklet are available on the Connections table. Take one and let us know if you have any question. Reply to this email or contact us via text or phone @ 410.857.4313. It’s our joy to stand with you by faith in your walk with Christ and to lift you in prayer for any need or concern on your heart.

Here are the links to be with us on Sundays @ 10:15 AM Eastern Time or at a time that works well for you to watch. We love to hear your thoughts and lift your prayer requests. Comment in the Facebook Live feed, text the church @ 410.857.4313 or reply to this email anytime.

• Live-stream via our Live page
• Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
• Past services on our YouTube channel
• Audio podcasts