Human Needs - Saint John’s Lutheran

What You Need to Know About Saint John’s “Mission Guild”

Details: Created: September 13 2022 September 13 2022

Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) is the official women’s auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, LWM has “affirmed each woman’s identity as a child of God and her relationship with Jesus Christ.” Lutheran Women in Mission are encouraged and equipped to live out their lives in active mission ministries and to support missions around the world through their sacrificial gifts of Mite Box offerings and tireless service. Saint John’s Mission Guild is our congregation’s LWM group.

Our activities through the year include Bible studies, business meetings, a summer “picnic” in June, a “lunch out” in August, our special Fall event, Red Stocking donations, a Christmas party and a Secret Sisters program. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, except July, at 10:30 AM in Room 301. We learn and pray together with Bible studies and devotions.

Offerings are collected monthly through our Mite Boxes for the Rocky Mountain District and National mission grants, projects and program expenses. We also bring free-will offerings for Mission Guild’s outreach and expenses.

Workshops, rallies and conventions are held yearly through the Rocky Mountain District and National Lutheran Women in Mission organizations. We also subscribe to two LWM publications: “Lutheran Women’s Quarterly” and “Tidings”.

LWM Sunday is celebrated the second Sunday in October. Along with special references to our organization, a list of the Rocky Mountain District and National mission grants are included in the service folder.

This year LWM is celebrating eighty years of mission funding and service throughout the world. Since 1942, over 1,100 gifts and grants totaling over $125 million have been distributed through the Rocky Mountain District and National mission projects. That’s God’s power in action!

We welcome any women of the congregation to join our group, to “serve the Lord with gladness”. For more information on Mission Guild, please contact LeOra Spence or check out the bulletin board across from the office.

The Rocky Mountain district website is: lwmlrmd.org. The National LWM website is: lwml.org.

Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) is the official women’s auxiliary of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, LWM has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and by supporting global missions. For more information on each month’s mission focus, visit LWML.org. Saint John’s Lutheran Women in Mission (Mission Guild) meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in Room 301. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.

October LWM Mission Grant Story

Details: Created: September 11 2022 September 11 2022

This month we want to tell you more about “Bringing Inner-City Children to Camp”, a program of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Colorado, recipients of a $25,000 grant from Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) in the 2021–2023 biennium.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Lutheran Valley Retreat (LVR) shares God’s grace and glory through His creation in a year-round retreat facility surrounded by Pike National Forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. LVR hosts adult and family retreats, as well as summer camps for youth.

Each summer, the camp serves nearly one thousand campers, ages eight to seventeen. Approximately half of these campers are teenagers coming from states across the country to serve in various projects to maintain the facilities of LVR. The remainder of the summer campers come primarily from Colorado, including Denver and Colorado Springs.

Research shows that camp transforms the lives of young people in many ways. Taking a break from regular routines, responsibilities, technology and cell phones allows young people to truly be themselves. Campers at LVR have an opportunity to enjoy and explore nature, develop lifelong friendships and cultivate meaningful relationships with adults who become mentors.

Each day, campers play in God’s creation with activities like archery, rock climbing, fishing and crafts. They experience God’s Word through daily devotions, create and watch skits based on the Bible, learn praise songs and worship around a campfire. Through these fun activities, the Gospel is shared, showing God’s love to all His children.

The average cost of summer camp is $400 per camper. LVR has been blessed with generous donors to provide scholarships for children each year; however, not everyone is aware of this option. There are families in the Denver area that are unable to fully finance camp or provide transportation to LVR for their children. LVR will work with Lutheran churches in Denver over the next two summers to arrange registration and transportation for multicultural children of all socio-economic levels to attend summer camp. With this grant, LVR hopes to offer fifty full-scholarships to campers from inner-city Denver, using the remainder of the grant to provide transportation.

Alpha Center: “Jessica’s Story”

Details: Written by Alpha Center Alpha Center; Created: September 08 2022 September 08 2022

The Alpha Center is a nonprofit Christian Medical Clinic in the heart of Fort Collins and takes pride in providing compassionate, exceptional medical care to those in need of a pregnancy test, options education, STD screening, professional relationship counseling and sexual health education. The Alpha Center does not provide nor refer for abortions. All services are offered at no cost, thanks to the generous support of many individuals, businesses and churches in our community.

Each month, Alpha Center will share a (anonymized) client’s story with us so we can see the impact made by our support.

Jessica* came to us to learn more about her options and confirm her pregnancy. During her first visit, she shared that she was anxious and trying to decide between parenting and abortion. During her ultrasound, she was quiet but emotional when she heard the heartbeat and viability was confirmed. The father of the baby, Michael, was also very quiet during the ultrasound, and they declined to take an ultrasound picture with him.

During her repeat appointment the following week, Jessica shared that after the last appointment, she and Michael had talked for three hours and decided to parent. She had already applied for Medicaid and scheduled her first prenatal appointment. During that week's ultrasound, she smiled, looked at the fetal model, asked questions and accepted a photo to take home. We finished the appointment by sharing program information and sending her on, thankful that she had chosen life!

The Board of Human Needs finds opportunities for the members of Saint John’s to provide a Christian witness by helping people in the community struggling with daily necessities.

The “Jehovah Jireh Principle”: Trusting God’s Promise to Provide

Details: Written by Linda Funke Linda Funke; Created: August 30 2022 August 30 2022

Elijah said to the widow, “For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.1 Kings 17:14–16

Over and over in His Word, God reminds us that He is “Jehovah Jireh”, which means “God will provide.” This name is first seen in Genesis 22:14, when God provides a ram in the thicket in place of the sacrifice of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham called that place “Jehovahjireh”—“The Lord will provide.” Another example of God’s provision is how He cared for Elijah, sending ravens to feed him by the brook, then sending him to a widow in Zarephath who had only a handful of flour in a jar and little oil in a jug. She was preparing her “last loaf of bread” to feed herself and her son when Elijah asked for bread. How could she share with Elijah? But God promised He would provide and that the oil and flour would not run out, and it didn’t! He not only provided the oil and flour, He also answered Elijah’s prayer and brought her son back to life when he died.

Applying the “Jehovah Jireh Principle” to our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet

There have been many times when we’ve wondered “Is our oil and flour going to run out?” In our case, it’s cereal, sugar, tuna, money, etc.! The answer has always been “No. I promised I will provide.” Invariably, donations of particular items or cash will appear at just the right time. We have also been blessed by receiving food from the county food bank as well as some grants through Walmart and Thrivent. We are so very thankful for how God blesses this ministry through you, His people, and in turn for blessing the community through our food pantry and clothing closet.

Increasing Needs, Growing Numbers

At the beginning of 2022, we averaged approximately ten families per week. By June, our average was thirteen. In July we averaged fifteen, and in August our average has been twenty-plus families (approximately 75–100 individuals) per week. Our highest number on a single Tuesday has been 26 families, 119 individuals! Because of the increasing needs of families during this time of rapidly rising prices, we anticipate this number will increase as well, also increasing our needs.

The Food Bank of Larimer County has continued to provide many free food items and to waive the per-pound fee they normally charge. They anticipate resuming this charge in 2023. We purchase approximately 65% of the food and paper products we provide to clients, averaging $12–15 each client (per week). The combination of rising prices and rising numbers of clients each week means our expenses are increasing and our need for donations has also increased. We continue to apply for grant funds and have been blessed to receive $1,000 in Walmart grants and $250+ in Thrivent grants, plus private donations of food and cash. Our clients even bring in clothing closet donations in appreciation for what they receive.

Current pantry needs include tuna, bar soap, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal (both hot and cold), one- to two-pound bags of flour and sugar, corn or flour tortillas, family-sized cans of soup (especially chicken soups), baby wipes, shampoo and toothpaste. And cash donations are always welcomed.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as our church reaches out to the community through our food pantry and clothing closet, sharing God’s blessings and His love. We continue to be reminded that God will provide all our needs. Just as Abraham, Elijah and the widow of Zarephath trusted God’s promise to provide, so can we. And we boldly proclaim Jehovah Jireh! The Lord Provides!

From 9:00 to 11:00 AM every Tuesday morning, the members of Saint John’s who operate our Food Pantry and Clothing Closet distribute non-perishable food and clean, gently-used clothing to those in need in our community.

September LWM Mission Grant Story

Details: Created: August 18 2022 August 18 2022

This month we want to tell you more about the “Caring for and Sharing Christ with Hurting People” program of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, recipients of a $100,000 grant from Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) in the 2021–2023 biennium.

Deaconesses are professional church workers trained to the share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through works of mercy, spiritual care and teaching the Christian faith. Equipped with God’s Word, deaconesses share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet heard it. In reaching out to those in need, deaconesses continually point them toward the cross.

Deaconesses may serve in the parish, in institutions or in the mission field. Their specific ministries change depending on their call, but all deaconesses reach out and care for others as they share the love of Christ. They lovingly and selflessly provide much-needed care and works of mercy to people who are suffering and often marginalized. These include people who are sick, homeless, disabled, malnourished, homebound or hospitalized, enduring grief or loss, in hospice care or living in nursing homes or convalescent homes. They also may serve those who are mentally ill, troubled youth, teen mothers, children of divorce and those suffering from neglect or domestic violence.

Alexandria Shick is a third-year Concordia Seminary deaconess student serving her internship at St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School in Oviedo, Florida. She plans to serve in correctional chaplaincy after graduation.

Deaconesses serving in a parish may visit shut-ins or make hospital calls. They may manage the Sunday School program, lead women’s’ Bible studies and work with youth. Regardless of how they serve, they listen and grow to understand the needs of those they serve. Deaconesses may serve as hospital chaplains or work in institutions that are Recognized Service Organizations of the LCMS. They may serve as counselors at a center for troubled youth or minister to unwed mothers who learn to care for their child. Deaconesses who are recent immigrants to the United States use their languages skills and understanding of different cultures to help people assimilate into this country. They understand the struggles immigrants are facing and keep pointing them to the loving arms of Christ.

Jennifer Wientge is a 2020 Residential Deaconess Studies Program graduate currently serving as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs chaplain resident in St. Louis.

The deaconess certificate is awarded to women in various ways. Some women complete the three-year residential program at Concordia Seminary or the dual degree program while also studying at St. Louis University. Some women receive their training and certification by participating in a four-year distance course study through Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) or Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT). As of the spring of 2021, women can become certified as they study four years in their home area through the online deaconess studies program.

The money from this grant will help fund scholarships for the training of women to become certified deaconesses. It will also cover some of the costs of managing the deaconess training program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Alpha Center: “Emily’s Story”

Details: Written by Alpha Center Alpha Center; Created: August 16 2022 August 16 2022

Each month, Alpha Center will share a (anonymized) client’s story with us so we can see the impact made by our support.

24 year-old Emily* called our scheduling line stating she wanted an abortion, and the scheduler was able to get her in for an appointment. However, before she came in for her appointment, she changed her mind and decided she wanted to parent.

During the appointment, we were able to pray with the patient, and she was very emotional and grateful for the prayers. We also were able to confirm how far along she was in her pregnancy and let her hear the heartbeat. She was very happy for this.

At the end of the appointment, she shared that she had already established prenatal care and stated that she was so happy she found us and that she was thankful for the prayers and for our services. Praise God that she has chosen life for her baby!

The Board of Human Needs finds opportunities for the members of Saint John’s to provide a Christian witness by helping people in the community struggling with daily necessities.

School Supply Donations for Laurel School

Details: Written by Linda Funke Linda Funke; Created: June 28 2022 June 28 2022

Saint John’s will once again be supporting Laurel Elementary School students with donations of school supplies. Laurel has a large population of students in need, and your donations are used to ensure these children have the right supplies as they begin school and throughout the school year.

The supply lists will be available soon at the Welcome Center. Supplies will be due back to Saint John’s in mid-August. We are also glad to accept monetary donations. You may drop your gift into the offering plate, just be sure it is marked for “Laurel School or “School Supply Drive”. Checks should be made out to Saint John’s.

Thank you for helping us meet this need in our community.

The Board of Human Needs finds opportunities for the members of Saint John’s to provide a Christian witness by helping people in the community struggling with daily necessities.

Alpha Center: “Madelyn’s Story”

Details: Written by Alpha Center Alpha Center; Created: June 08 2022 June 08 2022

Each month, Alpha Center will share a (anonymized) client’s story with us so we can see the impact made by our support.

Madelyn came in for her first appointment at almost fourteen weeks pregnant, and she was unsure of who the father of the baby was. At 21, she didn’t feel ready to be pregnant and struggled with the options available to her. She mentioned that although she prays a lot, she feels far from God and very alone.

During her initial appointment, our Intake Specialist prayed with her and helped her get connected to food assistance. At her second appointment, the following week, when asked what her intention for the pregnancy was, she said “After seeing the image of my baby on the screen last week, I cannot have an abortion. I am going to either parent my child or put it up for adoption.” While she herself is adopted and shared a negative experience, she also knows that there are other families out there and that her baby wouldn’t necessarily have the same experience.

During the spiritual conversation in that appointment, she shared ”Last night, I prayed for forgiveness to God and asked him to show me a sign that I was forgiven." Our intake specialist assured her that she already has the sign that she is forgiven for her past, present and future sins when Jesus died on the cross for her sins. She doesn't need a sign. She is already forgiven and God loves her, and she can be free from shame and guilt. They prayed together again for her pregnancy and for her to feel the forgiveness that she has already been given.

We will continue to follow up with her throughout her pregnancy. And, at her last appointment, we were able to get her set up for connections to both physical and relational support resources in our community.

The Board of Human Needs finds opportunities for the members of Saint John’s to provide a Christian witness by helping people in the community struggling with daily necessities.

July LWM Mission Grant Story

Details: Created: June 07 2022 June 07 2022

This month we want to tell you more about the “Mercy Medical Care” program of the Tanzania Mwadui Lutheran School and Community, recipients of an $68,182 grant from Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) in the 2021–2023 biennium.

The Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, which covers the region southeast of Lake Victoria, was created on December 12, 2012. The mission of the diocese is to connect all people to Jesus so that they may inherit eternal life, through preaching the Gospel in word and deed with great emphasis on God’s Word. Their purpose statement includes the phrase “to serve all people spiritually, mentally, and physically through Jesus’ name”.

Mwadui Lutheran School in Tanzania is an example of how they serve people through Jesus’ name. The school is a training place for students aspiring to be pastors, teachers or professionals. The boarding school began in 2010 and currently has over 200 students. The school is a valuable Christian outreach to the community and region known for its pagan spirit and ancestor worship. The school has trained evangelists and pastors while sending professionals, even medical students, to the universities with Biblical-based Christian hearts.

Malaria and other illnesses are still rampant in this region that is poor and lacks adequate healthcare. The nearest dispensary or clinic is fifteen miles from the school. Most members of the school and the Mwadui community do not have transportation available or the funds to pay for transportation to the clinic. Students often become ill living in their close quarters and do not have medical help readily available.

Four years ago, plans began to build a clinic and provide medical care. The construction of the clinic is nearly completed. The next step is to begin this mercy ministry. Medical equipment, medical supplies and medicine to treat the various illnesses need to be purchased. There is a physician ready to serve the clinic when it is equipped.

Money from this grant will provide funds over the next five years to purchase needed supplies. The clinic will serve not only the students of Mwadui Lutheran School but will also serve as a mercy ministry to the community and the region that needs healthcare. The clinic will have the opportunity to witness about our Lord, through care and ministry, helping to spread the Gospel message.

Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Details: Written by Linda Funke Linda Funke; Created: May 24 2022 May 24 2022

Stories from the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet

Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you've got;
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
And they're always glad you came;
You want to be where you can see,
Our troubles are all the same;
You want to be where everybody knows your name. “Theme from ‘Cheers’”

Even if you’ve never seen the TV comedy “Cheers”, you’ve probably heard the theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”. This song came to mind one day when “Dave” arrived at our Food Pantry/Clothing Closet. He hadn’t been there for several months, but when we said, “Welcome back, Dave,” he commented how nice it was to come where we knew his name and asked about his children. Since then, the “Theme from Cheers” has become a type of theme song for us on Tuesdays … and our volunteers make it their mission to build relationships and offer hope in addition to food and clothing. Even though we can’t call everyone who walks through our doors by name, we want them to feel Christ’s love and know “He knows your name”—and we’re always glad you came.

This month we’d like to share some stories to warm your heart and give you a glimpse of how your gifts are making an impact on others’ lives. (Only first names, if known, are being used, out of respect for privacy.)

How a doll changed tears of anxiety to tears of joy

When “Martha” arrived for her first visit, she was very nervous. She began to shake as she filled out the registration form and said she was so embarrassed to have to ask for help. As we assured her that’s why we are here—to help people, she calmed down a little, but soon she was experiencing a full-blown panic attack and cried tears of anxiety. We were able to assist her with her order and asked if she’d like to go to our clothing closet while we got her food. (Most people are very surprised and thankful there is no cost for either food or clothing.) When she came back upstairs, she was so excited she had found a doll for her granddaughter she babysits. She was now crying tears of joy. Yes, Martha, Jesus knew your need for comfort and provided that through a doll someone had donated!

Supporting a young unwed mother through her pregnancy

Abandoned by her baby’s father, Katelyn arrived wanting just a “little” assistance to help her as she prepared for her daughter’s birth. She never asked for much—some cereal, paper products, laundry soap. We were able to refer her to Alpha Center and WIC, and shared in her joy as she brought her little girl into this world. She came by to introduce us to her baby, and was thrilled to receive a baby quilt from the sewing group! As she prepared to move to Colorado Springs, she came by to thank us for the support she had received and she continues to stay in touch. Yes, Katelyn, Jesus knew your need to have some women support and pray for you as you prepared to raise His little lamb on your own!

“Maybe I go your church”

JoJo is a Chinese Christian who was so very thankful to find a wedding dress for her daughter, clothing and household items for herself, and she was delighted when she received jasmine rice and other authentic Chinese specialties donated just for her! She shared her concerns over raising her children in today’s world. She told us she came each week to visit and knew we would pray for her. One day, in thanking us for the “gifts” of food and clothing, she also thanked us for sharing Jesus’ love and said in broken English, “Maybe I go your church.” Yes, JoJo, Jesus knew your need to be among other Christian parents as well as your physical needs for food and clothing, and has answered your prayers for a good job for your husband even though it meant moving to Texas.

We have many, many more stories we could share—stories to touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes; about the squeals of joy when the children find a new toy to take home, or the husband who was delighted to find a plant to take home to his wife, or the new mom who found baby items, or the young woman who took home a box of Christmas ornaments, or the woman who found a suitcase she needed. Everyone who comes in has a story—everyone has a name—and we’re so glad they came!!!

Thank you for sharing God’s love through your monetary donations and donations of food, paper products, hygiene products, clothing, household goods and toys! Your gifts are truly appreciated and help bring people hope!!!! Please pray for the people who come through our doors, that they may see Christ’s love in action and know He calls them by name.

Volunteers are needed—especially for the food pantry, as we’re experiencing growth in our numbers (averaging fifteen to sixteen families per week) and are short-handed this summer. You don’t have to commit to work every week—even one week per month would be greatly appreciated! If interested, please contact Arlene Knox or Linda Funke.

The Food Pantry and Clothing Closet are open Tuesdays, 9:00 to 11:00 AM.

The Board of Human Needs finds opportunities for the members of Saint John’s to provide a Christian witness by helping people in the community struggling with daily necessities.

Poster - Worship Slides

Poster - Front-and-Center Slides

Poster - Event Slides

What You Need to Know About Saint John’s “Mission Guild”

October LWM Mission Grant Story

Alpha Center: “Jessica’s Story”

The “Jehovah Jireh Principle”: Trusting God’s Promise to Provide

September LWM Mission Grant Story

Alpha Center: “Emily’s Story”

School Supply Donations for Laurel School

Alpha Center: “Madelyn’s Story”

July LWM Mission Grant Story

Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Stories from the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet

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