SOCIAL MINISTRY

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

(Presented at the January 13, 2008 Annual Meeting)

The following are ongoing programs coordinated by the Social Ministry Team:

V         C.H.A.M.P.  (Charlotte Home Again Ministry Program)

CHAMP assists families in the Charlotte area who are struggling financially and often spiritually.  CHAMP accomplishes this through financial donations, counseling, friendship, general support and prayer.

ý       School supplies for Clarksdale, MS

Over the years we have supported LWR by providing school, health and baby kits.  Last year we had the opportunity to help one of our own and a small impoverished school in Mississippi.  Jenny Crigier, a member of our congregation, started her teaching career last fall in Mississippi and soon realized that many things we take for granted in a classroom were nonexistent in her school. So we asked the congregation to help.  Two large boxes of pencils, crayons, paper, scissors and other school items were sent to her classroom.  In addition, a financial gift was sent to her to use in her classroom or school.

W         Christmas Gifts

Each year the Social Ministry Team selects a local family or charity, which is in need of assistance.  Information is provided to the congregation through announcements and a bulletin board display.  Members of Peace always respond enthusiastically and generously to provide the needed items.  Last year for Christmas we asked that you provide gifts for 2 families.  As usual, all of the gifts requested were purchased by the congregation and given to the families.

�        Community Dinner

Each Wednesday the community Dinner Program provides a free meal open to the community.  The meal is prepared and served by different organizations each week.  Peace prepared and served 5 community dinners last year.

ä             Thanksgiving Dinner

Last year Peace hosted its seventh Thanksgiving dinner (second dinner with First Lutheran) for approximately 100 people from the community on Thanksgiving Day.  About 30 volunteers helped make this traditional dinner a success.

K        CROP Walk

Crop Walk raises funds that get distributed worldwide for projects, teachers, and tools, which help people, learn to provide for themselves.  25% of the funds stay in the community.  Last year Peace had 13 walkers.

ü        Helping Hands

These programs accept donations in order to provide food and personal needs items for people who need assistance.  Our Helping Hand grocery box is rarely empty.

Social Ministry Team: 

            Joe & Lorene Crigier, Darlene & Coyne Gareiss, Connie Morrison, Bev DeFord, Becky Teidt and Louise Bradley