Monday, April 16, 2012

THRIVENT "CHOICE DOLLARS" OUTREACH PROJECT


What a wonderful day this first Sunday after Easter was for the congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Galilean in LaPlace, LA!
 
Worship and a congregation luncheon was so different this Sunday.  We were honored with the presence of six veteran clients and the activities director, Sonya Hebert, from the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve, LA.  They were there as part of our new community outreach program. 

At a recent church council meeting it was approved to use all the congregation’s Thrivent “Choice Dollars” to fund new community outreach programs.  The first of these outreach programs was inspired by the congregation’s ongoing program to provide used books to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. 
                                                             
It was recently proposed and approved to provide new, large print Bibles to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, LA.  After contacting the facility, the congregation proceeded to purchase 192 large print Bibles for the facility.  Today, April 15, following worship and lunch, a large group of members visited the veterans home to dedicate and distribute the Bibles.  The members provided refreshments for the veterans, visited with them, and personally delivered to each room a Bible for each client.  Every member who participated in this program came away so touched and filled with spirit of the Lord.  It was obvious that his spirit was present; and, so many of the clients were so touched that someone reached out to remember them.

Beside the congregation in attendance at this event, the local Thrivent Financial For Lutherans representatives and office staff was there with their new Treat Trolley.  They provided popcorn for all the attendees.

The Lutheran Church of the Galilean was so fortunate following Hurricane Katrina to receive financial help from over thirty different congregations throughout the United States.  The congregation is now in a position to use their “Choice Dollars” to create programs of this type for their community and give back.  


Carl L. Hilt

No comments:

Post a Comment