Storm Damage
The devastating storm in early December caused widespread damage throughout Washington and Oregon and did not spare churches in the Southwestern Washington Synod. Consequently, Bishop Robert D. Hofstad has been helping Lutheran Disaster Response develop a plan to help affected communities.

In the storm’s aftermath, many of our congregations, members and communities have been without electricity, phone service and roads. Christ Lutheran in Belfair and Saron Evangelical Lutheran in Hoquiam reported wind and water damage.

Many of the churches in the synod opened as shelters serving food, providing beds and comfort to storm victims.

If you also would like to help, money donations may be sent to: ELCA Domestic
Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Please designate the payment to: churches in Southwestern Washington Synod with storm damage.
(The online donations have not yet been set up with this designation.)

Your continued prayers are sought for everyone needing assistance after the storm.

Fair Trade Coffee and Tea Sales
The FROGS (Faithfully Reaching Out as God’s Servants) mission team has fair-trade, organically-produced coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate bars for sale. Purchasing these products supports Lutheran World Relief (LWR) as well as the FROGS mission team. Buying these products also ensures that the farmers are receiving a fair wage and the environment is not being harmed in the production of this product.

Here’s a great Valentine’s idea: purchase Cocoa for Two for $5. Add a St. Andrew mug and two chocolate bars for an additional $15. Custom Valentine’s baskets are available. Products are available in the narthex on Youth Sunday (the second Sunday of the month) or you can contact Kathy or Portia Koren at 896-2175 to arrange delivery on any Sunday.

Niger Food Crisis
Your gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response, through its partner Lutheran World Relief, bring relief to the people of Niger suffering from famine and drought. Learn more at www.elca.org/disaster

Upon returning from Niger, Kathryn Wolford, president of LWR, reports that food crisis “still continues and needs our constant attention.” While “people who live in villages where LWR partners have been doing long-term development work fared better than others, the impact of the drought is severe.” In Dakoro, for example, a therapeutic feeding center serves 2,700 severely malnourished babies and their mothers.

Ongoing Relief Efforts

Through ELCA and other organizations there are opportunities to follow the spirit in service to our neighbors, both near and far.

Members of Saint Andrew have contributed to these efforts both through donations and volunteer hours.

Evangelical Lutheran
Church of America

Southwest Washington ELCA

Lutheran World Relief

Sign up for the ELCA e-Advocacy Network!
E-Advocacy empowers Lutherans to learn about, reflect upon, and advocate on behalf of their Christian values. E-Advocacy makes it easy for each and every member of the ELCA to advocate for peace, justice, and care of creation. You'll receive timely updates on a wide variety of issues, including hunger, poverty, and the environment; and you can be confident knowing you are being asked to call or e-mail your elected officials only at the moments when your voice can make the most difference. Visit www.elca.org/advocacy to sign up.

Mission Opportunities

A member of Saint Andrew traveled to China during the summer of 2006 with China Service Ventures in the English Language Training Venture. This venture provides volunteer English teachers to train Chinese English teachers so the language can be passed on to their students.

Many of our high-school youth have been involved in service projects in Puerto Rico, the Five-Corners area of Utah, and in the summer of 2006 they will be going to Juarez, Mexico. These projects include repair of housing and other services to financially needy communities.

Katrina Relief
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response /Lutheran Disaster Response effortsare ongoing. It’s clear the need is great. All—100 percent—of your gifts designated for “2005 Hurricanes” will go toward relief and recovery efforts in the region. With God’s help and your prayers and gifts, we are restoring health, healing, and hope to Gulf Coast families and communities. Thank you for your partnership in this transformational ministry. Learn more at www.elca.org/disaster