We also said goodbye to Lutheran Night at the Ems.  Due to changes coming from the Emeralds' new management team it was no longer feasible to continue the existing tradition, but we (the Board) feel it opens us up for something more.  Don't forget the door and the window.  No longer will we be spectators (some of us are welcome to continue to watch), but we will be the players in an intergenerational slow pitch softball game...it's going to be a lot of fun!  Details are also discussed in another article in this newsletter.

Next up:  For those of you willing to become Congregational Advocates, thank you for volunteering to be guinea pigs in a program that has yet to be tested.  Without you, this program could not get off the ground and our ability to continue to be good stewards of our Thrivent funds would be greatly diminished.  We, your Board, appreciate your willingness to tread the waters with us.  On October 28, 2010, we will be hosting a Training Event/Dinner, so keep a look-out for an invitation.

Third:  The Care Abounds in Communities program has NOT gone away.  We realize that Congregational Coordinators used to be the contact point for this program, but the program is still active and still has funds.  Contact Becci Buenau, of the Board, to get information sent to you or look at our website (www.wlct.info) for details.

Here's the scoop on Congregational Advocates:
As a congregational advocate you serve as an advocate for your congregation, your community and Thrivent Financial.  What will the congregational advocate do?
• Build relationships with congregation members, Thrivent Financial members, congregational leaders and Thrivent Financial representatives.
• Understand the needs and ministries of your congregation. Partner with your Thrivent Financial representative(s) and the director of congregational advocates to find the appropriate charitable, social and educational solutions to meet those needs and then help make them happen in your congregation.
• Use turn-key resources and tools to educate, advocate for and promote Thrivent Financial programs, such as Thrivent ChoiceSM and Care Abounds in Communities.

What does a congregational advocate look like?
• All congregational advocates and lead congregational advocates must be a Thrivent Financial benefit or associate member (age 16 or older).
• This person is someone who is ingrained into the life of the church and who loves to help.
• This person knows when new babies are born – and is one of the first to greet new faces at the door.

What are the attributes of a congregational advocate?
• Enjoys meeting and talking with new people.
• Desires to help others.
• Has commitment and advocacy for the missions of both your congregation and Thrivent Financial.
• Is willing to be a vocal advocate for Thrivent Financial and their Thrivent chapter.
• Possesses leadership, organizational, relationship-building and creative thinking skills.
• Is a listener and communicator.
• Has access to and comfortable with Internet and email. (The lead congregational advocate is required to have Internet and email access.)

What’s in it for you?
• You can make a difference and have a positive impact on your congregation and community.
• You can serve the needs of your congregation.
• If you are a benefit member of Thrivent Financial, you will receive additional Thrivent Choice DollarsSM for serving in the role.
• You can network and meet new people.
• You will have the opportunity to find new interests or hobbies that can be fun and energizing.

When: Sunday, September 12, 1:30-5:00 pm
Where: Amazon Park Ballfields, North of 24th & Amazon Parkway, in Eugene
Who: All Thrivent Members and their Guests

The Leadership Board of the West Lane County Chapter of Thrivent Financial will be holding the 2011 elections in November.  The board will have vacancies in the positions of President, Community Service Team Director and Assistant Financial Director.  We are required to have a board comprised of at least the following five elected positions:  President, Vice President, Records Director, Financial Director and Director of Congregational Advocates to be eligible to receive funds to use for community programs.  There are also five optional elected positions on the board:  Community Service Team Director, Communications Director, Assistant Financial Director, Events Director and Youth Director.  The last two positions have been vacant this year.  All board members are elected for one year (January through December).  So all board positions are considered “open positions” each year even though there may be some current board members who will be candidates for the next year.

To qualify for service on the board, one must be a Thrivent Financial benefit or associate member of our chapter (age 16 or older).  All elected leaders must be from different households.  (“Household” is defined as the members who live at a single residential address.)

Typically, board members meet monthly to review the proposals/requests for Care in Communities funding and plan events to support, encourage and educate our Thrivent Financial members and potential members.

President, Steve Gilbreath* - steve@wlct.info or 541-998-1140
Vice-President, Allen Stutheit - allen@wlct.info or 541-579-6285
Records Director, Michelle Guillory - michelle@wlct.info or 541-505-1284
Financial Director, MaryLou Potter - marylou@wlct.info or 541-461-0572
Assistant Financial Director, Dennis Davis* - dennis@wlct.info or 541-688-3426
Communications Director, Randy von Ronne - randy@wlct.info or 541-343-0327
Director of Congregational Advocates, Janine Russell - janine@wlct.info or 541-747-0562
Community Service Team Director, Rebecca (Becci) Buenau* - becci@wlct.info or 541-643-3186