   
 2008
Lutheran Social Ministry Appeal
Traditionally, October is Social Ministry month in our church’s
calendar of emphasis. It is also a time for individuals and congregations
to consider their response to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s
annual "Lutheran Social Ministry Appeal." In the past, congregations
were provided with envelopes and fliers in quantity (at considerable cost
of time and money). For the past two years and again this year, congregations are
invited to promote the appeal in whatever way they see fit. Clicking the
links below will take you to sample publicity materials that you can print
from your computer or copy and paste into your bulletins and newsletters.
Materials are—
Some congregations will continue to put the appeal in their general
budget. Others will find their own ways of giving individual members the
opportunity to respond. If you wish to be reimbursed for any expenses
involved in conducting the appeal in your congregation, please contact Pr.
Mike Bennethum.
Last year’s “Focus on the Children: The 2007 Lutheran
Social Ministry Appeal,” generated support for a number of innovative
ministries. A few of the programs supported are:
- The “Love for Children” day camp of the West Berks Mission District
(see write up in
September 2008 Thanks to You)
- Cooperative Summer Day Camp – San Martin de Porres and Christ
Lutheran Churches, Allentown
- A music readiness program at St. Luke, Reading for pre-school age
children in the inner city.
- Bear Creek Summer Day Camp for the inner-city children of
Wilkes-Barre
In a note of appreciation for the synod’s grant, the coordinator of the
Bear Creek Summer Day Camp program in Wilkes-Barre wrote: “It was
wonderful to see how well the children who come from a variety of
backgrounds came together as community throughout the week. One young girl
named Sharon who is autistic was very difficult to connect with at the
outset of the camping week. As a result of a lot of community building
experiences, it was inspiring to see how Sharon opened herself up and
became close friends with a couple of the other girls.”
Children face many challenges these days that put them at risk. All
funds raised by the appeal will be used to support programs addressing the
needs of children and their families. Congregations will be encouraged to
envision new programs and activities. Collaborations among congregations
and with our social ministry organizations to benefit children are also
encouraged. Funds from the synodical budget will continue to support other
social ministry efforts.
God’s call to us to care for our young people is both a blessing and a
responsibility. As you challenge yourself and members of your congregation
to give, please also pray for our children and all who are involved in
helping them grow in knowledge, strength, and faith.
If you have any questions, please call
Pastor Bennethum at
610-395-6891.
Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me (Matthew 18:5).
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