Announcements & Sign-ups
 

ELCA RESPONSE TO HAITI NEEDS:

The ELCA, through the Lutheran World Federation, is already responding to the critical needs of survivors in Haiti.  Thankfully, the LWF offices and staff on the island were spared in the earthquake, making it possible for work to begin immediately.  Staff there will focus their immediate efforts on issues of water safety and sanitation, assisting with medical triage, and providing emergency sheltering for the many who are now homeless.  The ELCA has long-standing relationships in Haiti through several organizations and the Lutheran Church in Haiti.

In anticipation of your generous gifts, ELCA Disaster Response has authorized $250,000 for immediate relief assistance in Haiti, with the possibility for an additional $500,000 as the full scope of this disaster continues to become clear.  Your gifts are needed now to make this type of rapid response possible.

· Check or money orders sent to:                                        ·  credit card by phone: 800.638.3522
ELCA Int'l Disaster Response                                                ·  or online
Attn: Haiti Earthquake Relief                                                 www.elca.org/haitiearthquake                       
PO Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
write "Haiti Earthquake Relief" on your check's memo line.
 

Additional Help for Haiti.   Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is also launching a national $3million

“Helping Haiti” effort at www.Thrivent.com/helping Haiti.  Thrivent will contribute $1, up to $1 million, for every $2 members make by March 31 to the following:  Lutheran World Relief, ELCA Disaster Response.  Donations can be made to the above Website or by calling 800-236-3736 between 7 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday.  When prompted, say “directory” and enter ext. 83003

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH the thanksgiving offering service will be included within the Sunday service. We offer thanks for the gifts we have been given. In our sharing of our gifts with others, we support the ministries we need in order for us to live faithfully. This is an opportunity for the entire congregation to support the ministries of the women of the ELCA.

SUNDAY FLowers The new “Flower Chart for 2010” is now posted. It is located on the wall next to the coat racks. Please sign up to donate a bouquet in honor of/or in memory of someone or for a special event. On behalf of the congregation and the Lake Edge Altar Guild we wish to thank all the people who have previously donated flowers to adorn our altar each Sunday and look forward to your continued support.

THE ROAD HOME/INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK Please check our sign-up board in the fellowship area.  We still have openings for volunteer opportunities during the week of February 14 - February 21, when we join with Lake Edge UCC in hosting families on behalf of The Road Home/Interfaith Hospitality Network.   With a small commitment of our time and resources, we can provide support to homeless families in our community.  This is a great opportunity to introduce the young people in our congregation to the rewards of community service.

The Road Home/Interfaith Hospitality Network also appreciates monetary donations, paper products (including diapers) and gas/grocery cards to support families in the program. Their effort assists families in crisis by finding both temporary and permanent housing, counseling and employment opportunities, while providing hope for people in a difficult situation. Thanks to all who help to keep this program available.

A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL JOURNEY "CLASS" will be held each Wednesday evening prior to the Lenten worship beginning on February 17^th.  Please join for soup and conversation centering around Romans 12.  The soup will be ready by 5:45pm with the discussion beginning at 6pm.  Reserve your book,” Lenten Journey: Marks of the Christian” ($5) by signing up on the bulletin board today.

Personal Essentials Pantry.  Lake Edge continues to provide toilet paper, paper towels, and kitchen-size garbage bags and other items for the Pantry.  There is a box in the coatroom for your items.

Reminder for those signed up for Mobile Meals for Sundays in January.  Meals can be picked up at the San Damiano Friary at 4123 Monona Drive at 11:30 am each Sunday.  Thank you!  

Recycle the Warmth!    Helping our Neighbors in Need!  During the month of January a container will be located near the nursery for good quality new and used blankets, sheets and pillows to be donated to help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that they can provide bedding to local people in need.  The bedding that is collected will be given away without charge over the next twelve months to needy individuals and families who come for help.  So search your linen closets for extra bedding.  Shopko will have low-cost blankets available for purchase on Friday, January 29^th and Saturday January 30^th.

Health Kit Collection.  We, again, are collecting items for Health Kits for Lutheran World Relief.   Last year we sent 140 Health Kits to LWR.  During the months of January and February we are collecting new dark colored Hand Towels and Nail Files (no emery boards).  If you are out and about look for those sales.  A basket is available on the bottom shelf of the bookcase- across from the bulleting board, for your contributions.  Future items are bath-size bar soap, washcloths, and wide-toothed combs.  You can bring any of these items anytime.  Thank you.