Its not too late to make a contribution to this year’s Giving Tree!  Donations will go to ECHO, the GIFTS Men’s Shelter, the 16/49 Project for homeless teens, World Vision for Syrian Refugee Relief, and the Lutheran World Relief Gifts Program.  The crisis in Syria has unleashed one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. Roughly 12 million people – over half the country’s population – have been displaced by the fighting, many seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Syrian parents are faced with enormous obstacles while trying to keep their children safe and healthy.

Without increased humanitarian aid to Syria and border countries, more refugees will flow into Europe. World Vision is currently on the ground in Syria helping refugees and internally displaced people, half of whom are children, by giving them the vital resources they need to keep children safe, healthy, and secure.  This year the Social Ministry Planning Group has paired up with the Education group to provide both educational and giving opportunities to the Sunday School Children and the Congregation through the Gifts program of Lutheran World Relief (LWR). LWR provides catalogs suggesting a variety of alternative “gift” ideas along with educational materials and special ornaments for the tree.  The Sunday School students will be coloring the ornaments and some gifting cards for donors.

We invite you to choose an envelope from the Christmas tree in the Narthex, place your donation in the envelope, and put it in the offering plate or turn it in to the Church Office.  Be sure to write any checks to “St John Lutheran Church”.  Please replace the envelope with an ornament on the tree.  We have requested matching funds from the Foundation, so your gift will be increased!  Thank you for your generosity!

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