Interfaith Hospitality Network Update
Des Moines Interfaith Hospitality Network (DMIHN) Update - social concerns committee is very happy to announce that Windsor Heights Lutheran will remain committed to DMIHN for another year. It is a ministry that speaks to and about our member’s commitment to reach out to our neighbors in need. All of the surveys reaffirmed our commitment to this program. Still, we can use more help, especially from the men in our congregation. This is a program for all genders…it doesn’t discriminate. Anyone who is interested in volunteering, but did not fill out a survey, please contact the church office and give your name and the areas you want to volunteer for. There are three volunteer areas that are sorely lacking support and will be a struggle for us next year: over night hosts, drivers, and clean up (cleaning parsonage and doing laundry). Please consider helping out in these areas. Many hands make light work for all of the volunteers involved in DMIHN. Social concerns appreciates the volunteer commitment that has been made to this ministry.
Note to IHN Host Week volunteers: WHLC hosts IHN guests the week of March 14-20, 2010. Sign up on the board in the narthex.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services Survey Results
Our outreach ministry at Central Iowa Shelter & Services will continue in 2010 due to the overwhelming support from the surveys. Thank you for showing such a positive commitment to keeping this program at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church and supporting our neighbors in need.
A master list of volunteers will be created from the survey information and used in 2010. If you did not have an opportunity to respond to the survey, copies can be picked up at the office. Volunteers are encouraged to step forward and always a welcome addition to our ministry.
You will see changes in the program that should make participation easier and more inviting to new participants as well as our core volunteers. We will share these changes with you in the months ahead.
One issue still remains that will determine the long-term future of this ministry. Only one survey respondent offered to officially coordinate the monthly meal program. Barb and Kirk Colvig will lead this ministry next year. The Committee's question to the congregations is, "Who will step up after that?" A year will go by quickly. Leadership must come from the membership and we ask all of you to prayerfully consider your willingness to coordinate this program in the future.
God's work, our hands.
Your Social Concerns Committee
Windsor Heights Lutheran Church has a strong commitment to sharing what God has given us, both locally and globally. This commitment is expressed in a variety of ways, as a congregation and in the individual lives of people. Consider the variety of ways you can serve God's people!
Approximately 50 refugees in need will be arriving at Lutheran Services in Iowa from Iraq & Burundi. They are in need of household items such as pillows, pots and pans, twin beds & kitchen tables. If you have things you would like to donate, please contact Betsy Leimetter (515-271-7412).
Reach out to Africa right here in our own Des Moines metro as you follow Christ's command to "welcome the stranger". Become part of a 'Circle of Friends', a new program of Lutheran Services in Iowa/Catholic Charities-Refugee Cooperative Services that links local volunteers with newly arriving refugee families – mostly from Africa -- who have been forced to flee their home countries. Join with a small group of fellow COF volunteers in a "Circle," to provide an individual family with orientation to home, culture, and community life as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of friendship for a period of six months. For more information, please call the church office for contact information.
Serving Supper at Central Iowa Shelter and Services - WHLC serves the meal on the 11th of every month. Opportunities to serve include food and monetary donations, food delivery the evening of the meal, volunteers to serve the meal and donations of other items needed by the shelter. Learn more about serving at Central Iowa Shelter and Services or see the Social Concerns Bulletin Board for more information.
Assist with the Interfaith Hospitality Network (housing homeless families in the church facility) four times a year.
Sit with and host Mosaic resident at Saturday's 5:30 pm and Sunday's 10:45 am services every 4-6 weeks.
Deliver food collected at WHLC to the DMARC Food Pantry or to a local shelter. Please make sure food items have not expired. DMARC Food Pantry needs include: canned fruit (15 oz), canned meat, canned vegetables (15 oz), diapers, infant formula, mac and cheese dinner, egg noodles, peanut butter, saltines, tomato sauce, canned meals (chili, stew, etc.), canned soups (NO Ramen noodles), cereal (hot/cold), fruit/vegetable juices, instant potatoes, mac/spaghetti, packaged dinners (Helpers, etc.), rice (1-2 lb. bags), spaghetti sauce (canned), tuna.
Habitat for Humanity organizes work crews and raises funds to build homes for people with low incomes. WHLC members have joined workers from around the area to construct homes in the Des Moines area! If you have questions, contact Jan Johnson at 279-2292. For more information, please check out the Habitat for Humanity web site.