Social Ministry
Lutherans join faith groups urging healthcare reform
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has joined with other faith groups and leaders in writing to President Obama and members of Congress urging completion of comprehensive healthcare reform. "Hundreds of thousands of Americans will lose their homes, thousands who would otherwise live will die, and countless people will continue to go without needed care if Congress does not pass health reform," said a Jan. 27 letter to the president signed by 23 leaders including Rev. Andrew D. Genszler, ELCA director of advocacy.
Ocean Springs journal: Still so much to do
Once again a team from Christ Lutheran, Kulpsville, is in Ocean Springs, MS. Lois Kadel is keeping a journal of the group's activity as the group works, even with their eyes and hearts fixed on Haiti. Now is the time to join a SEPA-LDR trip to Mission Starfish (formerly Camp Victor) in March -- your interest needs to be noted by Jan. 24.
Advocacy days focus on immigration
Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) will be March 19-22, 2010, in Washington D.C. This year's theme is "A Place To Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples." Join hundreds of faith-based advocates in taking action on U.S. legislation that welcomes immigrants, protects refugees, and prevents displacement for millions. On Saturday, Lutherans will gather for fellowship and to hear more from the ELCA Washington Office staff.
Code Blue volunteer training
If you are interested in volunteering at Code Blue shelters in Bucks and Montgomery counties, training opportunities are upcoming in Langhorne on Jan. 31 and in Lansdale on Feb. 6 and 21.
Charities' bike ride celebrates 20th on June 26
Join us for the 20th Annual Lutheran Charities Steeplechase Bike Ride & Walk on Saturday, June 26, 2010! It’s a great way to support the social ministry agencies of the Synod, and help more than 40,000 children and adults in need. Proceeds benefit Lutheran Charities including Artman Lutheran Home, Lutheran Children and Family Service, KenCrest Centers, Paul’s Run Retirement Community, Manatawny Manor, Lutheran Settlement House, Mary J. Drexel Home, Silver Springs-Martin Luther School, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Churches help seafarers have brighter holiday
People from eight area churches helped the Seamen's Church Institute throw an annual Christmas party for seafarers in port in Philadelphia. St. Luke, Ferndale -- whose Pastor, Rev. Bill Rex, is a chaplain with SCI -- joined a number of local Episcopal parishes in hosting the party.
Box city raises awareness of homelessness
About 70 teenagers and several adults slept out as part of the 6th Annual Box City held Friday, Dec. 4 outside on the lawn of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Lower Makefield Township. The youth raised awareness of the issue of homelessness and raised over $6,000 for the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter.
Food pantries rise to skyrocketing demand
Across the region, the slumping economy is sending more and more people to local food banks to supplement their grocery budgets. At Shepherd's Shelf at Christ Lutheran Church, Kulpsville, for example, more than 140 families were served in November -- 15 percent of whom were first time visitors. The church gave out 850 bags of groceries valued at more than $24,000 in the month.
Center for torture survivors closes
Clients, staff and friends of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture gathered Sunday night (Dec. 13) at Immanuel Lutheran, Lansdowne, to celebrate U.N. Human Rights Day and to close the Center after eight years of ministry. The Center has been the region’s central resource for the restoration of torture survivors’ health, happiness and hope since 2001. It is closing because federal funding to continue its work was not awarded.
Lutherans open shelters for Code Blue
Trinity, Lansdale and Emmaus Road, Levittown are among the area churches responding to the homeless community by serving as shelters on nights when officials call a "Code Blue," with temperatures and wind chill below 20 degrees, including last night and tonight.
