2020 Outreach
The Father's Heart Street Ministry : January 2021 Outreach
The Father’s Heart is a day shelter in Oregon City that serves people who live on the streets. Their mission is to provide safe refuge from homelessness, hunger and addiction. At the shelter, visitors can find a meal, a change of clothes, a shower, and access to other resources with the help of staff and volunteers. On their website you can find details about how to volunteer (even in the time of covid), what donations are most useful, and the story of the ministry. At WLLC we can forward financial donations and a collection box is available for needed hygiene, clothing and other supplies (be sure to check their Facebook page or website for what is currently needed).
The Father’s Heart is a day shelter in Oregon City that serves people who live on the streets. Their mission is to provide safe refuge from homelessness, hunger and addiction. At the shelter, visitors can find a meal, a change of clothes, a shower, and access to other resources with the help of staff and volunteers. On their website you can find details about how to volunteer (even in the time of covid), what donations are most useful, and the story of the ministry. At WLLC we can forward financial donations and a collection box is available for needed hygiene, clothing and other supplies (be sure to check their Facebook page or website for what is currently needed).
House of Zion : December 2020 Outreach
House of Zion is a ministry to migrant families in the Woodburn area. Many arrive to work in the fields with little or nothing. House of Zion run by Marta and Polo Garcia and volunteers helps to connect the families with needed household goods and services in the community. WLLC has a collection box in the upper front entrance of the church.Donations of new toys for Christmas and household goods can be left in the box when the building is open during Open Sanctuary Hours on Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Thursdays 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM. When dropping off donations, please wear a mask if others are in the church, adhere to 6 feet of social distancing, and use the logbook to record when you were there.
ELCA World Hunger: November 2020 Outreach
Working with other congregations, in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, WLLC partners with ELCA World Hunger. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond to the needs of many throughout the world. This month we will also feature the “Good Gifts Catalog” that gives you options for holiday gifts that truly make a difference in the world!
Northwest Housing Alternative - October 2020, Outreach
Northwest Housing Alternatives is our mission outreach for the month of October. With the wildfires and economic issues that are occurring, there has never been more of a need for affordable housing. From their website: “Our mission is to create opportunity through housing. To that end, NHA develops, builds, and manages rental housing designed for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes; most NHA households earn less than $16,000 per year. These homes help families live healthy and stable lives, allow older adults to age in place, and give people with special needs a dignified residence. Along with providing affordable housing, NHA provides services that connect tenants to critical health and community resources, work to prevent homelessness before it begins, and offer emergency shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness.” NHA is our partner in the SON Network, which will not be hosting families this fall due to the pandemic. This is our opportunity to reach out to people in need! Let’s support this work in October!
Companion Congregation in Sacele, Romania - September 2020, Outreach
WLLC is blessed with a long-standing friendship with the pastor and people of the Lutheran church in Sacele, Romania. Pastor Laszlo sent this message in July regarding the congregation:
Here in Romania the Covid 19 is still a big problem, we just can’t heal from it , because here everything happens differently than in other EU countries … More and more people are getting sick. Our position in white privilege is written in the Bible. “Before God everyone is the same, everyone is God’s child and our brother and sister in Jesus Christ.” There is no one infected by Covid 19 in our congregation , but the fear grows on their souls. Many people lost their job; more and more people are unemployed. This is the same situation as in 2008, a big crisis. 63% of people in our congregation lost their jobs; this is a really difficult matter. I as a pastor I try to cheer up people and through prayers I try to give them hope. Thank God our family is good and healthy. God bless you and greetings for everyone in the congregation.” WLLC contributions will support the local people who need food assistance and other help from the church. We hope to have a visit from Pastor Laszlo, his wife Tunde, and daughter Henrietta in 2021 (postponed from this year).
Here in Romania the Covid 19 is still a big problem, we just can’t heal from it , because here everything happens differently than in other EU countries … More and more people are getting sick. Our position in white privilege is written in the Bible. “Before God everyone is the same, everyone is God’s child and our brother and sister in Jesus Christ.” There is no one infected by Covid 19 in our congregation , but the fear grows on their souls. Many people lost their job; more and more people are unemployed. This is the same situation as in 2008, a big crisis. 63% of people in our congregation lost their jobs; this is a really difficult matter. I as a pastor I try to cheer up people and through prayers I try to give them hope. Thank God our family is good and healthy. God bless you and greetings for everyone in the congregation.” WLLC contributions will support the local people who need food assistance and other help from the church. We hope to have a visit from Pastor Laszlo, his wife Tunde, and daughter Henrietta in 2021 (postponed from this year).
Pastor's Discretionary Fund: Community Assistance - August 2020 Outreach
The church maintains a fund that has been known as "Pastors' Discretionary Fund" but is used for many different kinds of community assistance. When someone calls the office or enters our door looking for help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, or other personal needs, we access this money to assist. Over the past year we have contributed to keeping people in their homes, seeing that they have heat and water, and helped them get to jobs. Your contribution to this fund meets many needs for members and visitors to the church. NOTE : With the moratorium on rental increases ending, we expect to see more requests for assistance.
Quilts for Empowerment - July 2020 Outreach
Outreach for July: Quilts for Empowerment
Quilts for Empowerment is an organization that teaches quilting to impoverished women in Kenya, including obstetric fistula survivors, and supporst young sexual assault survivors. QFE’s goals are to provide women with the skills and self-confidence to become economically independent and to assist the girls to complete their education. WLLC met the director, Mary Ann McCammon over the past few years when she brought the beautiful handiwork of the women to the church. We have been able to support them in the staffing and housing for women, the quilting education, and even the rescue of women. Last year’s donation purchase many stoves for the women to use in their homes - which many saved to open until Christmas because they felt it was such a special gift! Read about this and many more stories, along with videos and news about the women and girls in COVID quarantine on the website!
Find quilted items made by the women on Etsy!
Quilts for Empowerment is an organization that teaches quilting to impoverished women in Kenya, including obstetric fistula survivors, and supporst young sexual assault survivors. QFE’s goals are to provide women with the skills and self-confidence to become economically independent and to assist the girls to complete their education. WLLC met the director, Mary Ann McCammon over the past few years when she brought the beautiful handiwork of the women to the church. We have been able to support them in the staffing and housing for women, the quilting education, and even the rescue of women. Last year’s donation purchase many stoves for the women to use in their homes - which many saved to open until Christmas because they felt it was such a special gift! Read about this and many more stories, along with videos and news about the women and girls in COVID quarantine on the website!
Find quilted items made by the women on Etsy!
Going Home II - June 2020 Outreach
Outreach for June: Going Home II
Going Home II is an outreach to “assist inmates with making a successful, long-term transition back to their communities and families so they may lead productive and fulfilling lives, therefore, reducing recidivism rates and cyclical behaviors.” They work with inmates from Columbia Correctional Institution at this time. The president of Going Home II is Michael Fesser. Fesser spoke at WLLC in March regarding his unlawful arrest by the WLPD and the ongoing resolution of the case. He invited us as a community to work with him and others in building bridges between the suburbs and communities of color in Portland. One avenue is the support of this important ministry with released inmates and their communities. Learn more at the Going Home II website and watch a video with testimonies and more information on the Going Home II Facebook Page.
Going Home II is an outreach to “assist inmates with making a successful, long-term transition back to their communities and families so they may lead productive and fulfilling lives, therefore, reducing recidivism rates and cyclical behaviors.” They work with inmates from Columbia Correctional Institution at this time. The president of Going Home II is Michael Fesser. Fesser spoke at WLLC in March regarding his unlawful arrest by the WLPD and the ongoing resolution of the case. He invited us as a community to work with him and others in building bridges between the suburbs and communities of color in Portland. One avenue is the support of this important ministry with released inmates and their communities. Learn more at the Going Home II website and watch a video with testimonies and more information on the Going Home II Facebook Page.
Camp Lutherwood Oregon - May 2020 Outreach
During the month of May, our outreach focus is Camp Lutherwood Oregon, our Lutheran Church Camp in Cheshire Oregon. Camp Lutherwood has been serving Lutheran congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington since 1959! They provide affordable summer programs to people of all ages. Please give generously to this very worthy outreach opportunity!
Incight - April 2020 Outreach
Incight is a non-profit that supports and empowers people with disabilities in education, employment, and independence. They offer three distinct programs that provide resources to help people with disabilities realize their potential and engage the community at large. The work includes creating workplaces free of stigma surrounding disability, support systems for students to access all necessary resources to successfully transition to college and/or career, and recreational opportunities for athletes of all abilities. WLLC member Scott Hatley is Co-founder and Development and Community Relations Director for Incight. Learn more details at www.incight.org.
Incight is a non-profit that supports and empowers people with disabilities in education, employment, and independence. They offer three distinct programs that provide resources to help people with disabilities realize their potential and engage the community at large. The work includes creating workplaces free of stigma surrounding disability, support systems for students to access all necessary resources to successfully transition to college and/or career, and recreational opportunities for athletes of all abilities. WLLC member Scott Hatley is Co-founder and Development and Community Relations Director for Incight. Learn more details at www.incight.org.
WLLC Quilters - March 2020 Outreach
In the month of March, your outreach gifts will go to support the work of our own "in house" ministry. The WLLC quilters and Blanket Makers! There are a few different kinds of sewing projects that this group creates together to donate to people in need. "Quilts of Comfort" and Fleece blankets are given to people in our congregation and to Legacy Emanuel Chaplains as a need arises. Some are passed out to House of Zion, Children's Center and Father's Heart. Many Fleece Blankets and scarves were happily received at a food pantry and clothes closet in Gresham. Activity Quilts (Fidget Quilts) - small quilts with different textures and small items to keep fingers busy - are needed through out the community.
They have been a blessing for the recipients and their families. Anyone who enjoys sewing or hand work is welcome to join us. Very little skill is needed. Most sewing is done in our homes. We get together as a group once or twice a month (second and fourth Monday afternoons)at church. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric.
In the month of March, your outreach gifts will go to support the work of our own "in house" ministry. The WLLC quilters and Blanket Makers! There are a few different kinds of sewing projects that this group creates together to donate to people in need. "Quilts of Comfort" and Fleece blankets are given to people in our congregation and to Legacy Emanuel Chaplains as a need arises. Some are passed out to House of Zion, Children's Center and Father's Heart. Many Fleece Blankets and scarves were happily received at a food pantry and clothes closet in Gresham. Activity Quilts (Fidget Quilts) - small quilts with different textures and small items to keep fingers busy - are needed through out the community.
They have been a blessing for the recipients and their families. Anyone who enjoys sewing or hand work is welcome to join us. Very little skill is needed. Most sewing is done in our homes. We get together as a group once or twice a month (second and fourth Monday afternoons)at church. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric.
H.O.P.E. Food Pantry : February 2020 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on "HOPE Food Pantry" ministry of Oregon City. This church-based network of food pantries seeks simply to "Help Other People Eat". Many of the members of WLLC serve regularly at the First Baptist Pantry on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, and you are welcome to join them to see how this ministry serves the neediest families and individuals in our county. Your gift is well used by the pantries to purchase food at a low rate at the Oregon Food Bank, so know that your dollars are very well invested! To give now to this important ministry, please go to our online giving page.
This month, outreach will be focused on "HOPE Food Pantry" ministry of Oregon City. This church-based network of food pantries seeks simply to "Help Other People Eat". Many of the members of WLLC serve regularly at the First Baptist Pantry on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, and you are welcome to join them to see how this ministry serves the neediest families and individuals in our county. Your gift is well used by the pantries to purchase food at a low rate at the Oregon Food Bank, so know that your dollars are very well invested! To give now to this important ministry, please go to our online giving page.
The Father's Heart - January 2020 Outreach
TFH is a local, faith-based organization in Oregon City that helps anyone in need. Their target group is the ever-growing homeless population, which includes families living in vehicles, seniors, veterans, single mothers, single fathers and single individuals. Their goal is to give back dignity by providing resources for basic human needs. The Day Center Services include
3 free meals a day, sack lunch to go, clothing exchange, warm showers & hair cuts, basic medical, computer access, and friendly faces! They also open overnight in extreme cold weather. Cash is a very welcome donation; on the website, www.tfhstreetministry.com you will find an extensive list of food, clothing, and hygiene items needed.
TFH is a local, faith-based organization in Oregon City that helps anyone in need. Their target group is the ever-growing homeless population, which includes families living in vehicles, seniors, veterans, single mothers, single fathers and single individuals. Their goal is to give back dignity by providing resources for basic human needs. The Day Center Services include
3 free meals a day, sack lunch to go, clothing exchange, warm showers & hair cuts, basic medical, computer access, and friendly faces! They also open overnight in extreme cold weather. Cash is a very welcome donation; on the website, www.tfhstreetministry.com you will find an extensive list of food, clothing, and hygiene items needed.
2019 Outreach
House of Zion : December 2019 Outreach
WLLC monthly ministry offering for December will go to the House of Zion Ministries in Woodburn, Oregon. This ELCA ministry serves the Hispanic migrant community. Under the leadership of Rev. Polo and Marta Garcia, the ministry focuses on the needs of families from food to spiritual nourishment.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
WLLC monthly ministry offering for December will go to the House of Zion Ministries in Woodburn, Oregon. This ELCA ministry serves the Hispanic migrant community. Under the leadership of Rev. Polo and Marta Garcia, the ministry focuses on the needs of families from food to spiritual nourishment.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
ELCA World Hunger: November 2019 Outreach
Working with other congregations, in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, WLLC partners with ELCA World Hunger. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond to the needs of many throughout the world. This month we will also feature the “Good Gifts Catalog” that gives you options for holiday gifts that truly make a difference in the world!
SON Network/Northwest Housing Alternatives :October 2019 Outreach
Northwest Housing Alternatives’ mission is to create opportunity through housing by providing affordable housing options for families, seniors and people with special needs across Oregon. NHA also operates the Annie Ross House shelter for homeless families with children and provides rapid re-housing and stabilization services through their HomeBase program. Low wages or fixed incomes combined with the high cost of housing, forces some families to choose between rent, utilities, nutritious food, medications and other basic necessities. NHA is working to provide new opportunities through quality affordable housing.
Companion Congregation in Sacele, Romania : September Outreach
WLLC has been friends with a congregation in Sacele, Romania for about 20 years! We send a financial contribution to the congregation annually, usually early in the fall. Money we send helps pay for winter heating of the church, and mission work the congregation does with the elderly and hungry in the community. With WLLC's help, the congregation remodeled a building across from the church to be a retreat and community center. Throughout the year there are programs for all ages to benefit health and spiritual growth of all. The congregation also maintains a cemetery next door to their sanctuary. We look forward to more sharing between the congregations as we continue to grow in relationship, and in our common mission to spread the Good News of God's love in Christ!
H.O.P.E. Food Pantry : August 2019 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on "HOPE Food Pantry" ministry of Oregon City. This church-based network of food pantries seeks simply to "Help Other People Eat". Many of the members of WLLC serve regularly at the First Baptist Pantry on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, and you are welcome to join them to see how this ministry serves the neediest families and individuals in our county. Your gift is well used by the pantries to purchase food at a low rate at the Oregon Food Bank, so know that your dollars are very well invested! To give now to this important ministry, please go to our online giving page.
Quilts For Empowerment : July 2019 Outreach
Quilts for Empowerment is an Oregon non profit that brings dignity, economic independence, and hope to Kenyan women by teaching women to quilt. Last year, WLLC welcomed the founder, Mary Ann McCammon, to share heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of the quilters at our women’s Advent breakfast. We learned about the steadfast but impoverished women who create and sell beautiful quilted stories and place mats. The women have lived with obstetric fistulas caused by unsupported childbirth or sexual assault. Many women also lost their babies during the isolated births that left their bodies leaking. Without surgery, the losses and assaults are compounded when women are cast out from their families and communities due to the stigma of their condition. These women hand stitch representations of their pain and healing into beautiful quilts and your purchases or donations bring economic aid both to the individuals and to their assisting organization (WADIDA- women and development against distress in Africa). Many of the women were abandoned by their husbands out of shame, and some have gone decades before receiving repair but are now growing their self-confidence right along with their economic independence. Please consider support for these beautifully resilient survivors, and check out their hand stitched stories of lived-experience. https://www.quiltsforempowerment.org/
Incight : June 2019 Outreach
Incight is a non-profit that supports and empowers people with disabilities in education, employment, and independence. They offer three distinct programs that provide resources to help people with disabilities realize their potential and engage the community at large. The work includes creating workplaces free of stigma surrounding disability, support systems for students to access all necessary resources to successfully transition to college and/or career, and recreational opportunities for athletes of all abilities. WLLC member Scott Hatley is Co-founder and Development and Community Relations Director for Incight. Recently, our own Scott Hatley and Incight were given a donation at halftime of a recent Portland Trail Blazers game in the amount of $5000.00. Learn more details at www.incight.org.
Camp Lutherwood - May 2019 Outreach
During the month of May, our outreach focus is Camp Lutherwood, our Lutheran Church Camp in Cheshire Oregon. Camp Lutherwood serves Lutheran congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. A horrible fire recently destroyed the lodge. They have lost everything for their programs and are in dire need of financial support now more than ever. Check out their website at https://www.lutherwoodoregon.org/
Please give generously as you have often done in the past.
Please give generously as you have often done in the past.
Pastors' Discretionary Fund/Community Assistance - April 2019 Outreach
The church maintains a fund that has been known as "Pastors' Discretionary Fund" but is used for many different kinds of community assistance. When someone calls the office or enters our door looking for help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, or other personal needs, we access this money to assist. Over the past year we have contributed to keeping people in their homes, seeing that they have heat and water, and helped them get to jobs. Your contribution to this fund meets many needs for members and visitors to the church.
WLLC Quilters - March 2019 Outreach
In the month of March, your outreach gifts will go to support the work of our own "in house" ministry. The WLLC quilters and Blanket Makers! There are a few different kinds of sewing projects that this group creates together to donate to people in need. "Quilts of Comfort" and Fleece blankets are given to people in our congregation and to Legacy Emanuel Chaplains as a need arises. Some are passed out to House of Zion, Children's Center and Father's Heart. Many Fleece Blankets and scarves were happily received at a food pantry and clothes closet in Gresham. Activity Quilts (Fidget Quilts) - small quilts with different textures and small items to keep fingers busy - are needed through out the community.
They have been a blessing for the recipients and their families. Anyone who enjoys sewing or hand work is welcome to join us. Very little skill is needed. Most sewing is done in our homes. We get together as a group once or twice a month (second and fourth Monday afternoons)at church. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric. To give to our quilting ministry, please go to our online giving page.
They have been a blessing for the recipients and their families. Anyone who enjoys sewing or hand work is welcome to join us. Very little skill is needed. Most sewing is done in our homes. We get together as a group once or twice a month (second and fourth Monday afternoons)at church. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric. To give to our quilting ministry, please go to our online giving page.
WLLC Intern Fund - February 2019 Outreach
All candidates for pastoral or diaconal ministry in the ELCA are required to do an internship. Internship provides the opportunity for the candidate to do ministry in their chosen calling under the supervision of an experienced mentor. WLLC is blessed with Vicar Paisley as an intern in pastoral ministry this year. In order for us to continue to serve the ELCA as an internship site, we need to have our funding in place to support the intern. Donating to the WLLC Intern Fund will enable us to be prepared when we next call an intern to serve with us. Learn more about the costs for hosting an intern on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs.
The Father's Heart - January 2019 Outreach
TFH is a local, faith-based organization in Oregon City that helps anyone in need. Their target group is the ever-growing homeless population, which includes families living in vehicles, seniors, veterans, single mothers, single fathers and single individuals. Their goal is to give back dignity by providing resources for basic human needs. The Day Center Services include
3 free meals a day, sack lunch to go, clothing exchange, warm showers & hair cuts, basic medical, computer access, and friendly faces! They also open overnight in extreme cold weather. Cash is a very welcome donation; on the website, www.tfhstreetministry.com you will find an extensive list of food, clothing, and hygiene items needed.
3 free meals a day, sack lunch to go, clothing exchange, warm showers & hair cuts, basic medical, computer access, and friendly faces! They also open overnight in extreme cold weather. Cash is a very welcome donation; on the website, www.tfhstreetministry.com you will find an extensive list of food, clothing, and hygiene items needed.
2018 Outreach
EcoFaith Recovery- December 2018 Outreach
EcoFaith Recovery is an independent ministry in the Oregon Synod ELCA that supports and creates leadership that helps our churches and communities have a sustainable relationship with creation. Pastor Robyn Hartwig, director, was the speaker at Advent Breakfast a few years ago. She invites us to participate in giving that will be matched by InFaith Community Foundation up to $12,000. For the coming year these donations will support interns who work on projects such as teaching gardening to food-insecure people, launching an urban community farm, and leading a youth camp on God’s vision for creation. Our pastors’ daughter, Elizabeth, was an intern in 2013, telling the EcoFaith Recovery story through video. Learn more about EcoFaith Recovery at www.ecofaithrecovery.org.
ELCA World Hunger- November 2018 Outreach
Each year, Americans spend over $300 billion on Christmas shopping. Imagine what would happen if we could redirect some of that spending toward the things that really matter, like putting an end to hunger. 50% of the world's 815 million undernourished people live on farms and need access to livestock, seeds, tools and training. With ELCA Good Gifts, you can help these farmers. Choose from more than 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of loved ones – from goats and chicks to water wells and irrigation canals, from an oxen and plow to a community vegetable garden, from farming tools to sending a woman to a farming field school. All of these gifts, plus others can be given in honor of friends or loved ones and make great alternatives to traditional Christmas gifts.
If you wish, your family will be handed an ELCA Good Gifts catalog at church on November 11th. Take the catalog home OR if you would rather view it online, it can be found at ELCA.org/goodgifts. Take some time to look at the catalog. Also view the bulletin board across from the library for more ideas.
ELCA Good Gifts is just one of the tremendous ways our church is making a difference in people’s lives in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this work – God’s work – now, and for years to come. For more information, please visit :www.elca.org/hunger
If you wish, your family will be handed an ELCA Good Gifts catalog at church on November 11th. Take the catalog home OR if you would rather view it online, it can be found at ELCA.org/goodgifts. Take some time to look at the catalog. Also view the bulletin board across from the library for more ideas.
ELCA Good Gifts is just one of the tremendous ways our church is making a difference in people’s lives in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this work – God’s work – now, and for years to come. For more information, please visit :www.elca.org/hunger
October Outreach : Northwest Housing Alternatives
Northwest Housing Alternatives’ mission is to create opportunity through housing by providing affordable housing options for families, seniors and people with special needs across Oregon. NHA also operates the Annie Ross House shelter for homeless families with children and provides rapid re-housing and stabilization services through their HomeBase program. Low wages or fixed incomes combined with the high cost of housing, forces some families to choose between rent, utilities, nutritious food, medications and other basic necessities. NHA is working to provide new opportunities through quality affordable housing.
September Outreach: Lutheran World Relief Baby Kits
Lutheran World Relief work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering. Baby care kits are distributed as part of emergency relief efforts. They also are given to encourage expectant women to seek prenatal care. A list of items being collected is posted on the bulletin board at the top of the stairs, and also available on the website and at www.lwr.org.get-involved/build-kits-of-care/baby-care-kits. The collection and packing will go through the month of September and early October.
Outreach For August : Quilts for Empowerment
Quilts for Empowerment is an Oregon non profit that brings dignity, economic independence, and hope to Kenyan women by teaching women to quilt. Last year, WLLC welcomed the founder, Mary Ann McCammon, to share heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of the quilters at our women’s Advent breakfast. We learned about the steadfast but impoverished women who create and sell beautiful quilted stories and place mats. The women have lived with obstetric fistulas caused by unsupported childbirth or sexual assault. Many women also lost their babies during the isolated births that left their bodies leaking. Without surgery, the losses and assaults are compounded when women are cast out from their families and communities due to the stigma of their condition. These women hand stitch representations of their pain and healing into beautiful quilts and your purchases or donations bring economic aid both to the individuals and to their assisting organization (WADIDA- women and development against distress in Africa). Many of the women were abandoned by their husbands out of shame, and some have gone decades before receiving repair but are now growing their self-confidence right along with their economic independence. Please consider support for these beautifully resilient survivors, and check out their hand stitched stories of lived-experience. https://www.quiltsforempowerment.org/
Companion Congregation in Sacele, Romania - July Outreach
WLLC has been friends with a congregation in Sacele, Romania for about 20 years! Our relationship has grown with teams visiting over the years, and there is a team of 22 adults and youth traveling to Sacele at the end of July to make that connection. You can find out all about that trip on the website: Mission-trip-to-Romania.
We also send a financial contribution to the congregation annually; in 2018 it is the month of July. Money we send helps pay for winter heating of the church, and mission work the congregation does with the elderly and hungry in the community. With WLLC's help, the congregation remodeled a building across from the church to be a retreat and community center. Throughout the year there are programs for all ages to benefit health and spiritual growth of all. The congregation also maintains a cemetery next door to their sanctuary. We look forward to more sharing between the congregations as we continue to grow in relationship, and in our common mission to spread the Good News of God's love in Christ!
We also send a financial contribution to the congregation annually; in 2018 it is the month of July. Money we send helps pay for winter heating of the church, and mission work the congregation does with the elderly and hungry in the community. With WLLC's help, the congregation remodeled a building across from the church to be a retreat and community center. Throughout the year there are programs for all ages to benefit health and spiritual growth of all. The congregation also maintains a cemetery next door to their sanctuary. We look forward to more sharing between the congregations as we continue to grow in relationship, and in our common mission to spread the Good News of God's love in Christ!
House of Zion : June Outreach
WLLC monthly ministry offering for July will go to the House of Zion Ministries in Woodburn, Oregon. This ELCA ministry serves the Hispanic migrant community. Under the leadership of Rev. Polo and Marta Garcia, the ministry focuses on the needs of families from food to spiritual nourishment.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
WLLC monthly ministry offering for July will go to the House of Zion Ministries in Woodburn, Oregon. This ELCA ministry serves the Hispanic migrant community. Under the leadership of Rev. Polo and Marta Garcia, the ministry focuses on the needs of families from food to spiritual nourishment.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
The Facts Behind Senior Hunger
"Nearly one in every six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options. The issue is severe enough that the AARP reports that seniors face a healthcare bill of more than $130 billion every year due to medical issues stemming from senior hunger. Senior hunger is an expansive issue that requires an understanding of exactly what constitutes a senior being “hungry,” the issues that stem from senior hunger, and how seniors who are hungry can be helped." To learn more, please visit the National Council For Aging Care.
"Nearly one in every six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options. The issue is severe enough that the AARP reports that seniors face a healthcare bill of more than $130 billion every year due to medical issues stemming from senior hunger. Senior hunger is an expansive issue that requires an understanding of exactly what constitutes a senior being “hungry,” the issues that stem from senior hunger, and how seniors who are hungry can be helped." To learn more, please visit the National Council For Aging Care.
Camp Lutherwood - May 2018 Outreach
During the month of May, our outreach focus is Camp Lutherwood, our Lutheran Church Camp in Cheshire Oregon. Camp Lutherwood has been serving Lutheran congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington since 1959! They provide affordable summer programs to people of all ages. Please give generously to this very worthy outreach opportunity!
HOPE Food Pantry - April 2018 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on "HOPE Food Pantry" ministry of Oregon City. This church-based network of food pantries seeks simply to "Help Other People Eat". Many of the members of WLLC serve regularly at the First Baptist Pantry on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, and you are welcome to join them to see how this ministry serves the neediest families and individuals in our county. Your gift is well used by the pantries to purchase food at a low rate at the Oregon Food Bank, so know that your dollars are very well invested! To give now to this important ministry, please go to our online giving page.
WLLC Quilters - March 2018 Outreach
In the month of March, your outreach gifts will go to support the work of our own "in house" outreach ministry, The WLLC Quilters! There are a few different kinds of quilted projects that this group creates together to donate to people in need. "Quilts of Comfort" go to Legacy Emanuel Chaplains to distribute, and fleece blankets go to two different Children's Centers, and The Father's Heart and House of Zion. A new project, "no-no's," are sent to Guatemala for mothers of new babies who have had surgeries and these quilted cuffs help to keep the child's hands out of his or her mouth while recovering from surgery. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric. To give to our quilting ministry, please go to our online giving page.
Incight : February 2018 Outreach
Incight is a non-profit that supports and empowers people with disabilities in education, employment, and independence. They offer three distinct programs that provide resources to help people with disabilities realize their potential and engage the community at large. The work includes creating workplaces free of stigma surrounding disability, support systems for students to access all necessary resources to successfully transition to college and/or career, and recreational opportunities for athletes of all abilities. WLLC member Scott Hatley is Co-founder and Development and Community Relations Director for Incight. Recently, our own Scott Hatley and Incight were given a donation at halftime of a recent Portland Trail Blazers game in the amount of $5000.00. Learn more details at www.incight.org.
The Father's Heart - January 2018 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on The Father’s Heart Street Ministry, in Oregon City. TFH is a local, faith-based organization in Oregon City that helps anyone in need. Their target group is the ever-growing homeless population, which includes families living in vehicles, seniors, veterans, single mothers, single fathers and single individuals. Donate money or items such as coats and socks to this ministry to help the homeless in our community. For more information, please go to their website: http://www.tfhstreetministry.com/
2017 Outreach
Pastors' Discretionary Fund/Community Assistance - December 2017 Outreach
The church maintains a fund that has been known as "Pastors' Discretionary Fund" but is used for many different kinds of community assistance. When someone calls the office or enters our door looking for help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, or other personal needs, we access this money to assist. Over the past year we have contributed to keeping people in their homes, seeing that they have heat and water, and helped them get to jobs. Your contribution to this fund meets many needs for members and visitors to the church.
ELCA World Hunger- November 2017 Outreach
Each year, Americans spend over $300 billion on Christmas shopping. Imagine what would happen if we could redirect some of that spending toward the things that really matter, like putting an end to hunger. With ELCA Good Gifts, you can do just that. Choose from more than 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of loved ones – from goats to water wells, school uniforms to food for refugees. All of these gifts can be given in honor of friends or loved ones and make great alternatives to traditional Christmas gifts.
If you wish, your family will be handed an ELCA Good Gifts catalog at church. Take the catalog home OR if you would rather view it online, it can be found at ELCA.org/goodgifts. Take some time to look at the catalog. Also view the bulletin board across from the library for more ideas.
ELCA Good Gifts is just one of the tremendous ways our church is making a difference in people’s lives in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this work – God’s work – now, and for years to come. For more information, please visit :www.elca.org/hunger
If you wish, your family will be handed an ELCA Good Gifts catalog at church. Take the catalog home OR if you would rather view it online, it can be found at ELCA.org/goodgifts. Take some time to look at the catalog. Also view the bulletin board across from the library for more ideas.
ELCA Good Gifts is just one of the tremendous ways our church is making a difference in people’s lives in the U.S. and around the world. Thank you so much for being a part of this work – God’s work – now, and for years to come. For more information, please visit :www.elca.org/hunger
Janus Youth Services - October 2017 Outreach
Janus Youth Services provides shelter, aid, and counselling for homeless youth in the greater Portland metropolitan area. WLLC is changing its relationship with Janus. After this month we will no longer provide a monthly meal, but we will have an Outreach month for financial donations, collect clothing and toiletries in the Janus box, and encourage people to train with Janus for ministry to at-risk youth. More at Janus Youth Services Website.
Companion Congregation in Sacele, Romania - September 2017 Outreach
WLLC has been friends with a congregation in Sacele, Romania for about 20 years! Our relationship has grown with teams visiting over the years, and preparations are underway for a team of high school youth and adults to visit in the summer of 2018. You can find out all about that trip on the website: Mission-trip-to-romania. We also send a financial contribution to the congregation annually, usually early in the fall. Money we send helps pay for winter heating of the church, and mission work the congregation does with the elderly and hungry in the community. With WLLC's help, the congregation remodeled a building across from the church to be a retreat and community center. Throughout the year there are programs for all ages to benefit health and spiritual growth of all. The congregation also maintains a cemetery next door to their sanctuary. We look forward to more sharing between the congregations as we continue to grow in relationship, and in our common mission to spread the Good News of God's love in Christ!
Northwest Housing Alternatives- August 2017 Outreach
Northwest Housing Alternatives’ mission is to create opportunity through housing by providing affordable housing options for families, seniors and people with special needs across Oregon. NHA also operates the Annie Ross House shelter for homeless families with children and provides rapid re-housing and stabilization services through their HomeBase program. Low wages or fixed incomes combined with the high cost of housing, forces some families to choose between rent, utilities, nutritious food, medications and other basic necessities. NHA is working to provide new opportunities through quality affordable housing.
House of Zion- July 2017 Outreach
WLLC monthly ministry offering for July will go to the House of Zion Ministries in Woodburn, Oregon. This ELCA ministry serves the Hispanic migrant community. Under the leadership of Rev. Polo and Marta Garcia, the ministry focuses on the needs of families from food to spiritual nourishment.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
Monetary donations are appreciated and donations of non-perishable groceries, clothing, and household items are also needed. Items may be dropped off in the “House of Zion” box near the fellowship hall.
Incight- June 2017 Outreach
Camp Lutherwood - May 2017 Outreach
During the month of May, our outreach focus is Camp Lutherwood, our Lutheran Church Camp in Cheshire Oregon. Camp Lutherwood has been serving Lutheran congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington since 1959! They provide affordable summer programs to people of all ages including options like two different "Family and Friends Weekends," on July 14-16 (Register) or August 11-13 (Register); a women's weekend for age 18+ (July 28-30), confirmation camps (June 25-30th for our church), high school service camps as well as one weekend for adults with disabilities (July 5-7).
ELCA Disaster Response - April 2017 Outreach
During the month of April, our outreach fund will be the ELCA's disaster relief organization, Lutheran Disaster Response, based in Virginia. Lutheran Disaster Response strives to help the church continue to be church in the midst of disaster — following Christ’s call to bring hope and healing to our neighbors in need. Some key areas of work include:
Where Lutheran Disaster Response is working in 2017:
- Providing emotional and spiritual care for people who have been affected by a disaster and for leaders who respond to a disaster
- Coordinating volunteers through our local affiliates
- Assisting refugees in a holistic way by meeting the varied needs of the community
- Promoting disaster risk-reduction by helping communities build their assets thereby reducing the effects of likely disasters
- Providing long-term recovery efforts by addressing the unmet needs months or even years after a disaster strikes
Where Lutheran Disaster Response is working in 2017:
WLLC Quilters - March 2017 Outreach
In the month of March, your outreach gifts will go to support the work of our own "in house" outreach ministry, The WLLC Quilters! There are a few different kinds of quilted projects that this group creates together to donate to people in need. "Quilts of Comfort" go to Legacy Emanuel Chaplains to distribute, and fleece blankets go to two different Children's Centers, and The Father's Heart and House of Zion. A new project, "no-no's," are sent to Guatemala for mothers of new babies who have had surgeries and these quilted cuffs help to keep the child's hands out of his or her mouth while recovering from surgery. Donate money, new quilting fabric, or new fleece fabric. To give to our quilting ministry, please go to our online giving page.
HOPE Food Pantry - February 2017 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on "HOPE Food Pantry" ministry of Oregon City. This church-based network of food pantries seeks simply to "Help Other People Eat". Many of the members of WLLC serve regularly at the First Baptist Pantry on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, and you are welcome to join them to see how this ministry serves the neediest families and individuals in our county. Your gift is well used by the pantries to purchase food at a low rate at the Oregon Food Bank, so know that your dollars are very well invested! To give now to this important ministry, please go to our online giving page.
The Father's Heart - January 2017 Outreach
This month, outreach will be focused on The Father’s Heart Street Ministry, in Oregon City. TFH is a local, faith-based organization in Oregon City that helps anyone in need. Their target group is the ever-growing homeless population, which includes families living in vehicles, seniors, veterans, single mothers, single fathers and single individuals. Donate money or items such as coats and socks to this ministry to help the homeless in our community. For more information, please go to their website: http://www.tfhstreetministry.com/
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Hunger and the Economy
House Democrats write to Pope on minimum wage, hunger [ http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/pope-francis-visit-democrats-letter-minimum-wage-hunger-213275 ] – Politico
A group of 96 House Democrats have asked Pope Francis to speak on hunger during his address to the joint session of Congress on September 24. "Currently nearly one in seven households are not sure if they can afford enough food to feed their families," write the Democrats in a letter to the Pope. "Yet, recently, Congress enacted cuts to food support for those in need that totaled almost $9 billion over the next decade. We believe the continued existence of hunger in America is a disgrace and an indictment of our government." Check out this article from FRAC's Weekly News Digest - http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/pope-francis-visit-democrats-letter-minimum-wage-hunger-213275 Low-Income Workers See Biggest Drop in Paychecks Despite economic improvement, take-home pay for many American workers has decreased since 2009, with the lowest-paid workers in areas where hiring has been strong (home health care, food preparation, retail) experiencing the biggest declines, reports the National Employment Law Project. A recent report by the Economic Policy Institute found that while labor productivity has improved since 2000, the benefits are going to companies, shareholders and top executives, not employees. Check out this article from FRAC's Weekly News Digest - http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/03/business/low-income-workers-see-biggest-drop-in-paychecks.html |
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Senior Poverty
More than three-quarters of a million elderly Californians 'unofficially' poor
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research reports that nearly one in five California adults over 65 (more than 750,000 people) are unable to afford basic needs but are not eligible for government assistance. "Many of our older adults are forced to choose between eating, taking their medication or paying rent," said D. Imelda Padilla-Frausto, a UCLA graduate student researcher at the center and lead author of the study. "The state might be emerging from a recession, but for many of our elder households, the downturn seems permanent." Check out this article from FRAC's Weekly News Digest - http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/more-than-three-quarters-of-a-million-elderly-californians-unofficially-poor _________________________________________ About Us: The Food Research and Action Center is the leading national organization working for more effective public and private policies to eradicate domestic hunger and under nutrition. Visit our Web site [http://www.frac.org to learn more. |