Deacon’s Desk - December 2023

Siblings in Christ,

Advent is a time of preparation. A time to ready our hearts and minds for the anticipated Messiah who dwells with us, sanctifies, and saves us – even from ourselves. God’s outpouring of love in sending the infant Jesus for our salvation has the capacity to turn our hearts outward in love toward others.

 We celebrate the gifts of God by giving gifts to family, friends, and neighbors who bless our lives. For some though, the ability to gift others is restricted not by desire but by time, finances, and situations. FLCOC children and youth engage in projects to extend their giving to strangers during the season of celebration. All are invited to support their efforts!

 Christian’s Toy Box: For several years now, First Lutheran members have supported Child and Family Services at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, through the annual opportunity to donate to Christian’s Toy Box, named after a young boy who fought Cancer, Christian Osen.  When children are experiencing medical challenges, their outcomes improve with not only excellent medical care, but also emotional, social, and spiritual support.

Again this year, your contributions of new toys, games, art supplies, books, other creative activities and gift cards will be welcomed at FLCOC! No gift-wrapping needed! The confirmation students will sort, count, and deliver all donations to the Child Life Associates at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

 Watch for the toy box at FLCOC between November 26 and December 17 to put

donations into or drop off checks or gift cards at the office (mailing them is fine too!).  Checks should be made out to Children’s Hospitals & Clinics, MN, with Christian’s Toy Box written on the memo line.  To give online, please follow this link;  www.givemn.org/story/Christian-S-Toy-Box

Your donation truly helps sustain a hurt or sick child through another procedure, a holiday spent hospitalized, or just another day of ongoing treatment.  You let a child know they are cared about and loved, lift their spirits and brighten their day. 

 Adopt-a Family:  FLCOC Sunday School Children will help others celebrate by adopting-a-family for Christmas again in 2023!  They will select gifts for each family member and wrap the gifts. On Sunday, December 3rd, the kids will host a Hot Cocoa Stand as a fundraiser for their project. Please stop by after worship to enjoy a treat and support the efforts of our Sunday school students!

I am grateful for your generosity and support of our children and youth. Thank you in advance for your help with these projects!

Peace in Christ, Deacon Kirsten Kessel