Christmas - A Time of Giving

If you are not hearing it now, you will be hearing the question soon, “What do you want for Christmas?” or “What do you want Santa Claus to bring you for Christmas?” If you are looking for a unique gift to give someone, why not consider one of the following:

Heifer International - what is Heifer International? Heifer International is a nonprofit organization working to end world hunger by giving cows, goats and other food and income producing livestock to impoverished families around the world. Recipients are trained in animal care and environmentally sound agricultural practices so they can lift themselves out of poverty and become self-reliant. Milk, eggs, wool, meat, draft power and other benefits of animals provide nutrition and money for education, better housing, health care and small business enterprises.

Heifer’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. Heifer partners with community groups that form a development plan with specific goals. Partners learn how to care for animals and grow crops in ways that can be sustained for future generations. Heifer provides expertise in animal health, water quality, gender equity, the environment and community development.

For a $10 gift you can buy for some under-developed country: a share of a sheep or pig, a goat, 3 rabbits or trees for reforestation. For $20 you can buy a share of a llama, a flock of chicks or ducks or geese. For $25 you can buy a share of a water buffalo or for $30 you can buy some under-developed country some honey bees. For more information or for a gift catalog, you may contact Heifer International via the web at www.heifer.org or at Heifer Project International 1-800-422- 0474.

UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief delivers hope and enhances human dignity through food, shelter, health and peace projects.

You may send the school kits, health kits, baby layettes, sewing kits, flood buckets or $25 to help pay for the shipping of these items to where they are needed the most. For more information you may contact UMCOR via the web at www.umcor.org or call toll-free at 1-800-554- 8583.

“Ideas for a Christ-Centered Holiday” is a little catalog produced by Alternatives for Simple Living that offers alternative ways to celebrate the Christmas season. It includes an Advent calendar that goes to Epiphany with daily scripture readings, suggestions for donating small amounts of money toward a Christmas project, and family activities that bring the holiday emphasis back to the Christ child as well as stories and activity suggestions. For more information call 1-800-318-5725 or on the web at www.simpleliving.net.

OIMC Advance Specials - Or you may want to give to one of our own Advance Specials. Parish Partners #583634-4 is used to support our pastor’s salary. Native American Children’s Fund #583581 is used for school aid and assists churches with VBS supplies (see article on page 4). Contributions may be made in memory or in honor of someone.

If you are still wanting to give a personal gift, the conference office will have available conference polo-shirts in brown, conference Christmas cards, CCYM bookbag/backpack (red with black lettering), as well as the CD “With Our Voices.” You may either stop by the conference office or call for more information.