Come join Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake as we hike to place homeownership within the reach of the working poor.  Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with families and communities and is committed to making decent housing for all of our neighbors a matter of conscience and action.  On Saturday, October 23 for the Hike for Humanity 2010 we will be walking, running and riding our bikes on the beautiful B&A trail, beginning & ending at Marley Station Mall.  Registration begins at 7:00 and we begin at our own pace.  Fee is $25 (hikers over age 12), waived if you raise at least $25 in donations.  Entry forms are due October 13, and are available at www.habitatchesapeake.org/faith-programs  or call Ken Ropp at 410-757-8727 or Sue Stubbs at 410-491-6451 or Bill Chirdon at 410-987-4280 for more information.

         Last fall, God spoke to me through Pastor Dave’s sermon called “Faith in Action. What resulted was a program that touched many lives and I want to share it with you.  My school, Oakwood Elementary, forged with some incredible members of CELC to form a mentoring program.  It was wonderful and enriching, to both students and mentors, and I had the privilege to watch these relationships grow.  Teachers, parents, students and mentors thought it was so successful that we want it to continue and grow, God willing.

         The students at Oakwood have so much potential.  The kids have very diverse backgrounds and family lives.  Some of them need a little extra attention and support. During the last school year, Celia and George Poteet, Christine Peyton, Lauren Leese, and Pastor Dave put their faith into action by joining in this initiative and they powerfully impacted the lives of 5 students just by spending some time with a child. 

         I’d like to invite you consider mentoring a student during the 2010/2011 school year.  Previous experience or special skills aren’t necessary.  Our counselor will train you and our current mentors can tell you how easy it is. In the past, mentors have eaten lunch, played games, gone to recess, read, made crafts, and just talked with their student.   You just need a desire to spend some time with a student who needs a little extra “Tender Loving Care” and to be available for an hour 1 day during the week.   If you have some extra time and TLC to o give, please consider this wonderful partnership and putting your faith into action.

      There will be an introductory meeting on Friday, September 24 at 9:00 at Oakwood Elementary.  In the meantime, you can contact Pastor Dave or me with questions, or talk to one of the mentors about their experience.  All mentors will participate in a volunteer orientation, training session and background.

 Stacey Swingle

CANNED FOOD DRIVE Our canned food drive that began this past summer has now become a continuing ministry program.  So please bring a canned food item to be brought forward during Communion each Sunday.  We are again supporting the Lutheran Mission Society.  We have collected over 6500 pounds of canned goods for distribution.   Thank You for your generosity.