Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has been responding to emergencies and disasters for over 60 years.  With partners and global relief and development networks in 35 countries, LWR works to create a world where each person and every generation lives in justice, dignity and peace.  LWR engages in international relief, development, advocacy, and social responsibility in collaborative ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and others.

Loading LWR quilts and kits for shipping.

St. John’s has been a contributor to LWR for many decades.  Our church sends the following items to LWR: quilts, bars of soap, sewing kits, health kits, layettes,  school kits and blankets.  Through sale of some quilts and a Sunday offering, money is also sent to LWR to help ship these projects to wherever in the world they are most needed.

 These projects will be collected again in 2009 through a “Project of the Month” emphasis.  The need for these items never ends.  Thank you to all of the quilting ladies who tirelessly make the quilts at church throughout the entire year.  Thanks to those who work from home sewing quilt tops or school bags, or knitting sweaters for the layettes.  Thanks to those who purchase items for the various projects.  This congregation has been very generous to those in desperate need.  As Jesus said, “Just as you did it for the least of these…you have done it unto me.”  (Matthew 25).

Contact Deanna Jeans, Lutheran World Relief Coordinator, for any further details.

Our vision for ministry in 2012 continues to expand. We want to grow in our worship, education, fellowship, and youth ministry. We want to grow deeper in faith and further in outreach. Our 2012 budget has also grown to help us live into the future. Consider how you might grow in generosity toward St. John’s this year. Maybe you can give 1% more to our ministries together, or increase your offering by $10 a week. With our combined efforts, the future of St. John’s will be full, and we’ll have all the resources we need.

We as a congregation also know the joy of giving to others. In 2011 we gave $467.05 to Lutheran Disaster Response following the Pacific totaled to $3977.73 for World Hunger. We shared a gift of $500 with Lutheran World Relief to go along with all the quilts and kits we
prepared. Lutheran Social Services received $1500 from our offerings in Lent. In addition, 7% of our offerings (“Synod Benevolence”) supported the ministries of our regional and national church, for a total of $14,025.67. We did all this while still paying off $12,000 on our bank note. When we are generous, there is more than enough!

The totals of each project are as follows: Health Kits 47, Layettes 58, Soap 303 bars, Sewing Kits 13, School Kits 106, Blankets 3, and Quilts 222. Four quilts were sold to help with the costs of shipping the quilts and kits. 4 quilts were given to Lutherdale Bible Camp for their annual auction and 7 lap robes were given to the Skaalen Home.

Thank you to the ladies who come faithfully each Tuesday morning to make quilts. Thanks to those who work from home making quilt tops, knitting for the layettes, or shopping for the various kits. Many of you donate items anonymously so we can’t thank you personally but please know that you are appreciated.

Thank you to David Stadt for taking the quilts and kits to the boxcar in Madison for shipment. Thanks, also, to those who helped load the
truck: Pastor Matt, David Stadt, Lisa Kersten, Hunter Speropulos, Erika Stoker, Sydney Stoker, Madeline Stoker, Scott Replogle, Charla
Replogle, Seth Replogle, and Bryan Bartlett. Thanks to the confirmation students who moved all of the projects from the basement for the
blessing and send off and thanks to each of you who donated time, materials and money to make this project work. You have stretched your
hearts and hands across the ocean and at home to people in need.

Deanna Jeans, Lutheran World Relief Coordinator