Outreach Opportunities

Again this year, our congregation is having a BE
AN ANGEL campaign in July and August to collect
school supplies for homeless children. Ken Marzinko, the director of the Homeless Student
Project, says the situation is the worst he has seen in his 18 years of work for the school district. The School District of Lancaster will have served over 1000 homeless students during this school year, which ends on June 15. Their ages ranged from Pre- K to High School seniors.

For the past two years, the greatest need was school supplies (book bags, notebooks, paper, pencils, etc.). While those items will still be needed, Mr. Marzinko tells us that the GREATEST need this coming year will be clothing. There is a uniform dress code in the district, and when the homeless do not have proper clothing they cannot attend classes. The teachers have felt strongly that the dress code makes everyone feel equal.

What’s needed?

Girls: Khaki skirts, shorts, or skorts with white or blue polo shirts
Boys: Khaki pants and/or shorts, with white or blue polo shirts

We are working with local merchants to get the best prices. You will receive details in your mailboxes in early July.

Brethren Village

Brethren Village needs volunteers to push Health Care Residents on outdoor Wheelchair Walks. The walks start at Wolfe Auditorium on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. July 22, August 26 and September 23. Please check your calendar and if you can help on any of these dates, call Marilyn Hummel at 295-9121.

Hunger and Poverty Team

Our central Biblical foundation for this important ministry continues to be Matthew 25:31-46, especially verse 40: “Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (NRSV).

June 20, “2 Cents a Meal” offering.

July and August—collection of school supplies for homeless children in Lancaster .

September 19, “2 Cents a Meal” offering.

October 3, food for LCCC; Love Feast and Communion.

November 28, food for LCCC; Bread and Cup Communion.

Crochet Club 2010

We will be crocheting baby blankets to hand out to single and/or teen mothers at the Women's and Babies Hospital throughout the year of 2010. Crochet Club is for any skill level and for anyone who would like to learn to crochet and participate in this project. Patterns are provided. Knitters are welcome to join. We meet every Wednesday evening from 6 pm – 7:30 pm in the Gathering Place . For more information, contact Melissa Hufford.

“Gifts of the Heart ” Health Kits Service Project

Who cares if.... the rain comes, the wind blows, and the storms strike? Will the Brethren Service Center be ready with Hygiene Kits? Pathfinders will assemble Hygiene Kits immediately after the 10:15 service on November 1st. Join us in the FLC if you can help assemble kits. But more importantly your help is needed to purchase items for the kits. Make checks payable to LCOB. Write “Hygiene Kits” on your check & envelope and place it in the offering plate. If you have any questions, please call Keith or Marilyn Hummel at 295-9121.

Church Street Towers

This service project will occur the second Wednesday of each month. After meeting at the Lancaster County Council of Churches to load pre-packed bags of food in the council's van, volunteers travel to the Towers, unload the bags in the activity room, and assist the Council in giving out these bags.

Residents of the Towers may be of low income, disabled, have no transportation, or have medical expenses that prohibit them from getting food. No one should go hungry. No one should have to choose medication over food.

It is estimated this will take about 90 minutes each visit. Anyone of any age may volunteer.

Contact Otto Schaudel at 717.656.8592 or schaudel@hotmail.com for more information or to help.