Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.
And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks. Give thanks.Lutheran Service Book “Give Thanks,” #806

The Board of Human Needs is entering their busiest season, with Thanksgiving baskets for Laurel Elementary and the Thanksgiving Food Bank donation. We also want to invite the congregation to donate to Lutheran Family Services’ Refugee and Asylee program. Finally, keep your eyes open for the Giving Tree during Advent!

Thanksgiving Food Pantry Donations

In the third chapter of Malachi, the end of the entire Old Testament, God challenges us to “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” It always feels to me like those heavenly floodgates are opened when we restock the Food Pantry through the congregation’s donations at Thanksgiving.

The Board of Human Needs is asking congregational members who are able to bring a bag of non-perishable food items to share with the needy in the Fort Collins community through Saint John’s Food Bank. Lists with giving suggestions will be provided on Sunday mornings starting November 6 and the following weeks prior to Thanksgiving. Please turn in your food donations at or before the Wednesday evening Thanksgiving service on November 23. The following Saturday, November 26, we will meet to restock the pantry of the Food Bank at 9:00 AM. All willing hands are appreciated!

Thanksgiving Baskets for Laurel Elementary

Board members donate and use board funds to stock ten to fifteen baskets with Thanksgiving dinners for Laurel’s homeless children each year. They will be delivered to Laurel before school is out for the holiday. If you wish to make a monetary donation for this project, please write “Board of Human Needs” on your check to Saint John’s.

LFS Greeley Refugee & Asylee Programs Donation List

Lutheran Family Services has a very small donations operation: one truck and a few staff who also set up apartments for newly arriving refugees. Storage space is limited and they are not professional movers: they ask that items be new or in good condition (no tears, pet hair, stains, holes, smells or scrapes) and that you have items for pickup placed in a garage or driveway to decrease chances of scrapes and accidents. They really appreciate your help and understanding and thank you for helping refugees feel welcome in their new homes! They are seeking only the following items:

• Couches (no sofa beds)
• Kitchen tables, chairs
• Dressers
• Dishes, bowls, glasses, mugs, silverware
• Pots, pans
• Sheets (full or twin—please mark)
• Blankets, quilts
• Towels (bath, kitchen)
• Bagless vacuum cleaners
• Brooms, mops, trash bags, trash cans (new only)
• Pillows
• Toiletries—toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap (new please)
• Pack ’n’ plays
• Car seats
• Strollers
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Sometimes—twin/full mattresses/box springs in excellent condition

To schedule a pick-up, arrange a drop-off or ask any questions, please contact the LFS office, at 1502 9th Ave, Greeley.

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.