National Collection Week

November 17-24, 2008

	Collection Week 2008
		Monday, Nov. 17	10 am - 7 pm
		Tuesday, Nov. 18	10 am - 7 pm
		Wednesday, Nov. 19	10 am - 7 pm
		Thursday, Nov. 20	10 am - 7 pm
		Friday, Nov. 21	10 am - 7 pm
		Saturday, Nov. 22	9 am - 3 pm
		Sunday, Nov. 23	1 pm - 6 pm
		Monday, Nov. 24	9 am - 4 pm

       Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. This program of Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on mission project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. Along with shoe box gifts, millions of children are given Gospel booklets in their own language. Make plans to join us in 2008 as we continue to assist in the ministry of Operation Christmas Child!

       2008 will be the 11th year that New Bethesda has participated in Operation Christmas Child. As a Collection Center, we receive boxes from Relay Centers and many area churches and individuals. In 2007, we collected 16,117 boxes. This involves many, many volunteers from churches throughout our community.  Our goal for 2008 is 16,500 boxes.

      A Collection Center Mission Team travels to Charlotte, NC, in December to help in the next step as boxes are prepared for shipment to their overseas destination. Teams are also formed through Operation Christmas Child to travel to the distribution locations around the world.