2
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 246 South Main Street
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
724-834-1457
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
felchurch.org
Larry Kemp Interim Pastor
Marvin J. Huls Director of Music
WELCOME TO FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH!
We gather here every Sunday to experience the life changing and
life giving grace of God. In this place we discover the truth of
which the Bible speaks, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new
creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has be-
come new!” (2 Cor. 5:17).
We are thankful for your presence among us, thankful to
God for His abiding presence that goes with you this week, and
hopeful that you will be among us when we gather again.
3
PREPARING FOR WORSHIP
ALL BAPTIZED worshipers who confess the presence of Christ in
the bread and wine of communion are invited to commune. Chil-
dren are invited to come forward for a blessing. Communicants
please complete a communion card.
GLUTEN FREE COMMUNION WAFERS are available for
those persons with allergies.
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR CHILDREN in our worship service.
A nursery, on the second floor of the education building, is available
for those moments when children need a quiet area.
CHILDREN’S BULLETINS providing activities based on today’s
scripture readings are available in the narthex.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY BAGS are available for children to use
during worship. They are located in the Narthex and at the top of
the steps in the balcony. Each bag has an age level marked on it so
that you can easily find the one you need. After the service, we ask
that all contents be placed in the proper bag and returned. Thank
you!
PASTOR LARRY KEMP may be reached either at the church office,
by email at [email protected] or by calling his mobile
number at (412) 302-6988. If the concern is of an urgent nature, please
call his mobile number.
PLEASE remember to turn your cell phones off before worship.
4
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
November 18, 2018
8:15 AM & 10:45 AM
THE WORSHIP SERVICE
The beginning of the organ prelude is a call to silent, personal
preparation for the worship of God.
GATHERING
Prelude and Silent Prayer
Confession and Forgiveness
The congregation stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the
sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may per-
fectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The assembly kneels. Silence is kept for reflection.
5
The congregation kneels. Silence is kept for reflection.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot
free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and
deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We
have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our
neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have
mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may de-
light in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy
name. Amen.
The presiding minister announces God's forgiveness with these or
similar words.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and
for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained
minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare
to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father,
and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The assembly stands. The service continues with a gathering song.
Hymn “Jesus, Still Lead On” # 624
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
6
Hymn of Praise: “Glory Be to God”
7
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth.
Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world,
trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The congregation may be seated.
WORD
First Reading Daniel 12: 1-3 At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall
arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since na-
tions first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be deliv-
ered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many of those who sleep
in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to
shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise shall shine like the
brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the
stars for ever and ever.
L: The Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God
Psalm 16
(Read responsively: Lector / Congregation) 1Protect me, O God, for I take ref- | uge in you;
I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord,
my good a- | bove all other."
8
2All my delight is in the godly that are
| in the land,
upon those who are noble a- | mong the people.
3But those who run after | other gods
shall have their troubles | multiplied. 4I will not pour out drink offerings
| to such gods,
never take their names up- | on my lips.
5O LORD, you are my portion | and my cup;
it is you who up- | hold my lot. 6My boundaries enclose a
| pleasant land;
indeed, I have a | rich inheritance.
7I will bless the LORD who | gives me counsel;
my heart teaches me night | after night. 8I have set the LORD al-
| ways before me;
because God is at my right hand, I shall | not be shaken.
9My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir- | it rejoices;
my body also shall | rest in hope. 10
For you will not abandon me | to the grave,
nor let your holy one | see the pit.
11You will show me the | path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for- | evermore.
Second Reading Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25 11And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and
again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12But when Christ
had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the
right hand of God,” 13and since then has been waiting “until his enemies
would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14For by a single offering he has
perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15And the Holy Spirit also
testifies to us, for after saying,
9
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds”, 17he also adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for
sin. 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary
by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us
through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a
great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in
full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil con-
science and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the
confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is
faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and
good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approach-
ing.
L: The Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God
10
Gospel Mark 13:1-8
R/Glory to you, O Lord.
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look,
Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked
him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here
upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter,
James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this
be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accom-
plished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads
you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they
will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do
not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For na-
tion will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be
earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the be-
ginning of the birth pangs.”
The Gospel of the Lord . R/Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
Hymn of the Day: “When Peace like a River” # 785
APOSTLES’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
11
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to the dead
on the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
THE ORDER FOR HOLY BAPTISM (10:45)
PRESENTATION
Candidates for baptism, sponsors, and parents gather with the ministers at
the font. The assembly is seated.
In baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by
joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are
born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are re-
born children of God and made members of the church, the body of Christ.
Living with Christ and in the communion of saints, we grow in faith, love,
and obedience to the will of God.
12
Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God, do you
desire to have Logan baptized into Christ?
Response: I do.
As you bring Logan to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with
responsibilities:
to live with him among God's faithful people,
bring him to the word of God and the holy supper,
teach him the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in his hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture him in faith and prayer,
so that Logan may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help Logan grow in the Christian faith and life?
Response: I do.
The presiding minister addresses sponsors.
Sponsors, do you promise to nurture Logan in the Christian faith as you
are empowered by God's Spirit, and to help him live in the covenant of
baptism and in communion with the church?
Response: I do.
The presiding minister addresses the assembly.
People of God, do you promise to support Logan and pray for him in his
new life in Christ?
We do.
13
The assembly stands.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the
faith of the church.
Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
I renounce them.
The presiding minister addresses the candidates and the assembly.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
14
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AT THE FONT
The presiding minister leads the following or another form of the thanks-
giving.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over
the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in
which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered
Noah and his family, and through the sea you led your people Israel from
slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and
anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of Jesus' death and resurrec-
tion you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live
in you.
Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who
are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life. To you be
given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
15
The assembly may be seated.
BAPTISM
Logan is baptized in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The assembly may respond:
You belong to Christ, in whom you have been baptized. Alleluia.
Let us pray.
We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you
give your daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise
them to eternal life.
Sustain Logan with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge
and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and
forever. Amen.
The presiding minister marks the sign of the cross on the forehead of each
of the baptized.
Logan, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked
with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.
16
WELCOME
Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.
Let us welcome Logan.
We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we
share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God's
creative and redeeming word to all the world.
The assembly may offer a sign of acclamation.
Prayers of the Church
To stay current with our many continuing prayer needs, we will
refresh our prayer list at the beginning of each new month by
starting with a clean slate. We understand that many people will
continue to need prayer beyond the length of one month. If you
wish to continue to have someone listed in the bulletin for public
prayer, please call the office by the last Wednesday of the month.
The assisting minister invites the assembly into prayer
With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church,
those in need, and all of God’s creation.
Each portion of the prayers ends with these words:
. . . let us pray.
Hear us, O God. R/Your mercy is great.
17
The presiding minister concludes the prayers with these or similar
words.
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray,
trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
The Peace
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of
the risen Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may
say Peace be with you or similar words.
The assembly is seated.
THE MEAL
Offering
(Children, please bring your offering to the front of the church and
place it in the “Thank You Jesus” Jar.)
18
Offertory Response “Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful” # 182
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of
blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we
may be fed with the bread of life. Gather the hopes and the dreams
of all; unite them with the prayers we offer now. Grace our table
with your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
Offertory Prayer (in unison)
Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your
goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: ourselves, our time,
and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding
the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving
19
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in
all places give thanks...we praise your name and join their unending
hymn.
Eucharistic Prayer II Lutheran Book of Worship
You are indeed holy, O God, the fountain of all holiness…
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Therefore, O God, with this bread and cup…
…to share with us the great and promised feast.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
20
Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit…
...and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
Join our prayers with those of your servants…
Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, now and forever.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom
come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
COMMUNION
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep
you in his grace. Amen.
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray. O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this
feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to
serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
21
SENDING
Blessing
Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
Amen.
Hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” # 632
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
From Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. All rights reserved. Reprinted by
permission of Augsburg Fortress under license #SB144012.
MISSION STATEMENT
“As Servants of Jesus Christ, we strive to impact our
families, neighbors and the world by sharing our faith,
empowered by God’s Grace”
Developed by Church Council
October 2016
22
SERVING TODAY:
ACOLYTES are Erik Hanzel and Mia Saraceni.
LECTORS are Gail Armstrong and Carol Baker.
WORSHIP ASSISTANT is Rocco Marusko.
GREETERS include at 8:15 Rocco Marusko- north door, Pastor Larry
Kemp - center, Liz Rowe - south door; at 10:45 Rocco Marusko- north
door, Pastor Larry Kemp - center, Ron Lambie - south door.
BLESSED TO BLESS
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
The Food from the Heart luncheon will NOT be held.
Wednesday evening worship at 6p will take place as usual. If you
are looking for 30 minutes of calm and a quiet place on the Wednes-
day evening before Thanksgiving Day, please plan to join us for
worship in Word and sacrament.
23
PRAYER CONCERNS:
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER this week Lisa, Brandie, Pat,
Lynn, Jim, Mary Lou, Denise, Debra, Kathryn, Julie, Peggy, Andy, Ash-
ton, Donnie, Bucky, Melanie, Janet, Gleckl family, Betty, Pat, Luke,
Jim, Marshall, Nancy and Connor.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given in memory of Charles Stephenson
and Elizabeth J. Stephenson by Nancy O’Hare.
THE CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in memory of mother,
Glenna Moyer, by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Moyer.
PRAYER REQUESTS for First’s Prayer Chain may be made at any
time by calling the church office or by writing the request on the prayer
cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate. If for
whatever reason you do not want your name listed but would like to
be on the prayer list, just let us know when you make your request.
EXCELA HEALTH has changed their policy and will no longer notify
the church of admissions. Please notify the pastor or call the church
office if you or your loved one is hospitalized.
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your
name; deliver us and forgive our sin for your
name’s sake. Psalm 79:9
24
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM is given today to Logan
John Boone, son of Robert and Lauren. We rejoice in the waters of
baptism and God’s gift of new birth.
THANKS to Chuck Vita for serving as organist today.
CONGREGATIONAL meetings will be held today after the 8:15 service
and before the 10:45 service for the purpose of electing congregation
council members.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST is available today and each Sunday, 9
- 10:30 AM in the fellowship hall.
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY meets Monday, November 5 at 7:00 PM in
the Fellowship Hall. Bring your Bibles and together we’ll study the
adventures of the early Christian Church.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: is Monday, November 19th. You may email your articles to [email protected].
FINANCE meets Tuesday, 6:30 PM.
CHRISTIAN ED / YOUTH meets Tuesday, 7:00 PM
WORSHIP WORD and SACRAMENT Wednesday, 6:00 PM
CHURCH OFFICE will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on
Thursday and Friday (November 22 and 23).
THE JAVA TABLE will be open Sunday, November 25.
NEWSLETTER FOLDING Thursday, December 29, 10:30 AM
HOMEBOUND VISITS: Pastor Larry Kemp and those visiting
homebound members are revising the current list of homebound
members. If you know of anyone who might need a visit, please contact
pastor or the church office.
PLEASE DO NOT put your key cards near magnets!
25
GIVING TREE “ANGELS” AVAILABLE SUNDAY, NOV. 18
Our “Giving Tree” will have angels starting Sunday,
November 18. The angels contain names of needy chil-
dren and gift suggestions. (You do NOT need to pur-
chase all of the suggestions.) Some of these children are
from families helped through our food pantry. Some are
from our preschool.
If you wish to help, take an angel and please sign your name and phone
number next to the child’s number on the clipboard provided. Gifts
should be wrapped and placed under the tree or returned to the church of-
fice no later than Sunday, December 9. The gifts will be distributed at
the December 20 Food Pantry.
CHRISTMAS CRECHE SHOW. An Inspirational
Display of Nativities at First United Methodist
Church (15 East Second Street, Greensburg)
December 6 & 7, 4—8 PM and December 8, 11
AM—3 PM. There is no charge.
DINNER & ADVENT WORSHIP at Lutherlyn December 1, 2018.
Dinner at 5:00 PM and Worship at 6:30 PM in Baker Chapel at
Lutherlyn. Bishop Kurt Kusserow preaching. RSVP by November 21 to
[email protected] or 724-865-2161. You are also invited to the
Family Advent Day or stay for the whole weekend! Visit
www.lutherlyn,.com/advent or call 724-865-2161 for more information.
26
Opportunities to Serve at Sunday Worship
On Sunday morning, we have a number of opportunities to serve our
Lord and the congregation at First. Those opportunities are:
All of these are valuable parts of our time in worship. We have a par-
ticular need for ushers and people to run the sound system.
If this sounds like something you might be called to do, please speak
with the pastor.
We URGENTLY need help recording the weekly service and editing
the recording to CD. Training will be provided. Please call the church
at 724-834-1457 or email the church office at [email protected], if
you would like to volunteer. This is a vital ministry for those unable to
attend services and your help would be greatly appreciated.
We are looking for individuals to deliver the CD’s from Sunday wor-
ship to some of our shut-ins. This would be approximately once per
month. If you are interested in this ministry, please call the church of-
fice or use the back of the prayer request card and place it in the offer-
ing plate.
Altar Guild Assisting Minister
Choir Communion Assistant
Greeter Lector
Sound System Operator Usher
27
THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACTION TEAM
SUPPLY ITEMS – SOCKS, UNDERWEAR AND TOYS
October 15 – December 2
The Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau makes arrangements for
children from birth to 18 years of age in family emergencies. These
children are often removed from their homes with only the clothes they
are wearing and little if any personal belongings, such as a toy or a
favorite stuffed animal. The Bureau maintains a “children’s closet” for
those under their supervision. The closet is currently low on supply
items, namely children’s socks, underwear and toys.
Thrivent Financial Action Team is collecting new toys, children’s socks
and underwear for the children under the care of the Westmoreland
County Children’s Bureau. Collection boxes are
located in the education building foyer, the narthex at the back of the
ARE YOU WILLING TO OFFER A RIDE TO WORSHIP? There
are 2 ladies requesting a ride (one in the Kepple-Graft Funeral Home ar-
ea and the other lives at the Toll House Apartments) to church. If you are
available and willing, please speak with pastor.
28
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE
United States Wildfires
Wildfires are raging across California, destroying thousands of homes and
wiping out the town of Paradise, located north of Sacramento. Multiple
deaths have been confirmed and large-scale, mandatory evacuations are in
place for multiple communities across the state’s impacted areas as first
responders work to gain control of the fires.
Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response designated for "U.S. wildfires" will
be used to help those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Please
give today.
Through our partners in California, Lutheran Disaster Response has al-
ready begun addressing immediate needs, including providing food and
other necessities to survivors. We are also preparing to address long-term
needs which might include rebuilding of structures and emotional and
spiritual care. The need will be great.
PLEASE make U.S. Wildfires / Disaster Response checks payable to
First Lutheran Church and one check from the church will be mailed to
the ELCA. Write “U.S. Wildfires” or “Where needed most” on your
checks’ memo line. Place your check in a gold envelope with your name
on it.
29
Would your family be willing to light the Advent Candle on one of the
Sundays in Advent (December 2, 9, 16 or 23)? Please let Pastor Larry
know if your family would like to do this at either service.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, December 23
10:00 AM service only (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
No Sunday School
CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
7:00 PM Family Service with Communion
10:00 PM Candlelight Communion Service
SUNDAY, December 30
10:00 AM service only
Regular services at 8:15 and 10:45 AM resume on Sunday, January 6
30
First Lutheran will again participate in Operation Reindeer. Your gifts
should be new, unboxed and unwrapped. Please bring them to the
church office by Sunday, December 2. Thank you!
OPERATION REINDEER GIFT SUGGESTIONS
FOR TORRANCE RESIDENTS
We do our best to match gifts to recipients for
everything donated. Thank you for your help!
Please, no items with glass, belts, razors or other safety hazards!
Clothing (Men’s size XL or larger / Women’s size L or larger):
No scarves or belts!
*sweatshirts & sweatpants *tops, t-shirts *pants and jeans
*sweaters *socks *undergarments *pajamas *bathrobes
*mittens gloves *hats, ear muffs *jackets, coats, outerwear
Toiletries: No razors / Non-aerosol items please
*shampoo & conditioner *soap/body washes *hand/body lotion
*shaving gel/creams *combs/brushes *pony tail holders *small
packs of tissues *toothpaste/toothbrushes
Cosmetics: No nail polish or glass bottles or mirrors
lipstick, gloss, powder, eye shadows, mascara, lip balm, blush
31
OPERATION REINDEER GIFT SUGGESTIONS continued:
Activity Items: No needles or wire bindings
*craft kits *puzzle books *activity books
*regular and large print books *Bibles *games *CD’s/DVD’s *hand
held games *crayons/paints
Food items: No nuts or glass containers
*diabetic or sugarless items *decaffeinated drink mixes/coffee
*individually packed snack items
(crackers, cookies, cakes, gum, candy)
Miscellaneous:
*batteries (especially AA) *wallets *portable CD players
*watches *sports memorabilia (especially Pittsburgh teams)
*writing paper, stationary items especially with stamps
*phone cards are in great demand for the patients
*gently-used luggage
Operation Reindeer is Mental Health of America’s annual drive to pro-
vide Christmas gifts for Westmoreland County residents at Torrance
State Hospital, a long term facility for psychiatric patients. These items
make being away from family at Christmastime easier for patients who
struggle with mental illnesses.