This Sunday, November 13, 9:30am–12:30pm, the Northwest Mission Center will meet with the Northeast Region at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Rd, Reading) for a teaching day/worship service. This year’s theme is “Hear His Voice, Proclaim His Name, and Write the Future” and will be taught by Valdur Koha and Mike Van Auken. There will be children’s classes; please pack a larger than usual (nut-free) snack for them.

HOPE worldwide’s annual church giving campaign – the International Day of Giving – is a day when churches around the world collect money to support HOPE worldwide. Our donations provide the foundation of resources to operate HOPE worldwide, strengthening vital programs in over 60 countries through a global network of love and compassion.

On Sunday, November 20, we will celebrate the diversity and cultures that God has created in a time of worship together, followed by an international potluck. We hope to have a delicious assortment of food representing as many cultures and regions as possible. See last week’s email for suggestions of family group contributions, and bring all food and beverages to the gym between 9:30–9:45am next Sunday. Danielle Lamkin will have steam tray pans available at the men’s midweek this week; please coordinate with family groups about whether your group needs some and how many to get. Contact Danielle (978-265-6501, lamkidsbooks@...) with questions.

As we focus on a spirit of gratitude this month, we are collecting food for the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. The need is greater than ever, and the Mobile Food Pantry serves 500 families—up from 350 pre-pandemic. The food bank is requesting the following non-perishable items. Monetary donations are also helpful (checks to MVFB).

Coffee/tea
Soups (low sodium if possible)
Oatmeal
Hot chocolate
Baked beans
Canned beets/potatoes
Chef Boyardee
Jelly (small jars)
Salad dressings
Sugar substitutes
Corned beef hash
Cake/brownie mixes, frosting
Jello/pudding mix
$20 Market Basket gift card

Please bring bags of food items to bring to Butler on November 20. This is an expression of gratitude to our God for His constant goodness to us!

The Rosie’s Place donation drive is continuing until Sunday, November 27. All purchased items will be shipped to a central location and packaged to be delivered in person to the shelter. If you purchase items directly from another store, please keep in mind we are only collecting new personal care items on this list. Any questions, please contact Erin Deloge (erin.deloge162@...).

·       Wish List and donation page: www.hopeworldwidema.org/carepackages

·       Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, soap, body wash, lip balm, face cream, hand lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, wipes

·       Gift cards only in $25 amounts from these retailers: Target, Old Navy, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens.

We rejoice with our heavenly Father as Giovanni (Gio) Andre, a student at UMass Lowell, was baptized into Christ on Friday, November 11!

The DCF holiday party is back! For the first time since Covid, we have the chance to throw an impactful holiday party for local foster teens. Typically, this party reaches more than 100 foster teens in need of connection, belonging, and love.

On Sundays, November 27 and December 4, we will collect monetary donations as well as new, special ornaments (each teen will receive one). If you have connections to a local company that may be able to provide a donation, please reach out to Nicole Duran (978-876-3115 nicole_duran@...)

Voting is open for all members of the church to cast a proxy ballot vote for eight directors to the board of the Boston Church of Christ, in advance of the Church’s annual meeting on Monday, December 5. For information about the nominees and to cast your ballot, visit https://vote.bostonchurch.org. There will also be an opportunity to vote in person.

Northwest budget:                                   $15,500
Collected:                                                     $14,637

Northwest missions goal                    $155,000
Collected/pledged:                                $148,509

Recovery Groups

Contact a leader for schedules and links.

Men’s Freedom Group
    Dan Key, 603-943-3656

Women’s Partners in Freedom Group
    Gail Scott-Key, 978-996-0694

Chemical Recovery Groups
    Men: Peter Hirmer, 978-888-3534
    Women: Rowena Hirmer, 978-888-3535

The Lazarus Group is a support group for those with various disabilities. Contact Ron DiBerto (ronalddiberto@...) for meeting times and other information.

Please pray for a miraculous 2022.

Continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, for those affected by COVID-19, and for Alexa DiBisceglie, Aaron Dollar, Michael Gloor, Michael Lamb, Mary Jo Roche, Alan Roscoe, Rafe Shropshire, and Vicki Yib.