Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Imagine your congregation appearing in other communities. Imagine it appearing so widely that it shows up on distant continents, and yet is still embedded deeply in community partnerships. Imagine it appearing simultaneously on rural soil growing vegetables to feed the hungry, and on a suburban parking lot serving up hospitality, companionship, and the Lord s Supper to seniors. Imagine it appearing in a multicultural, at-risk neighborhood offering a safe haven for young people with dreams. No need to imagine. These appearances are real! Your congregation s mission support extends its witness to the gospel, bringing God s promise of new life in Christ into your community and into many other communities. BISHOP Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod
ST. LUKE S NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER ST. LUKE S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7TH STREET, ALLENTOWN Imagine... Destiny Melendez started college in the fall. She first came to St. Luke s Neighborhood Center at age 10, looking for a safe place to go after school. For the past seven years it was a place I could learn to get involved with the community and help others. She now volunteers her time to help the next generation of children experience the fellowship of the Neighborhood Center. Deion White is an accomplished participant in the Theatre programs at William Allen High School. He considers the Neighborhood Center his second home, and invites staff to see him in his theater productions. After attending for the past seven years, he credits the Center with giving him the confidence he needed for singing and dancing through the support he received from the staff. More than 12 years of successful neighborhood outreach Programs for Pre-K, elementary and teens Committed volunteers come from area colleges, churches, civic groups, businesses and corporations
GOD S GARDEN OF GRACE ST. PETER S LUTHERAN CHURCH, PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP Imagine... Jim Sandt, a retired farmer and member of St. Peter s, designed a plan using 9,000 sq. ft. of church lawn to grow food for local food pantries. Thanks to a $500 grant from the Synod s Witness and Service team, fencing was purchased to keep out deer and rabbits. Members donated time and energy to prepare the ground and plant the seedlings. It became a community project, and Girl Scouts worked on merit badges, Sunday School children planted seeds, local farmers plowed, a local contractor donated a water tank, and the Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Department brought water for the tank weekly. 11,000+ pounds of fresh vegetables Recipes provided by members and friends Four Slate Belt food pantries were the beneficiaries Surplus went to Nazareth and the homeless program of Safe Harbor in Easton Volunteers learned new garden tricks, and new friendships were forged
OPEN ARMS SENIOR CONNECTION ARNDT S LUTHERAN CHURCH, FORKS TOWNSHIP Imagine... the parking lot is empty when Karen and Alice arrive every Tuesday and Thursday. They begin transforming the lounge, choir room, nursery and main hall into a homey atmosphere. Tablecloths with seasonal centerpieces appear. Coffee perks hot water steams extra tables and chairs are set up. Karen and Alice are technically seniors themselves, which is part of the charm you can t tell the staff from the participants. Arndt s is a congregation surrounded by the suburbs of Easton, which recognized the aging as a growing population in need. Soon the doors open, and folks come in to warm hellos, hugs, and greetings from friends. A new community has been established. Gathering time, planned programs, music, monthly communion the air is filled with connections from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. twice a week, 50 weeks a year. Alice and Karen are the last ones to leave. Three years of operations 75 registered participants 25 registered volunteers Annual budget of $12,000 No fees required. Donations accepted
COMPANION SYNODS THE SOUTH CENTRAL DIOCESE OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN TANZANIA Imagine... a youth group from our synod along with two adults visited our Companion Synod in Tanzania. While they visited a number of ministries, one of the most memorable events was an overnight at the Bulongwa Orphanage, where the group helped care for the children alongside the five staff members. They assisted with meals, and even cut firewood. Some are members of congregations in our synod that have companion congregations in Tanzania. The group split into three and visited each of those congregations for three days and two nights, including worship. Pastor Kurt Garbe presided at a baptism during a three-hour worship service. Other highlights of the trip included visits to the Bulongwa Secondary Lutheran School, the Bulongwa Health Science Institute, the Tandala Diaconical Centre, the Cathedral for the Dioceses in Makete, and a safari at the Mikumi National Park and Game Preserve. 32 orphans were cared for by the youth and staff of the orphanage In Youth Vision trips to Tanzania, 24 youths, 3 young adults, and 7 adults have experienced the blessings of the South Central Diocese Over the years, more than 200 folks of the Synod have visited our 4 Companion Synods
NOW IMAGINE HEARING WORDS OF THANKS FROM all whose lives are strengthened all who now live in hope all whose faith is nurtured all whose dreams have become a passion for serving others because of these ministries. And imagine hearing words of thanks for your congregation s mission support commitments, making these ministries possible. No need to imagine. These words of thanks have been spoken already: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25: 40) Note: to read more inspiring stories, please visit the synod website at http://nepsynod.org/resources/missionsupportstories.htm