THE STORY OF THE JESSE TREE

Jesse was the father of King David. The idea of the Jesse Tree comes from Isaiah 11 :1-9, where God promises a discouraged nation that the glory they remember from David's time will come again. They will have another King from Jesse's family, in whose reign the whole earth will know God. As Christians, we see that promise filled in Jesus and so we use a Jesse Tree as a symbol of hope and as a reminder of how God prepared the world for that kingdom.

OUR JESSE TREE PROJECT

The giving of Christmas gifts to children who might otherwise not have them has become a much loved tradition at St. Edward's. In keeping with our tradition, we will be giving Christmas gifts to children from Lancaster Bunch Head Start Program this December. This year, as in the past, the Social Outreach Committee will gather names of children from Lancaster K&J Head Start..

The purpose of the this program is to bring a bright spot into the lives of needy children at Christmas. We do this by buying them Christmas gifts. It's a different world today and the needs of children are many. In keeping with this increased need and today's technology, we are updating the Jesse Tree Project just a bit this year. For starters, you will be able sign up for the Jesse Tree project on line. Simply click on the email link here, give me your name, address, phone number and the number of children can help or print out the form here. As always, there will be paper forms available for those without access to computers. There will also be a greater emphasis on the practical. Socks and underwear don't sound like very exciting gifts and they aren't . . . unless you don't have them. There are lots of fun things for kids that  also help with motor skills and learning. Games and puzzles give them something, besides TV, to fill their time.  All our children will be 4 years of age and you will be gives their names, sizes and gift ideas. There will also be a list of suggestions on the website and in the back of the church. 

This is a joyful celebration of the Christmas season, and we hope you will join us in this Jesse Tree Project. October 9 - November 6- Complete a form and return. November 13th - Matching will be done and you will be notified of the child (or children if you asked for more) for whom you are shopping. You will be given a tag to put on your gift bags. December 11th - Wrapped and tagged gifts will be brought to the church to be sorted for pick-up.

If you are new to our Church and need more information on this outreach project, please contact Barb O'Brien at 397-1442 or bobquilt3@verizon.net

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