News

Just a reminder, this weekend is the last chance for you to sign up for a small group this session. There will be tables in the Fellowship Hall where you can sign up, meet the leaders, and ask any questions you may have. Don't miss this opportunity to join a group where you can connect with others.

On Wednesday, December 23 at 7pm, LCC is having there adult Christmas Service. Space is limited so be sure to pick up your tickets at the table located in the back of the sanctuary starting Saturday, December 12. Tickets are free and it holds to be a meaningful and reflective evening. Hope to see you all there!!!

If your new to the whole Twitter thing make sure you check it out.
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Twitter is a mini blog...you get 140 characters to let everyone know what's going on. It's free to sign up and the best part is...you can stay up to date with what's going on at LCC. Search for us at lancomchurch . Also some of the staff have Twitter accounts as well...if you wish to follow them here is the list below.

Matt Johnson's is matt_johnson33
Chris Reed's is creed80
Sara Miller's sara_miller24

Happy Thanksgiving!

From the Pastors and Staff at LCC.

For those of you who didn't get enough of The Church Office on Saturday and Sunday you can check out the Lancaster Community Church channel on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/thelancomchurch

“Book Bags for the Homeless” Offers Help, Health to Lancaster Homeless
Lancaster, OH, November 9, 2009: What began as an idea to help a handful of homeless people in Lancaster has grown into a massive stockpile of supplies that had to be moved into a storage building. “That first year, we filled 30 book bags with a can opener, a shower curtain to help keep the wind at bay, hats, gloves and warm socks,” explained Debbie VanAtta.
Debbie continued to clip coupons and shop for sales for the project she called Book Bags for the Homeless. Since that first Christmas in 2007, she has overseen the distribution of over 500 book bags full of personal care items, warm outerwear and assistance information to homeless and low-income people in Lancaster. “The book bags are a sense of hope, a sign that someone does care, that someone sees you. I don’t see people as throwaways of society. Every time I see someone carrying one of the book bags on the streets of Lancaster, I’m reminded to pray for that person. These bags have helped many people start to get back on their feet and access other agencies for assistance.”
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As the economic crisis continues to impact Fairfield County, Debbie’s goal is to provide 1,000 bags of hope in the next 12 months. One person who believes she can accomplish her goal is Donna Fox-Moore, Housing Director and Coalition Coordinator at Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency, who has worked with Debbie through their involvement the Fairfield County Housing Coalition. “Debbie has always stayed on the frontlines. She knows what’s needed, and she just goes and does it. She doesn’t think of obstacles, only opportunities,” said Donna. Debbie also serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Fairfield Mental Health Consumer Group.
Debbie explained how Book Bags for the Homeless has grown into such a far-reaching project. “At each step, the Lord has provided ideas and volunteers and everything else we needed to make this happen. I’ve been surrounded by people who taught me how one person can make a difference. I know people who buy one extra item at the grocery store for the food pantries. I know a man who fixes up used bicycles and gives them away. I know people who knit booties and blankets for the hospital. Book Bags for the Homeless is just one example of what one person can do when God puts something on their heart. Who would of thought the Lord would allow me to do this? I'm not always nice and I don't have it all together, I still mess up. There are people more qualified and organized than me who could do this, and it blows my mind that He has allowed me to take part in His miracle for someone else.”
The book bags will be distributed at Nick’s Pizza in Lancaster on Christmas Eve. “This will be the third year we’ve been at Nick’s. It’s my goal to have enough supplies and volunteers to be able to provide bags at the food pantries, free meal providers, shelters and agencies on a regular basis,” Debbie dreamed. The bags are currently available throughout the year at The Lighthouse Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, Foundation Dinners and Shelter, and Lutheran Social Services.
If you’d like to give the basic comforts of life and relief from the cold, the following items are needed for the book bags:

Book bags and backpacks
Warm gloves and hats
Warm socks
Hand and feet warmers
Shoe insoles
Rain poncho
Small blanket
Water bottle or thermos
Lunch boxes
Trash bags
Gallon storage bags
Small sewing kit
Small first aid kit
Hand towels 
Wash clothes or baby wipes
Bar soap and plastic holder
Toothbrush and holder                 
Brush and comb               
Deodorant
Nail clippers
Q-tips 
Hand or body lotion
Shaving cream
Razor
Shampoo and conditioner
Restaurant gift cards
Shoe store gift cards

New and gently-used book bags, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, coats and boots are also appreciated.
Donations may be dropped off at 115 S Broad Street at Fountain Square in front of the United Way office on Saturday, November 28, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and at Lancaster Community Church, Door B, 230 N Columbus Street, on Monday, December 7, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. “At both locations, people will be able to just drive through and we’ll help unload anything they are able to give,” Debbie explained.
Volunteers are needed to help assemble the book bags on Tuesday, December 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Lancaster Community Church and to distribute the filled bags at Nick’s Pizza, 702 W Wheeling Street, on Thursday, December 24, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Churches, businesses, clubs and agencies are also invited to collect donations. Please contact Debbie at bookbagsforthehomeless@gmail.com to arrange the pickup or delivery of any items you would like to donate. Additionally, please contact Debbie if you or someone you know needs a book bag.

Operation Christmas Child is phase one of Operation Christmas and we will be kicking it off this Saturday and Sunday (11/7 & 8). Operation Christmas Child is through Samaritans Purse and we collect shoe boxes full of toys and other goodies to be sent all over the world. So bust out those dusty old shoe boxes that are laying in the bottom of the closet and stuff them full of fun (predetermined items...see Operation Christmas table for details) items and bring them in. See your bulletin and the Operation Christmas table for more details.