SOCIAL CONCERNS ANNUAL REPORT  2009-2010 

The goal of the Social Concerns Committee is to develop and support programs that move members of our congregation to social action.  As a result, St. Luke’s members provide assistance to several ministries:  Gude Men’s Shelter, Humane Society, Prison Book Collections, SERRV Sales, Blood drives, Quilts for the needy, Annual Auction benefitting various non-profits, Souper Bowl for Caring, Gaithersburg HELP Food Pantry, and Bread for the World Offering of Letters.  All of these programs are led by members passionate for the specific ministry.  We are always looking for ways to support those in need.  As a result, we have collected new shoes for feet, old shoes for recycling into playground mulch, socks, toiletries, Habitat for Humanity family welcome baskets, Christmas presents for children with incarcerated parents, backpacks, school supplies, and so much more.  For more information about the St. Luke’s Social Concerns Committee, contact St. Luke’s.

Men’s Shelter Ministry led by Herman Bell-   Every month, we collected hot food for the local Gude Drive Men’s Shelter.

Humane Society Ministry led by June Morey-   A bin in the overflow room continues to collect items, including blankets, crates and towels, for the Montgomery County Humane Society.  Other than the collection of shelter donations, the goal of this ministry is to raise awareness of the need to adopt shelter animals.

Prison Ministry led by Herm Nelson-   In 2009-2010, St. Luke’s contributed 407 books and magazines towards Herm’s collection total of 3682 reading materials donated for prisoners.

SERRV led by the Youth Group-   A Christmas SERRV “store” was opened by the Youth Group.   Purchasing goods through SERRV ensures that more money goes directly to programs supporting artisans and small businesses in struggling areas around the globe.

Blood Drive led by Herm Nelson-   During the 2 blood drives held last fiscal year, St Luke’s members contributed to the collection of 60 pints of blood!  We also helped with registration and refreshments.  A pint of blood:  Priceless.

Quilting led by Pat Burroughs-    The youth attending the 30 hour famine helped finish or further-along over 30 quilts started by the quilt ladies.  The finished quilts were taken by Sharon Kemmerer’s mission team to MERCI in North Carolina where they were shipped to Haiti for immediate warmth!

12^th Annual St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church Auction led by Jennifer Protil-  On November 14, 2009, St. Luke’s raised $3100.83 to benefit the ELCA.  Mark your calendars now for the 13^th Annual St. Luke’s Auction on Saturday, November 13, 2010, 5-8 pm.

Souper Bowl Fundraiser led by Youth-   This year, the confirmands and senior high youth group waged a penny war.  It was a bloodless battle to raise funds for the 30 hour famine.

Gaithersburg HELP-  Every first Sunday of the month, we collect canned food for Gaithersburg HELP.  In addition, several bags of food were collected by youth during the 30 Hour Famine and divided between Gaithersburg HELP and an Olney Food Bank.

Help the Homeless Walk-  We once again joined Gaithersburg HELP for a Community Walk around the lake at Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg.  It was great fellowship, and exercise for an excellent cause.  Mark your calendars for the next walk to be held October 2, 2010.

Offering of Letters-  On October 18, 2009, members gathered to write letters to our government urging our officials to support the end of poverty and hunger.  Additionally, many people took letter-writing packets home. 

As you can see, St. Luke’s makes a difference, one penny, one quilt, one pint of blood, one donation at a time. 

Peace!     Jennifer Protil, Social Concerns Coordinator

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