Rich Kauzlarich was reelected as President.  Rich is a member of Our Savior and has been involved in the Chapter since its inception back in 2001.  Rich looks forward to promoting "keystone" projects throughout the year -- those that involve all four congregations as well as Chapter members not directly affiliated with an Arlington congregation -- like Relay For Life, CROP Walk, and Helping Hands projects.

Chris Johnston was reelected as Vice President.  He is a member of Our Savior and is serving his second term on the Board.  At Our Savior, Chris serves on the Board of Christian Outreach and, away from church, he is pursuing a PhD in mathematics education and leadership.  Chris is partial to events that involve food, especially the hugely successful Progressive Dinner in June, which he would like to repeat in 2008.

Georges Toth, a member of Advent, joins the Board as Records Director.  Georges recently retired from the Library of Congress and has been a Thrivent (previously LB) member for over 30 years.  At Advent, Georges serves as Assisting Minister and coordinates the purchase of Fair Trade products.  In other service, he has has been a union steward, voter registration organizer, and has worked on the living wage campaign in Alexandria.

Tom Buchholz, a member of Our Savior, was elected Financial Director.  At Our Savior, Tom has served on the Boards of Trustees and Finance.  He is a retired Navy Officer, currently working as Contract Administrator for the Washington Area Transit Authority.  He has been a member of Thrivent (previously AAL) for over 40 years.

Tom Van Poole was newly elected as the Congregational Service Team Director.  At Resurrection, he has been Congregational President and served on Mutual Ministry, Worship, Renovation, and Parking Committees as well as having been active in the choir and Luther League.  He also served on Synod Committees and the Boy Scouts.  Formerly in the Army Reserves, he currently is an Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation.

James Scott, a member of Our Savior, where he has chaired the Boards of Stewardship and Finance, has been elected Communications Director.  Professionally, Jim is a member of the Virginia and District of Columbia Bars, specializing in construction and government contracts law.  Currently, Jim is completing an advanced law degree at George Washington University.  He provides freelance legal assistance to clients in the construction industry.

This board, comprised of two experienced and capable leaders, as well as four energized new members, is bound to accomplish great things in 2008!

CROP Walk:  Over 30 Chapter members and friends participated in CROP Walk on Saturday, October 20, raising $2,551 to combat world hunger through the efforts of Church World Service.  Twenty-five percent of all money raised by Arlington CROP Walk-ers will be donated directly to Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).  The walkers enjoyed beautiful weather, their choice of a brisk or leisurely stroll through a vast cross-section of Arlington neighborhoods over 10 kilometers (about 6 miles for non-metric-savvy folks), and gracious hospitality at Arlington Forest United Methodist, St. Georges Episcopal and Trinity Episcopal churches.

Keep Our Neighbors Warm:  Our Savior is conducting a free will offering from Thanksgiving Eve through the season of Advent to “Keep Our Neighbors Warm!”  Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN) is sponsoring an EnergyShare Program designed to help those in need meet their heating bills this winter.  The Chapter will supplement every dollar raised, up to $1,000!

Faith Bazaar:  Sponsored by the Women of Faith and the Faith Fabric Crafters, the bazaar has been held annually for over 25 years.  This year's event raised more than $1,000 (and the Chapter provided supplemental funds of $1,000) which will be distributed to several local charities.  Preparations started months before the event, as the Fabric Crafters created pillows, blankets and other items to sell.  Many folks donated jewelry and household goods for the white elephant table and more than 20 volunteers donated hundreds of hours to sort, tag, set up, decorate, promote, and run the event.  The bazaar also included a bake sale, book sale, gift table, and several vendors who rented tables to sell other items.   Women of Faith President, Paulette Sandene, thanks all the volunteers and expresses thanks to the Chapter for supporting this event with supplemental funds.

ASPAN Bagged Meals:  A dedicated "kitchen crew" at Advent bagged 780 meals this year for distribution by Arlington Street People's Assistance Network (ASPAN).  ASPAN volunteers visit two locations in Arlington every evening, serving soup and a beverage and handing out bagged meals which consist of two sandwiches, fruit, and sweet and salty snacks.  The Chapter provided $1,425 to purchase the food and supplies for the bagged meals.

Gifts of Hope:  During this gift-giving season, folks at Advent have the opportunity to purchase alternative gifts through the ELCA's Metro DC Synod "Gifts of Hope" program.  Thirty-nine unique items, services or experiences, ranging in price from $3 to $250 are available for "purchase."  The cash donation goes directly to the beneficiary.  The purchaser receives a card and insert describing the donation, suitable for gift-giving.  The Chapter will supplement one dollar for every two dollars raised, up to $500, allowing Advent to purchase additional gifts as a community.

A final note regarding total 2007 support to AFAC:  Early in the year, Chapter leaders decided to focus on AFAC as the primary beneficiary of Chapter volunteer efforts.  Through various projects, including a progressive dinner, a volunteer work day at the AFAC warehouse, a cereal collection drive and CROP Walk, Chapter members and friends contributed a total of $5,502, 962 boxes of cereal, and 500 hours to support AFAC in its efforts to keep needy Arlingtonians well nourished.

Chapter Website:  www.lutheransonline.com/arlingtoncountychapter