It’s Not Too Late to Pack Shoeboxes Online

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It’s Not Too Late

It’s exciting to see shoebox gifts from across Canada streaming into our Operation Christmas Child processing center in Calgary. We celebrate each gift because it means one more child in Ukraine, the Philippines, or around the world will be reached with God’s love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
If you or your loved ones didn’t get a chance to pack for National Collection Week, it’s not too late. You can still pack shoeboxes online!

Pack Online Today

Packing online is fast, fun, and convenient. You can personalize and even follow your boxes to their destination country. If you want to involve your friends, family, or church, forward this email or set up a goal page.

Thank you for partnering with us to send Good News and great joy to children around the world. We can’t wait to see what God will do!

Declare His glory among the nations!
Psalm 96:3

Oilfields Food Bank E-Newsletter

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The Firefighter community food drive was astonishing!
Can you believe what happened? The communities of Black Diamond, Longview & Turner Valley donated 6000 kgs of food with an inventory value of $30,000 & cash donations of $6000. It’s been 3 years since our storerooms have been as full as they are right now.

Every person who donated, every firefighter who trudged through the snow & every volunteer who lifted, weighed & sorted have our heart-felt thanks. And, our sincere thanks to Dave Hinman of Granny’s Pizza for providing free pizza both nights, feeding both the firefighters & our volunteers who, in turn, work so hard to feed others.

Special thanks to the Oilfields Scouts and their leaders for their strong backs! Thanks also to Chris Theti (photographer) for attending on Monday & taking pictures - the photos above were taken by Chris.

Your volunteerism is essential in order for us to deliver food to as many people as possible. Volunteers bring their energy, passion & determination to fight hunger in their community. We’ve said it before (because it’s so true) we can’t do it without you.

Diamond Skull Photography Santa Photos – Nov 26th

Santa Clause is coming to the Turner Valley Fire Department on Nov 26th! Diamond Skull Photography has partnered with the Oilfields Food Bank to host this FREE event for everyone! They will be there doing TWO digital photos via email.


We ask that you bring at least ONE food donation for the food bank bin that will be set up at the Fire Hall.

Start time: 3:30PM – 5PM

Click here for more info ….

Christmas Hamper Donations

We are preparing to hand out 100+ hampers. We include a turkey or ham & all the fixings for 3 meals on Christmas day from breakfast right through to dinner.

If you have food or cash that you would like to donate to help specifically with this program please ensure we have it in hand by December 13th. There are donation drop boxes at AG Foods in Black Diamond & Sheep River Community Library in Turner Valley.

Need a Christmas Hamper?

Pre-registration is required. You may apply online at oilfieldsfoodbank.com or phone (403) 612-1291. Hamper pick-up day is Friday, Dec. 16 & you will be contacted beforehand with your pick-up time.

Our Most Needed Items

peanut butterjamcanned fruitsugar1 L juice boxespancake mix & syruppet foods

Global Food Banking

Food bank use continues to climb to unprecedented levels that have never been seen before. Climate change disrupts agriculture which decreases the amount of food that is grown. This reduces the available food which causes supply chain issues & results in more food insecurity & increasing hunger for the 8 billion people on the planet.

Across Canada - Food Banks Canada

(statistics are from the 2021 HungerCount which is based on data for March of each year)use has increased 30% from pre-pandemic levels1,462,795 visits were made to Canadian food banks in March1 in 7 were currently employed1 in 9 receive pension income17.9% are single parent households16.7% receive provincial disability support8.9% are seniors

Closer to Home - Food Banks Alberta

116,396 Albertans visited a food bank in Marchthere were 44,586 visits by children45% of Alberta’s users are families15.2% receive provincial disability supportsin rural Alberta, 30.5% are seniors or persons with a disability

Oilfields Food Bank - No End In Sight

Food, rent, gas & other essentials are at a 30-year high. Healthy, nutritious food choices are falling further out of reach for a lot of folks. Like other food banks we are struggling to balance rising costs & a continually increasing demand.

Visit our website at oilfieldsfoodbank.com for more detailed information.

Thanks to our sharing, caring community, Oilfields Food Bank has been able to feed every person who walks through the door. Every single one because…YOU ARE AWESOME! THANK YOU!

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Samaritan's Purse - Give Hope This Giving Tuesday

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This Giving Tuesday be part of providing livestock, seeds, and agriculture training to the desperately hungry; bringing safe water to families; or helping protect vulnerable children. Whatever you choose, you also will be helping share the hope of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Nourish a Hungry Family

Provide Safe Water

Protect Vulnerable Children

Nourish a Hungry Family

Crippling food shortages are increasing around the world due to conflict, disease, and other crises. By giving tools, seeds, training, or livestock—including goats and chickens—you can bring vital nutrition to a hungry family. “I could never have imagined that we could have a garden right here … this is great love.” – Emmanuel, Kenya

Provide Safe Water

When dirty water is the only choice, families suffer terrible consequences. Through a BioSand Water Filter, handwashing station, or hygiene training, you can help free a family from disease. “We no longer get sick. Thank you very much for this filter.” – Ana, El Salvador

Protect Vulnerable Children

Countless children worldwide suffer from war, abuse, or hunger. You can help minister to these boys and girls by providing shelter, food, education, and Biblical counseling. “We see the difference when [children] know they are safe and loved.” – Samaritan’s Purse partner, Senegal

Shop 31 Gifts of Hope

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

Shoe Box Collection Week!

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National Collection Week is Here!

Today, hundreds of Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations are open across Canada for National Collection Week (Nov. 14-20)! It's time to bring in your prayerfully packed shoeboxes—each one a tangible expression of God's love and an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a child, their family, and community!

Find Your Drop-off Location

In Zimbabwe, Aisha was thrilled when she received a shoebox filled with presents just for her. She then enrolled in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program. As she read the Bible stories in her workbook and learned how much God loves her, she invited Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. Her parents were amazed when they began to see their daughter’s life transform. They were so impressed that they started visiting the church where Aisha attended.

Soon, her entire family—her parents and three siblings—all gave their lives to Christ!

If you haven't started packing yet, there's still time. Need gift ideas? Check out our How to Pack a Shoebox page for some creative suggestions. If you're unable to pack, you can Pack a Shoebox Online and even follow your box to its destination.

This year Operation Christmas Child celebrates the collection of our 200 millionth shoebox since the Samaritan's Purse project began in 1993. Elizabeth Groff, who received a shoebox when she was a child in Ukraine, will pack the shoebox with gifts from Operation Christmas Child sending countries, including Canada! Elizabeth will hand deliver the shoebox to a child in Ukraine impacted by the war. We invite you to follow Elizabeth's journey on SamaritansPurse.ca or the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page as the 200 millionth shoebox is packed and delivered.

Declare His glory among the nations!
Psalm 96:3

Operation Christmas Child® is a project of Samaritan's Purse®.

Franklin Graham, President
© 2022 Samaritan's Purse Canada

20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5 1-800-663-6500

General Synod - Need Volunteers

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We are hosting General Synod - June 26-July 2

General Synod is the gathering of all dioceses across the country and this year we are sharing with our Lutheran friends as well.

We need 3 Volunteer Coordinators

Are YOU (or is a close friend) Organized? Friendly? Have experience coordinating volunteers or Transportation?

We need you for...

1. Transportation Coordinator - (This person will arrange for buses to bring delegates to the UofC on day of arrival and take them back to airport on day of departure)

2. Registration Desk and Information: (This person will gather volunteers, organize volunteers to hand out registration packets, schedule them for those jobs and general hospitality)

3. Final Banquet Coordinator: (This person will organize the final meal for the Anglican component of General Synod)

If you or someone you know has questions or is interested, in helping with this event please reply to this OR contact pgateman@calgary.anglican.ca

"There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return." - Nelson Mandela

Sent by Pilar Gateman

A Fun, Convenient Way to Pack Shoeboxes

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You can help take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth without leaving home. How? Pack a Shoebox Online!

Packing a shoebox online is a fun, convenient, and easy way you can help send the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children worldwide—whether deep jungles, city slums, steep mountainsides, or remote islands.

Start Packing Online

Choose boxes for girls or boys, ages 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14, and add additional quality toys and other fun items. Then, personalize your gift by adding your own letter and photo. We’ll do the packing for you and send it on its way with the message of God’s love for a boy or girl in need around the world.

Help fulfill the Great Commission and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth by packing a shoebox online today!

Declare His glory among the nations!
Psalm 96:3

Operation Christmas Child® is a project of Samaritan's Purse®.Franklin Graham, President
© 2022 Samaritan's Purse Canada20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5 1-800-663-6500

Oilfields Food Bank - November Update

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They're Back!
Firefighters Food Drive Returning
November 7 & 8
Firefighter’s Community Food Drive will return this year! Yay! These hard working, big-hearted people will be going door-to-door starting at 6pm. Black Diamond & Longview will see them on the evening of Monday Nov. 7; Turner Valley on Tuesday Nov 8.

We thank them for their decades of dedication to this project. It’s an important part of stocking our storeroom & it’s a convenient way to give.

What We Need

Everything is welcome & please take a moment to check the ‘best before date’ as it will save our volunteers a lot of work.

There are some items we have particular need for: Condiments & Sauces – all kinds Baking supplies & cookie / muffin / cake mixes Canned meats & fruit Kleenex & paper products Kids lunch snack kits Fruit & pudding cups Ready-to-serve soup Meals-in-a-can like stews & chili Pet foods – they are part of the family too Other Items - ‘Last Minute Gift Table’ We are looking for new, unopened items to offer on our Gift Table when folks are picking up their Christmas hamper (nice soap/toiletries/kitchen utensils/tea towels/warm socks…to name a few).

If you have something you would like to pass along, please include it when the firefighters come around or drop it off to us on a Tuesday.

Christmas Hampers

Again this year we are preparing to hand out 100+ hampers. We include either a turkey or ham & all the fixings for 3 meals on Christmas Day…from breakfast right through to dinner.

Hamper pick-up day is a drive-thru event & will take place Friday, December 16th. This hamper is an extra & not part of our regular hamper schedule.

How to Get a Christmas Hamper?

Pre-registration is required. We are now accepting requests. You may submit using the online form on the Need a Hamper page or by phoning 403-612-1291. You will be contacted with your pick-up time closer to the event date.

How to Donate Towards a Hamper?

A hamper for a 1-2 person family costs approx. $300 which is why we are so grateful for cash donations at this time of year (whether it’s an e-transfer, a cheque, cash, or through Canada Helps.) All the information is on our website Donations page. Tax receipts for monetary donations are provided prior to Feb. 28, 2023.

When possible, we also like to include a grocery card with our Christmas Hampers. If you would like to donate a $25 card we are happy to pass it along to our folks. We cannot issue a tax receipt for this type of gift.

We accept drop-off food donations on Tuesdays beginning at 11am until 3. We have a donation box at AG Foods in Black Diamond & in the Sheep River Library in Turner Valley.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!


That seems to be what it’s determined to do so if you or someone you know is in need of warm winter outerwear then we have lots to share.

Thanks to the United Church in the Valley this project is up & running once again. Everything is free.

Anyone (food bank user or not) is welcome to stop by on a Tuesday from 11 to 3pm to look through the clothing racks & help themselves. We have lots of options for adults and kids including coats, toques, gloves, scarves, hats & jackets. Don’t see what you need? Plan to stop by the following week as the inventory is constantly changing.

All of the volunteers & members of the Oilfields Food Bank say ‘Thank You So Much’ for the on-going support you give us. We are part of such a caring, sharing community. You are truly AWESOME.

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Copyright © 2022 Oilfields Food Bank, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Oilfields Food Bank or you subscribed through our link.

Our mailing address is:
Oilfields Food BankBox 1318125 Royal AvenueTurner Valley, AB T0L 2A0Canada


Seasonal Staff Needed in Calgary

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Find a Seasonal Job with an Eternal Purpose

Are you or someone you know looking for fun, rewarding work this year?

We are recruiting seasonal paid employees to serve in our Operation Christmas Child Calgary processing center! Join our amazing team to help facilitate the processing and preparation of hundreds of thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes for boys and girls in need around the world.

We are also hiring for our data processing team as they handle mail and donations during this busy Operation Christmas Child season.

Apply Today

These jobs will run approximately from mid-November through mid-December. Day and evening shifts are available. Come and be a part of reaching children and their families for Christ!

Know anyone who might be interested? Please forward them this email. Thank you for your heart to serve!

Declare His glory among the nations!
Psalm 96:3

Operation Christmas Child® is a project of Samaritan's Purse®.Franklin Graham, President
© 2022 Samaritan's Purse Canada20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H51-800-663-6500

Impactus Men’s Conference November 12

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JOIN US ONLINE, LIVE FROM CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 12th

Watch together with friends or as a church.

I am so excited to be hosting this year’s online conference live from Cambridge, Ontario. There is a ton to get excited about. We've got new speakers, a new look, a new direction, and we expect God to do a new thing in the hearts of the men who attend. Would you join us and bring a friend? You won't regret it.

Jordan Harnum, Conference Host

Join us online for our Impactus Men’s Conference, where you'll learn how to "press in" to all God has for you and to become the man he is calling you to be.

Online Conference Speakers: 

Brian Tome, founder of Man Camp Robbie Symons, pastor of Hope Bible Church Nick Hall, evangelist and author

REGISTER TODAY!

Premier Sponsor

Impactus | 210 - 3027 Harvester Road, Burlington, L7N 3G7 Canada

Join Thousands of Canadians in Prayer this November!

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Can you think of a situation in your life where you felt all alone? Maybe you felt like God was far away? I know I have. 

 Seeing God through difficult times is an important part of the Christian journey. It's often something we can't do alone. In challenging situations, we must support each other and pray that He will bring His peace. Unfortunately, not everyone has this luxury. In fact, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are in need of prayer. 

 Sunday, November 6th, 2022, is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:9, this year’s IDOP theme is Not Abandoned. The countries that we will be particularly focused on praying for this year are Afghanistan and Nigeria. 

 This year, the need for prayer seems even more urgent as we witness the challenges faced by Afghani Christians, along with millions of other Christians around the world. The stories we’re receiving daily from our brothers and sisters living where faith costs the most are clear: your prayers make a difference, helping them stay as a light in the darkness in the toughest places.

 DOWNLOAD YOUR 2022 IDOP RESOURCE KIT 

When you download the International Day of Prayer kit, you will find: 

A video to share with your church on November 6th and share on your social media Sermon outlines, themes and Bible references Social media graphics and write-ups Children’s prayer resources for Children’s Sunday School And more!

Open Doors Canada is available for an in-person or virtual gathering, can provide a short virtual message tailored to your needs, or set up a pre-recorded interview.  Feel free to contact christellea@odcan.org to find out more. 

 

The work of Open Doors Canada, and the stories of the people they serve, have deeply impacted me as a follower of Jesus. It is my prayer that the Canadian church will stand strong with persecuted believers from across the globe.

 DOWNLOAD YOUR 2022 IDOP RESOURCE KIT

 Warmly,

 Ellen Graf-Martin 

Graf-Martin Communications on behalf of Open Doors Canada

40 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 1M7

Innovista prayers - Thursday 29th September 7.30am and 7.30pm

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Hello friends:

Here is opportunity for informed PRAYER for UKRAINE. Thursday at 12:30 Calgary time (2:30 Eastern).

 Anatoliy (“Tolik”) Sapsay is the Ukraine country director for Innovista, supporting 20+ churches/pastors in the areas close to the war zone who have been caring for residents and refugees. He has several connections to St. James Church Calgary.

 Everyone is welcome to join this Zoom meeting.

David Fisher - Chair, missions committee at St. James Church

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Dear friends,

 

We look forward to joining together in prayer with you this Thursday 29th, for Innovista teams in Moldova and Ukraine, and the teams in Europe and Central Asia.  

 

Please join us on the usual zoom link for both the 7.30am and 7.30pm meetings and share with anyone else you think would like to come along;

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84026960719

 

Meeting ID: 840 2696 0719

Passcode: 219072

 

We look forward to seeing you then.

 

Blessings,

 Kate.

 Kate Woods

Supporter and Churches Engagement Manager

 Helping rebuild Ukrainian lives through local churches. Support this work with a gift today.

 Innovista identify, equip and develop leaders to change their communities with the hope of Jesus

 Meridian House | Sandy Lane West | Littlemore | Oxford | OX4 6LB | UK
tel.: +44 (0)1865 788 350 | mobile:+44 (0) 7463 033523 www.innovista.org

Two Pastoral Care Training sessions for Fall/Winter

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We are pleased to announce the upcoming Pastoral Care training sessions coming up later this year and early next year.   

Offering of Pastoral Care training for November/December 2022 and February/March 2023.

Do you have an interest, calling or are just curious about Pastoral Care? Maybe you want to be better equipped to support your church community, friends or your own family. We are all called to care and care deeply, as we are able, with one another. Maybe this is a “brush up” opportunity or time for skill refreshing. Please consider this an invitation to join us. Together we will reflect on who we are as pastoral caregivers and how we can use what we have to perhaps lessen the burden of another. Pastoral care is about listening and the ministry of presence, rooted in our love for each other and our faith in Jesus.

 

Perhaps you know of someone in your church community that has taken this course or other pastoral training. Ask them about what they thought, what they learned; how things changed pastorally for them.

In this course there will be a bit reading and/or reflecting as preparation for each of the evenings. There will be learning through new information, sharing and skill development. We will form a pastoral community on our own.

 

I am extending two opportunities – November/December 2022 on Wednesdays and February/March 2023 on Tuesdays. This is a Zoom class and there is no fee.

 

Dates are:

Pastoral Care course 2022

Wednesdays – November 2,9,16, 23, 30, December 7 and 14. The time is 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm.  Deadline to register will be October 24 or a full class.

 

Pastoral Care course 2023

Tuesdays – February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28. The time is 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm.  Deadline to register will be February 3 or a full class.

 

There will be a minimum of 6 people and a max of 15.  

  

Please register with Rev. Tracey at pastoralcare@calgary.anglican.ca. Questions are also welcome. Indicate which course you would like to attend.

Hurricane Fiona: Help those in need

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IN FIONA’S AFTERMATH

Families Need Help in Atlantic Canada


There is damage everywhere. Fiona, one of the strongest storms to hit Canada, has left a trail of destruction across the Atlantic. Homes and roofs are smashed, trees torn from their roots, and power out for thousands.
 
Families across Atlantic Canada need immediate help for the massive clean-up and recovery ahead.

Give Now

A Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Unit tractor trailer left for Prince Edward Island this morning. Advance teams have been on the ground in the region since Friday. The Disaster Relief Unit will equip volunteer teams to remove fallen trees, tarp damaged roofs, and mud-out flooded homes.

“The devastation is so widespread,” said Tammy Suitor, Canadian disaster relief manager for Samaritan’s Purse. “We want to do all we can to serve people and communities who have lost so much.”

Most importantly, our teams will have the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel and show those suffering that God has not forgotten them.

A Disaster Relief Unit and support vehicles.

This storm and the devastation it has left behind is an extreme, historic event for Atlantic Canada. Please pray for the families struggling to recover in the aftermath, for the local churches, and for teams moving to help in Jesus’ Name.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

 
DONATE TO Samaritan's Purse Canada

Your gift provides physical and spiritual aid in Jesus' Name.

Give Today

© 2022 Samaritan's Purse Canada
20 Hopewell Way NE | Calgary AB T3J 5H5 | 1-800-663-6500