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Once again the Mission Committee asks the congregation to participate in the Christmas Gift Bag Project for those seafarers arriving on ships in the Port of Baltimore. Lee Van Koten (who died early this year) was instrumental in forging our involvement with the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center. Lee wrote, “Christmas is always a lonely one” for seafarers, far from their home and loved ones. These bags are a small token of appreciation for “their efforts to keep the world economy functioning.” We hope to carry on Lee’s legacy with a goal of at least 60 gift bags.

There are several ways in which members can help: Either by (1) sponsoring a bag for $10 or (2) DIY shopping for and filling a designated one-gallon bag with items recommended by the International Seafarers of Baltimore Center. A “Christmas at Sea” Mission table will be set up in the back of the sanctuary on Sundays in November for either collecting sponsorship donations or (for the DIY option) providing a one-gallon bag with information on how to prepare the bag.

Monetary donations can be made either online at CPC to “Seafarers” or at the Mission table in the sanctuary. Checks should be made to CPC and labeled “Christmas at Sea.” Thirdly, members of the congregation are welcome to assist in the assembly of the “sponsored” gift bags at the Advent Gathering on December 4, right after church.