A Message from Pastor Valerie
This was originally emailed out on June 26
Dear Friends,
I hope your summer is going well! For a while in the last many days, I thought we might need to be building an Ark, as we have been overly blessed by a season of rain. Many prayers to all of those in Minnesota, who have lost property and businesses through flooding. It is a difficult time for so many.
Here at church, we have been working on the building and the surrounding gardens and yards. So many thanks to all of our volunteers who have beautified the flower gardens surrounding the church!! Thank you to everyone who has helped with projects and planting and painting! A special thank you to Greg Loberg and his crew for patching potholes in our lot. It means so much to have so many volunteers helping in and around the building.
I also want to thank those of you who are helping around the church: our office volunteers, those of you who take care of our altar and sanctuary from week to week; and many of you who sign up to serve refreshments on Sunday mornings! It’s a long list of people, so if I haven’t mentioned you or your project, please know how much ALL efforts and dedication are appreciated!!
It’s hard to believe that I’m writing and it’s already close to the end of June. As we look forward to summer, we also realize that the beginning of school is just around the corner. For the month of July, I hope you will participate with me in a school supply drive! This year, we will support three of our local grade schools. The goal is to gather all of our supplies during July and deliver them to these school during the first week of August. As you know, teachers and school systems are ramping up in August to welcome students in September.
As you look at the list, please remember that all donations have to be brand new. We cannot accept used or open products for this supply drive. Thank you so much to those of you who are able to participate!!
Crayola Crayons (24 in a pack)
Dry Erase Markers (black)
Pre-sharpened pencils (#2)
Pocket folders (colored folders/ grade school friendly)
Highlighters
Child Scissors (right and left -handed)
Spiral notebooks (wide ruled)
Glue Sticks
Post it Notes
Children’s Backpacks (full size with water bottle holder on side)
Kleenex Tissues
Lysol Wipes
A few additional updates: We had been hosting a Liberian church worship service for the last many months. The Liberian Church has moved to a more permanent home. It was wonderful to be of service with them, and we wish them all the best in their new situation!
We have a very active Autism Peer Support Group meeting weekly. Great news is that they have been able to add a fourth group to their schedule. It is an honor for them to be with us!
Thank you so much for your ongoing support of the food shelf. Julie will include a list of our current needs at the end of my email. We have continued to have an active food shelf, and many in our surrounding communities are benefiting from all of your ongoing generosity.
Many of us are traveling this summer. As you travel and make plans to be away, I want to encourage you to remember your financial gifts and gifting to Peace Lutheran. If you are out and about on the weekends, perhaps you will join us on livestream! I am a part of First Fruits, and it has been such a blessing for me: not having to remember to bring my offering in early before trips. Thank you so much for all of your generosity in your giving and gifting! Historically, summer months are usually a bit busier and more of us are on vacation, at the cabin, or away; as always, we look forward to maintaining a strong financial position. Thank you for all of your help this summer as move toward fall startups!
One more item: we won’t be emailing announcements for the next two weeks. Weekly announcements will continue on Wednesday, July 17. Thank you for your understanding!
Have a great summer!!
Pastor Valerie