The Maricamp Road Church of Christ (Church) held its first annual Thanksgiving on the Square which provided food and clothing for the area’s homeless population followed by a worship service prayer. Church members cooked food and donated clothes. Some were collected in an previous Fall Festival event sponsored by the Church attended by 350 people the day before Halloween; others were collected on the spot.

The final tally according to Jacob Medley, Church member and event organizer, was 240 meals served; 30 blankets, 22 sleeping bags and three racks of clothes – that included hats and jackets – all distributed.

For those who donated clothes at the Thanksgiving on the Square, Mojo’s Grill offered free appetizer cards; 75 total.

Church member and Interfaith distribution and center coordinator Tom Curtis said Interfaith donated the water. Asked why the volunteers felt compelled to help out with this event, Curtis shared “God is great, God is good. We try to exemplify the message to look out for our brothers and sisters, all of God’s children, everyday – 24/7.”

“It is great to be the hands and feet of Jesus” added Nancy Bryant, Church member in charge of clothes. So for the hard-working, conscientious volunteers they are doing the surrogate work of Jesus. Noble hearts. Noble deeds.

These actions form perceptions and future actions the Youth Ministers of the Church wish to pass on to the next generation. Youth Minister John “Beef” Bernard shared they have had similar food and clothes drives in the past. “We want to motivate our youth group on the word of Christ; to serve others for Christ. Gives perspective on the needs of the community; and spreads the Gospel by action and word.”

The fellowship of the Church volunteers and generous supporters was heart-felt by the homeless community. Many battling addiction and depression need the encouragement and support they receive from the volunteers to pick themselves up. Others were there as families; a casualty of the recession. Having lost their jobs, their possessions and finally their homes, these unfortunates began to lose hope. But the help of others restores their hope, so that they may turn their situations around.

In short, faith restores fate.

Fenton Jackson has much to be thankful for. He was homeless but through his faith in God and help received from the fellowship of Maricamp Road Church of Christ he turned his life – and fate – around. “I became a member a year and a half ago, dedicated really for the past year. I quit drinking and smoking, generally abusing my mind and body, and God restored my clarity.” Jackson lives with his brother and is an active member of the Church. He is thankful for a big turnout and feels it is good to give back what was so freely given to him by helping others in need.

For more information visit www.ocalachurchofchrist.com.

Memory verses are Genesis 9:16 and 2 Peter 3:9
“My Daily Food” (Daily Bible Readings):
Day 1 – Genesis 8:13 – 17
Day 2 – Genesis 8:18 – 22
Day 3 – Genesis 9:1 – 7
Day 4 – Genesis 9:8 – 17
Day 5 – Genesis 11:1 – 3
Day 6 – Genesis 11:4 – 7
Day 7 – Genesis 11:8 – 9
The “Good Samaritan Project” (homework) is to bring a socks and underwear for the homeless.
Invite your friends to class and tell them about Jesus.

My Daily Food for this week is:  Genesis 4:13-14, 4:15-16, 4:17-18, 4:19-22, 4:23-24, 4:25-26 and 5:1-5.

The Good Samaritan Project is to bring socks or underwear for the homeless.

Also, invite your friends and tell them about Jesus.

You Are Invited!

Maricamp Road’s Annual Fall Festival

• When: Saturday, October 30th
• Time: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
• Place: Maricamp Road Church of Christ :: 2750 SE Maricamp Road Ocala, Florida 34471
• Cost: FREE!

There will be much fun to be had by all in a safe and friendly environment. We will have food, games, and up to 30 cars for Trunk O Treat! Last year was a blast with around 150 kids in attendance.

Check out the video of last year here:

[MEDIA not found]

Note: On November 14th we are having a Thanksgiving dinner clothing drive. If you are willing to donate socks, underwear, slightly used jackets, blankets or sleeping bags; that would be much appreciated. This is going on all through October and November up to the event. You can drop off your donation to “Maricamp Road Church of Christ :: 2750 SE Maricamp Road Ocala, Florida 34471″ or bring them to the fall festival.

Faith Road
Week of September 26, 2010
Memory verse is Psalms 139:23 – 24
“My Daily Food “ (Daily Bible Readings):
Day 1 – Genesis 3:1 – 3
Day 2 – Genesis 3:4 – 5
Day 3 – Genesis 3:6 – 7
Day 4 – Genesis 3:8 – 10
Day 5 – Genesis 3:11 – 13
Day 6 – Genesis 3:14 – 15
Day 7 – Genesis 3:16 – 19
Their “Good Samaritan Project” (homework) is to bring a nonperishable item for the pantry.
We also encourage them to invite their friends to class and tell them about Jesus.

Memory verse is John 1:1.
They can also learn Genesis 1:1 and John 1:2 for extra credit.

Daily Bible Readings

Their homework is to bring a nonperishable item for the pantry.
We also encourage them to invite their friends to class and tell them about Jesus.