Are you a Thrivent Member?
Thrivent (formerly Thrivent Financial for Lutherans) is a non-profit that offers financial products and services. We want to know if you are a Thrivent member, because Thrivent members can apply for two Action Team grants for $250 each, every year! We've used these in the past to fund/support service projects, fellowship, and education. (You can also be an associate Thrivent member without any financial products, for a small fee each year and apply for one!) Please let Sophie Guiny, sophie.guiny@gmail.com know if you are a Thrivent member and willing to apply for an Action Team grant in the future.
We are a part of the Metro DC Synod, the regional expression of denomination, the ELCA. Each year our synod gathers for an assembly, to hear reports, vote on matters, as well as to be inspired in worship, sharing, and learning as and about the wider church. Congregations each send one or more delegates as "voting members" - are you interested in serving/attending this year? Synod assembly is Saturday, June 3 at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Gaithersburg, MD. If you are interested in learning more or attending, please speak with Pastor Brett or Cassandra Kuball. For more information go to https://metrodcelca.org/2023assembly/
Along with other DC Lutherans, we have an opportunity to join in and share some affirming Lutheran presence as a part of the DC Pride Parade on Saturday, June 10. Interested in participating? Meet at 2pm at Augustana Lutheran, DC with good walking shoes and energy for the parade!
A *new* opportunity and way to serve and experience a year of discernment of what you’re called to do in the world! Positions are located throughout the country, some here in DC, and home hybrid or fully remote. Open to people ages 18-35, check it out here: https://www.elca.church/vocational-fellowship, or share it with someone who might be interested!
- We've been supporting the "I" family since January 2022 as their "Good Neighbor Partner." They've taken many big steps, getting settled, kids in school, work, ESL, and in July we helped them move to a more affordable apartment. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. Interested in helping with our refugee welcome team? Speak with Jackie E. or Pastor Brett.
Writing letters and/or cards to people living in retirement/senior living facilities. Coordinated effort coming soon!
Getting groceries for elderly, vulnerable, or sick folks. Possible connections: Georgetown Village, Iona Senior Services, or contact Pastor Brett.
Record a video (storytelling, songs, etc.) for a child in your life! Know a single parent or ones trying to work from home and juggle kids? How could you help or send support from afar? Coordinated effort may be coming soon.
Make “blessing bags” for those experiencing homelessness.
Coordinated effort may be coming soon.
We're working on learning more on how we might:
Assisting the homeless who have been housed in hotels
TBD: learning more about the need, how to connect through DC Health and Human Services possibly or DC Dept of Health.
- Miriam's Kitchen - (located in Foggy Bottom) is still providing the following homeless services: daily breakfast and dinner, caseworker/support services, and staff support for the doctor and psychologist street outreach to homeless folks in Georgetown.
- Martha’s Table is another ongoing homeless/need provider in the city providing meals and various services. It is one of the only ones who can receive donated food and other item donations.
- Friendship Place continues to provide street outreach in Georgetown through a partnership with the Georgetown BID, as well as job placement services for homeless folks and veterans’ services.
- The Georgetown Ministry Center day drop-in center has reopened, offering limited use for showers, mail pickup, bagged lunches, and laundry. They have an Amazon wish list here with critical things (masks and gloves, as well as gift cards for food/essentials) which will be distributed to guests. Contribute to support through the Spirit of Georgetown annual campaign event going on now!
Feeding & Meals
- Support local food pantries by giving a donation to the Capitol Area Food Bank. The food bank has also taken over meal delivery to elderly folks from many smaller agencies.
- Food for Others (Northern Virginia)
- Give a designated donation to help the costs of supporting Grate Patrol and the Saturday Suppers.
- Greater DC Diaper Bank - Providing essentials for babies & families.
- Dogwalkers, and doggy daycare like Fur Get Me Not Dog Daycare - a business, but one that needs support, shared by a member.