Social Ministries
Our Social Ministries program at Central continues
to guided
by Jesus' call to love our neighbor and to reach out
without restriction to those in need. Members of our
congregation carry out this exciting vision of ministry in many
ways throughout the year. Specific ministry activities during
2005 are summarized below, in our annual report
- Transition Projects: Central Lutheran was
recognized this year by the Board at Transition Projects for
our faithful service in providing meals to homeless men and
women in two transitional shelters. Many Central members have
been involved in preparing and/or delivering and serving meals
to this very appreciative population for nearly 30 years.
Faye Bennett faithfully schedules and coordinates over 20 volunteers
from Central, throughout the year, who help provide a tasty
meal coupled with conversation, compassion and a listening
ear.
- NE Emergency Food Program (NEFP): Central's
commitment to being responsive to those suffering from hunger
and food insecurity in our community continues to be expressed
through our support of NEFP. This year we gave more generously
to the Christmas in July food
drive, however we still need to be more responsive as a congregation
to routinely bring food on Sunday mornings to fill the food-baskets.
Central members continue to provide the staffing at the NEFP
"food house" on months with a 5th Sat. This year our Confirmation
youth and Agape youth group members
joined in providing valuable service hours. Thank you all
who have given food, time and money in reaching out to an
increasing number of people experiencing hunger and food
insecurity in our community. The challenge for
2006 is
to get more folks volunteering to work at the "food house"
and to be more consistent and in filling the food-baskets
on Sundays.
- Oregon Faith Roundtable
on Hunger (OFRAH): This hunger taskforce, convened
originally by a broad coalition of advocates representing
many faith traditions, hunger advocacy and direct service
providers, just completed its third year of work to reduce
hunger and food insecurity in Oregon. Remarkably, they have
been successful, through a number of means, in helping reduce
the number of people experiencing hunger in our State. Through
Social Ministries, Central continues to be represented on
this taskforce. At the recent 3rd Annual OFRAH Awards Breakfast,
Margaret Moilien received one of the distinguished Service
Awards for her work in organizing the Holladay Park Plaza
community in hunger awareness advocacy.
- NW Pilot Project Walkathon: Thanks
to the enthusiastic commitment from Kevin Charlston in promoting
and publicizing the Walkathon Central members once again had
an impressive turnout. Ruth Schuld, for the umpteenth year,
was one of the top fundraisers with her remarkable dedication
to signing up contributors. NW Pilot Project provides critically
important services and advocacy to low income seniors in the
Metro area.
The founder and inspiration for NW Pilot Project,
Peter Paulson,
passed away in December 05. The legacy of Peter's vision and
commitment to live out Jesus' call to serve the poor and vulnerable
in our midst continues to be fulfilled
daily by the dedicated staff and volunteers at NW Pilot Project.
We at Central are an important part of this wonderful ministry.
- JOIN, connecting the street to a home: Social
Ministries is working toward increasing our active involvement
with JOIN, whose mission is to provide services to the homeless
population and to help transition people from the street
into
a stable home.
Recently
our Central quilting group, organized by Anna Kingsfather,
provided 50 beautifully crafted quilts, which were delivered
to JOIN by Social Ministries. This was a godsend for the
Portland
homeless community during this cold winter season and deeply
appreciated.
- Loaves and Fishes/ Meals on Wheels: Central
members, coordinated by Doris Eisele, continue to serve hot
meals to elderly citizens in NE Portland on the 1st Monday
each month at Rose City Presbyterian Church. This ministry
is another example of Central's longstanding commitment to
needy people in our community. Thank you to members who provide
this loving service, which has been in place for nearly 30
years.
- Summary of other Social Ministry Activities:
- Refugee Advocacy:We continue
to support refugee families.
-
Bread for the World: The
Hunger-Free Communities Act was BFW's primary focus this
year. Central member strongly supported this legislation
through our offering of letters
-
Palestinian Advocacy:
Three significant activities took place at Central, supporting
our Palestinian sisters and brothers in faith. Esther
Nelson organized letter writing supporting Augusta Victoria
Hospital in Jerusalem. Esther and John & Jennifer Grosvenor
organized an advocacy role-play and educational session
for the Confirmation youth lock-in. Central hosted Palestinian,
Dr. Rev. Said Ailabouni from the ELCA Global Mission, in
presenting the ELCA's Peace Not Walls campaign.
We especially want to acknowledge the dedicated service
of Marilyn Katz , who faithfully served on
our Advisory Team from Jan. 2001 until Nov. 2005. Thank you
Marilyn!
Respectfully Submitted: Fraser Rasmussen, Chair, for members
Mary Peterson, Travis Cowen, Gina Botel and Pastor Brian.
Members are Fraser Rasmussen, chair
Mary
Peterson
Travis
Cowan
Gina
Botel
Gerd
Horten
Faye
Bennett
Esther
Nelson
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