Support our local community by donating to this year’s deacon-supported Thanksgiving baskets. We will be distributing food baskets including turkeys and all the trimmings to those in need on Saturday, November 19th. If you know of someone who needs a basket, please contact Dana Kagey (danakagey@hotmail.com) Please note “Baskets” in the memo line if giving by check. For online giving, select “Deacon” from the drop-down menu. To give by text, text the dollar amount and the word “basket” to (253)200-3286. Delivery drivers are also needed. Contact Jenn Jensen(jenn.jensen@yahoo.com).

Children all over the world need the hope of Christ, and a simple shoebox packed full of new gifts can show a child in an un-derserved country the hope and love found in Jesus. Once again, we are excited to partner with Operation Christmas Child and show a child that they matter and are not forgotten this Christmas season. This is the last Sunday you’ll be able to pick up boxes and packing info in Fellowship Hall. Return filled boxes the week of Nov 14-21.

Our next Membership Exploration Class is on Sunday, Dec. 4, right after church. If you’re not a member, I’d like to invite you to consider attending. This is a great way for me to get to know you and for you to learn more about what it means to become part of the First Pres family. The class begins at noon with a light lunch and wraps up by 3:00pm. We may be able to arrange childcare, so please let us know if that would be helpful. I’ve enjoyed leading this class over the past years and hope you will be able to join us! RSVP to Karen Ackerson: (253) 272-3286. - Pastor Eric

There have a been some questions about security on and around the FPC campus as a result of a few recent incidents. Throughout Tacoma, property crimes have been on the rise this year and our neighborhood has not been immune. We want to assure everyone that, as far as we are aware, the incidents have been restricted to property crimes and we have not seen a corresponding increase in violent assaults.

However, we don’t want to take any crime lightly, nor do we want to be unprepared for future incidents. We have implemented a few new safety measures on our campus and encourage you to practice personal safety measures as well. To learn more about this topic, including how you may be affected by these changes, please read this letter from our Director of Operations, Aaron Byers.

Deacons: Thank you for helping support a Ukrainian refugee family through your deacon funds! The family, including a mom, dad and 5 kids ages 4 months to 10 years old, escaped from their small city in Ukraine near the border with Russia via a 10-car caravan driving to a refugee camp in Germany after Russians bombed their infrastructure so they would have no power or water for the approaching very cold winter. After staying in the German camp for a month, they were able to fly to Mexico where they stayed in 2 different places before finally arriving at a Ukrainian refugee camp in Tijuana. A distant relative from the Tacoma area sponsored them to cross the border and now they're living in Milton, Washington. They're Christians and attending a Russian-speaking church in Edgewood. In Ukraine, they were bee farmers and left behind their dad, brother, other family members, their farming business and their beloved dog. They are hoping to return to Ukraine as soon as possible. Please continue to pray for this family, especially for the 34 year old brother who is fighting on the front lines.