The first Sunday of each month we collect food for the pantry at ESM to feed the hungry.  See list of the most needed items below.  AND, we need volunteers to "man" the carts on each first Sunday at thes times:  8:00 - 8:30, 9:30 - 10:00, or 11:00 - 11:30.

For Christmas dinners, we are collecting additional items on December 7 - please see items in bold below that are for the Christmas baskets.

Most needed items for ESM

• turkey
• stuffing
• cranberry sauce
• gravy - jar, can or package
• cake mix and frosting
• yams
• bag of potatoes
• canned pumpkin and pie crust
• evaporated milk
• canned soup
• rice
• dry beans & canned beans
• dry milk
• pasta
• ramen noodles
• peanut butter
• jelly
• canned corn, canned peas
• macaroni & cheese
• canned tuna or chicken
• Hamburger or Tuna Helper
• Evaporated milk
• instant or canned potatoes
• travel-size soap
• shampoo
• toothpaste
• disposable razors
• shaving cream
• baby items, diapers, wipes
• feminine products
• means jeans (32, 34, 36)
• winter coats and jackets
• mittens, gloves, scarves, hats
• blankets

ESM also needs regular volunteers, call 228-6785. 

IHN -  INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK- November 30 - December 7
Once again we have the opportunity to  serve and share with families who are in a temporary homeless situation.  Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas - making meals, serving, meals, being evening, activity or overnight hosts, helping with set up and clean up, transportation and more!  Our guests will be here each evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. the next morning.  You can sign up in the narthex after the worship services on Sunday, November 9th, or call the Missions Office, 884-6108. 
     Thanks to all the volunteers who have already sign up to serve!  We have all the necessary food items and meals.  There are still a few opportunities to serve:
          Tear down and clean up - help get the Sunday School classrooms converted from the family "bedrooms" back to classrooms for the children!  6:30 - 8:00 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
     And there is a need for many more to help wtih laundry.  Laundry will include bedding and towels that were used during the week.  You can pick up the bag of laundry at the Plaza on Sunday, December 6, and return it during the week or the following Sunday.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONTH
Thank you to our 233 volunteers who served in various projects throughout the City! 

UPCOMING AND ONGOING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

DECEMBER 7
ESM Food Collection
ESM depends on First Pres for our large food collection the first Sunday of each month.  Will you help collect the food at one of our stations - Weber Street parking lot, Bijou Street (main) entrance, or the plaza entrance?  The time commitment is short and it is a great opportunity to meet and greet people as they drop off their donations.  Time shifts are 30 minutes prior to each service: 9:45 - 9:45, or 10:20 - 11:10.  (Early time slot is full - thank you!)

DECEMBER 7
GOLDEN CIRCLE
Great family opportunity!  An opportunity to serve lunch  to seniors at the Acacia Apartments from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  The Acacia Apartments are easy walking distance from the church.  This is a 2 hour time commitment with the rich benefit of serving and interacting with seniors over lunch.  

DECEMBER 19
LONGEST NIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Remembering the homeless on this longest night of the year with a candlelight procession, beginning at 5:30 p.m. from the Soup Wagon, located on Spruce Street between Pikes Peak and Colorado (near the DHS offices and VA Clinic) and proceeding to the Bijou House, 411 W.  Bijou Street.   Join with Catholic Charities and the Bijou Community as well as Springs Rescue Mission and others in the community as we remember the homeless. 

DECEMBER 20
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
Family friendly opportunity!  Connect with the community during this Christmas season, and help the poor!  First Pres volunteers (it could be you!) will be ringing bells at both doors of the 8th Street Wal-Mart from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Sign up for an one hour time slot!  Sing, dress up, bring friends, have fun!  This day is now full - thank you faithful servants of First Pres!  Please sign up to serve on December 22. 

DECEMBER 22
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
Family friendly opportunity!  Another day to connect with the community during this Christmas season, and help the poor!  First Pres volunteers (it could be you!) will be ringing bells at both doors of the 8th Street Wal-Mart from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Sign up for an one hour time slot!  Sing, dress up, bring friends, have fun!

UPCOMING & ONGOING
RISE & SHINE - A READING TUTORING PROGRAM
Tutors from our congregation are trained to help students, in grades 2 - 5 who are reading below grade level, to improve their reading skills and discover the joy of reading.  The tutors come with a desire to make a difference in the lives of these children and plant seeds of love, joy, and self-esteem.  The program is a partnership between parents, the child and an individual tutor.  If you are interested in becoming a tutor, or receiving information on the referral process for a child, call the Rise and Shine office in Children's Ministries, 719.884.6128.