News & Announcements

Again this year the Mission Committee asks for the congregation’s support and participation in the Christmas at Sea project. We will prepare Christmas gift bags for seafarers arriving on cargo ships into the Port of Baltimore. Lee Van Koten, who died in early 2022, 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 continue Lee’s legacy with a goal of making at least 60 gift bags.

There are several ways in which members can help, either by:

1. Sponsoring a bag for $15; or
2. Making a bag by shopping for and filling a one-gallon Ziploc bag with items designated by the International Seafarers of Baltimore Center.

The Center has revamped its acceptable items list for this year (e.g. warm hat, 45 “scarf, hand warmers), so please come by the Christmas at Sea table any Sunday in November for all the details. That table will be set up in Fellowship Hall on November 5, 12, 19, and 26 for either receiving sponsorship donations or for the necessary information for preparing the gift bag.

Monetary donations can be made online by selecting “Seafarers” from the drop down menu or in-person at the Mission table. Checks should be made to CPC and labeled “Christmas at Sea.” Finally, members of the congregation are welcome to assist in the assembly of the sponsored gift bags at the Advent Gathering on December 3, right after church.