Upcoming Events
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WAKEFIELD Mission-Oriented Opportunities
Over the next several months, the Church Council will be implementing several mission-oriented projects. These projects will reach not only members of our own community in Wakefield and surrounding towns but others around our vast world. It is hoped that you will find at least one of the several offered that you can support either with your financial resources or join in a hands- on effort with others in our church family.
Things happening now:
Mission of Deeds – Mission of Deeds is an on-going mission that we can support with the following items: new blankets, new sheets (crib, twin, double and queen), new potholders, kitchen utensils, new wood spoons, can openers, vegetable peelers, toasters, and coffee makers. Please contact David or Darlene Berube (781-246-2501) for more information.
Operation Christmas Child – FBC in cooperation with First Parish, First Baptistcoordinator Elaine Pappas will be coordinating our effort. Sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse,FBC has supported this charity for a number of years. Shoe box sized boxes, specifically designated for boy or girl, ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14, are filled with toys, toiletries such as hairbrush, toothbrush, washcloth, bar soap, colorful adhesive bandages, stuffed animals, building blocks, foam balls, small articles of clothing, flip flops, hats, scarfs, mittens, comb, sunglasses, tote bag, pillowcase dress or simple sundress, hairbows, Pencils, small manual pencil sharpener, colored pencils, pencil case, crayons, markers, pens, coloring pads/books, picture book, etch-a-sketch, small adhesive tape, watercolor set playdough, stickers. Articles that cannot be included: candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures, chocolate or food, seeds, fruit rolls or other fruit snacks, drink mixes (powdered or liquid), liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers, aerosol cans. Including a personal note to the child is encouraged if you feel you would like to do that. The object is basically to select amedium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill the box with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. If possible, a donation of $9/box is requested to help facilitate mailing and handling costs. More info available here: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox- suggestions/
But most important of all: pray for the child receiving your gift. Contact Elaine Pappas (781- 942-7216) for a box to participate in this outreach.
Toys for Tots – This is an effort that FBC has participated in for a number of years. As of 10/23/2020, it is not known whether this effort will be continued by the local sponsoring agency. More information will be published as a decision is made.
Blessing Bags - These bags are for the homeless population here in Wakefield or in the downtown Boston area, wherever the need is. They are also known as Homeless Bags but Blessing Bags more accurately describe our purpose in putting them together; we are hoping to complete 12 bags for this first round. The bags themselves will be made from some fabric already donated and will contain some or all of the following: warm socks, toothbrush and cover, toothpaste, shampoo, inexpensive facecloth and towel, hand warmers, comb,facemask, shave cream, razor, candy, snacks, bottled water, pop top containers of soup, hot cocoa mix, tuna/cracker packs, and instant oatmeal packs. The highlighted items have been donated but we would appreciate either a financial contribution or donated item to help stuff the bags evenly. We hope that this can be an on-going mission but our first attempt will be 12 bags completed and distributed shortly before Christmas. A financial contribution will enable us to purchase needed items on line at a substantially reduced price as well as other items. Also included in the bag will be a card imprinted with:
You matter.
You are not forgotten.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
as well as a personal note from the person filling the bag. In this time of COVID-19, it is hoped we could have a very small group of 3, 4 or 5 people at the church together (masked of course!) assemble the bags. Time will tell if the next couple of months will allow this to happen but it is our intent. For further information, contact Marsha Carter (781-334-6611) if you can help purchase some of the remaining items or if you wish to make a financial donation towards this effort; also, if you would like to be part of the very small group assembling to put the bags together. Checks can be mailed to Marsha Carter, made payable to First Baptist Church with Blessing Bags written in the memo line.
Lahey Health Behavioral Services - Darlene Berube works at the CAB Health and Recovery Centerin Danvers, designed for the treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction. They are in constant need ofcomfortable, casual used clothing for men and women including socks, underwear, sweatshirts, tee-shirts, sweaters, jeans, sweat pants, sneakers, etc. If you have items you'd like to donate, contact Darlene at 781-246-2501.
Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen – We are in the process of getting approval from First Parish to begin a takeout only parking lot only drive by soup kitchen at noon on a weekday. Weimin has enthusiastically volunteered to lead this group again. We anticipate starting once a month in November and we will need a few people every month to help fill the soup containers and bags. It will be necessary for the volunteers to wear a face mask, gloves, and face shield which will be provided to participate in this effort. More details as they become available.
We expect the following to be a winter effort after the Christmas Season:
Dress a Girl Sundresses – From their website: “Dress a Girl Around the World is aCampaign under Hope 4 Women International (a 501 (c) 3 organization) bringing dignity to women around the world since 2006. Hope 4 Women International is a nondenominational independent Christian organization. Visit our website to learn more at Hope 4 Women International. We dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress. We want girls to know that they are worthy of respect, and that they are loved by God.” More information will be available in December. We expect this to be a winter project. Contact Marsha Carter (781-334-6611) for more information. To start, financial donations are more than welcome.