Caring Ministries

 

In our church family - the ministry of Shepherding:

 

 

Stephen Ministry - What is it?

LISTEN! That’s what Stephen Ministers do. They have gone through 40 hours of training in providing Christian care so that they can focus on your needs and listen to what you really have to say.

 

If you are interested in Stephen Ministry either as a future Stephen Minister or as a care receiver you may see Faye Hall or Pastor Sauer.

 

A new series of training sessions for future Stephen Ministers begins September 29. Training sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

If you would like further information please see either Faye Hall or Pastor Dave Sauer prior to September 1st so that we have time to order the correct number of training materials.

 

Call Faye Hall @ 797-3219 or Pastor Sauer @ 793-3366

 

Stephen Ministers are Caregivers GOD IS THE CUREGIVER

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Every one of you who has contributed an item for the prayer shawl ministry, please come to a SHORT meeting at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 6, in the Alpha Room. 

 

Also anyone interested in perhaps becoming a part of this comforting activity please join us.  We have yarn that has been donated for you use or perhaps you would like to deliver an item.

 

GriefShare

The loss of a loved one through death can present the survivor with a real struggle in moving forward in life. GriefShare is a support group that meets once a week for 13 weeks.

 

39 Forever - fellowship for seniors

Our next gathering of 39 Forever will be noon on September 2. Our topic will be: “What I Read For Fun on My Summer Vacation.” And everyone will have the opportunity to share and discuss one book they read this summer for fun.

 

We will continue connecting with our fellow seniors in October when Pastor Zelt shares with us the details of his trip to Germany this past June.  We will meet on Thursday, October 7 at noon. Bring your brown bag!

 

If you have any questions, you may contact Joe Burkholder at 793-0635 or Dolores Hovey at 408-946-0885.

 

Temporary Assistance Fund

has been established to assist our members who find themselves struggling through a temporary financial emergency.

 

Offerings may be given at any time to replenish this fund. For further information please see Pastor Dave Sauer.

 

In our community - the ministry of Community Service:

 

Centerville Free Dining &

Tri-City Volunteers

We provide $150 per month to Centerville Free Dining and $150 per month to Tri-City Volunteers.

 

Centerville Free Dining - we serve tables the first Thursday and the second Tuesday of each month.

 

If you would like to volunteer you may phone Denise Rose at 364-3561.

 

Abode Services - our ministry to the homeless in the Tri-City area.

 

Bethesda Communities Annual Yard Sale

Saturday, September 11, 2010   8am – 2pm

 

1335 Mowry Ave (at Peralta Blvd)

 

The Bethesda Communities parent/friends group (FOLKS) will be holding their annual Yard Sale on Saturday, September 11th.

 

The group is also seeking donations of small appliances, furniture, tools, kitchenware, books, baby items, toys and exercise equipment for the sale.  Items can be dropped off at Bethesda Communities Group Home between September 4th and 11th.  All gifts are tax deductible. 

 

Only gently used, excellent quality, functioning items please!  Clothing, shoes, TV’s, computer/computer peripherals, and electronics more than 10 years old will not be accepted. 

 

Thrivent members are especially encouraged to make donations, to help us with our matching gift.

 

If you have any questions, please call Craig Wood at 510-209-0022.

Habitat for Humanity &

Thrivent Builds

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has become the largest ally of Habitat for Humanity as a result of a four-year $106 million commitment to help increase home-building production. This is the largest contribution in Habitat history.

 

In addition to financial support, Thrivent has also committed to mobilize the Lutheran community to roll up its sleeves, grab hammers, saws, and paint brushes and help in the physical building of houses. Habitat and Thrivent are thus providing homeownership opportunities for limited income families.

 

Our current build in the East Bay is located just a few blocks east of the Oakland Coliseum. Pastor Sauer periodically leads out groups of volunteers on a Wednesday, and Jamie Erber leads out groups on Saturdays.

 

Our next Wednesday group will work on September 22, Jamie Erber will lead a group on Saturday, September 11.  Plan now to roll up your sleeves and help us together serve limited income families in the East Bay so that they, too, might experience the joy of owning their own home.

 

Read more about Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity's joint venture here.

Local news: www.habitateb.org

 

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a service that provides nutritious and fresh meals to homebound members of our community. Pastor Sauer delisvers meals on Thursday mornings, 10:15 – 11:45.

 

If you can help, please contact Pastor Sauer.

 

 

Pregnancy Choices is a faith-based community organization committed to preserving the lives of unborn children.  The services they provide depend on your donations.

 

One of their major fundraisers each year is their Annual Banquet, held this year on Saturday, October 9th, at Bridges Community Church in Fremont.

 

There will be a Silent Auction at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets will be available at the Information Desk the last two Sundays in September (9/19 & 9/26), or you may contact David Whitaker at (510) 487-4357.  More details will be coming soon.

 

Shepherding Ministry Team Captain

Derek Witty 510 498-8880 derekwitty@comcast.net

 

Community Service Team Captain

Karen Silar 510-790-1360 kisilar@sbcglobal.net