5 to 10 Thrivent members serve on the Chapter Leadership Board to assist in dispersing these funds.  We could use some additional people currently as well as in the next calendar year to make sure that these funds are administered properly.

Five optional elected positions (Community Service Team Director, Assistant Financial Director, Communications Director, Events Director and Youth Director) and a number of advisory people are appointed by the elected leaders.

The board provides strategic direction, leadership planning and administration to support congregational and community service teams. Consider volunteering for our board and giving a few hours toward this service. Call me to learn more about these elected positions or go on line to http://www.thrivent.com/members/volunteer/leaders.html

The Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity initiative includes four programs, all designed to engage more Thrivent Financial members in caring for others and making a significant impact in their communities.

Please see the Thrivent Builds Web site at www.thriventbuilds.com for complete details about this initiative, including:

1. Thrivent Builds Homes, including information about build locations, how to volunteer, how to apply, chapters and Habitat affiliates involved in builds, congregation resources, Thrivent Builds chapter specialists, Thrivent Builds congregational champions.

2. Thrivent Builds Giving, including information about how Thrivent Financial members can donate money that will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial and how the money will be used.

3. Thrivent Builds Worldwide, including information about the two types of trips available, how to apply, funding support available from Thrivent Financial for those participating, and tips for being a trip leader, if interested.

4. Thrivent Builds Neighborhoods to be a catalyst for neighborhood transformation by distributing several multi-year grants to coalitions of community organizations for planning and implementing systemic and sustainable improvements in a specific neighborhood so that its inhabitants would experience a higher quality of life.

Important to note: Thrivent Builds is an independent initiative and in no way diminishes the importance of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter Care programs. Funding is not being taken from the Care programs to support Thrivent Builds.

And does your church family offer its members the ability to contribute funds to your church directly from their bank accounts?  Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Simply Giving Program provides this convenient service for free!

Have you noticed that 3/4 of our year has passed by?  Summer is escaping and soon my sailboat will rest for another 8 months.

Has your congregation decided how to utilize Thrivent Financial for Lutheran’s supplemental funds by year's end?  If not, maybe you know of a project at your church which needs doing and needs some money to complete it.  Don't wait any longer.  Meet with your coordinators and other Thrivent members now, decide whether to have a fund raiser or to have a service project, and get it approved by Thrivent.

I remind you of my phone numbers to contact me at home (231) 894-4331 or work (231) 894-9085.

Frank Hollister

PS.  Some chapter funds are available to host a fellowship time--why not ask for some funds for such, host the event , recruit some Thrivent members to help you decide which of your projects deserve priority?  Or host a time to honor your pastor during October Pastor Recognition Month.

Vice President:
William Hutton, 1611 Lawnel Ave., Muskegon MI 49441
Phone: 231-755-1362
Email: wphutton@netpenny.net

Records Director:
Norman Knorr, 717 Lakeview Dr., Fremont, MI 49412
Phone 231-924-4749
Email: Norm_Knorr@ncats.net

Financial Director:
Marty Lalick, 1257 Creekview Dr., Muskegon, MI 49444
Phone 231-755-3847
Email: mlalick1@verizon.net

Assistant Financial Director:
Char Meloche, 1619 Brookwood Rd., Muskegon MI 49441
Phone: 231-799-8164
Email: meloche219@aol.com

Congregational Service Team Director:
Frank Hollister, 8779 Ferry St., Montague, MI 49437
Phone: 231-894-9085
Email: fhollister@hotmail.com

Community Service Team Director:
Kryssis Bjork, 4180 E. Fruitport Rd., Fruitport, MI 49415
Phone: 231-865-1373
Email: kryssisbjork@comcast.net

Communications Director::
Kryssis Bjork, 4180 E. Fruitport Rd., Fruitport, MI 49415
Phone: 231-865-1373
Email: kryssisbjork@comcast.net

Youth Director: Vacant

Events Director: Vacant