Welcome to our final newsletter of 2008.  

Our Lord sets us over many things in our lives.  We are caretakers over our families, caretakers over our homes and jobs, and through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans we are also caretakers of over $100,000.  Our 32 congregations this year received $44,600 to be used for anything the congregations wanted or needed.  One church fixed windows, one filled their oil tank, one sent their youth out on missions, a few held VBS, one fixed their piano, one celebrated their 100th anniversary, and one even installed a bicycle rack.  Thirty-two churches, 32 plans, 32 needs, 32 decisions -- all directed by our Lord to fit the varied needs of His people.  We are just called to be good stewards of His provision.  We on the local Mount Baker Chapter for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Board feel that our participating churches were wonderful stewards.  The activities blessed far more than the ones in our pews.  PRAISE GOD!

Not only was there the Care in Congregation funds available, $33,425 was there for our Care Abounds in Communities program administered by your local board.  Please see the following article for a breakdown of the local needs served.  Lives were blessed and may even be saved (i.e. Lake Samish Fire District) because of the funds distributed in our community.  God used your willingness to help your neighbors, not only through fundraising, but also through hands-on work projects.  Many thousands of hours were donated to causes that serve not only here at home, but also around the world.  The global community has been helped by Lutheran World Relief, bringing quilts, school kits, layettes, health kits, and sewing kits to our brothers and sisters throughout the world.  

God, throughThrivent, has also provided regional funds that have served our neighborhoods by giving grants this year to the Roosevelt Elementary Playground Equipment Rebuild, the Interfaith Ferndale Housing Project, and the Chehalis Flood Disaster Response.  These three projects totaled $17,000 and benefitted many.

Our Chapter Board also was the recipient of an additional $10,000 which serves as operational funds.  This money is used for Chapter expenses, volunteer appreciation, and member events such as the Old-Fashioned Summer Picnic held at Lutherwood in August.  

Because of the unique relationship between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the people who purchase their services and products, we are able to share the bounty with those in need, whether an individual or a whole community.  Our Lord has blessed us with many opportunities to make this world a better place and in His name we give the glory - THANKS BE TO GOD!

Hands-On Work Projects:

1 - Lutherwood - replacing flooring     ($1,000.00)              
8 - Lutheran World Relief     ($3,447.00)
2 - Community Quilting     ($1,000.00)
1 - Prayer Shawls     ($600.00)
1 - Homeless Shelter Baskets     ($1,000.00)
1 - Liturgical Workshop     ($500.00)
1 - Community Feeding Program    ($500.00)
1 - Youth/Family/Community Time     ($488.00)
1 - Habitat For Humanity Fundraiser     ($1,000.00)
1 - Lutherwood     ($1,000.00)
1 - Emergency Shelter     ($1,500.00)

19 -  Work Projects Total   $12,035.00

Fundraisers:

1 - Roof Replacement     ($1,500.00)
1 - Whatcom County Interfaith Coalition     ($1,600.00)
6 - Local Food and Homeless Programs    ($3,150.00)
1 - American Cancer Society     ($1,500.00)
6 - Individual Support    ($2,665.00)
1 - Community Garden    ($1,000.00)
1 - PTA Scholarship     ($500.00)
1 - Fire Department Equipment     ($1,600.00)
2 - Lutheran Campus Ministry     ($1,250.00)
1 - Lutheran Preschool/Mission Connection    ($518.00)
1 - Josephine Sunset Home     ($1,600.00)
1 - Good Shepherd Home     ($250.00)
1 - LCMS Mission     ($1,100.00)
1 - Lutherwood     ($1,145.00)
1 - Lutheran World Relief Travel Group     ($500.00)
1 - Community Vacation Bible School     ($762.00)
1 - Guitar Lessons      ($750.00)

28 - Fundraisers Total    $21,390.00

47 - PROJECTS TOTAL    $33,425.00

President - Bob Merrill.  Bob attends Christ the Servant and is Camp Director at Camp Lutherwood and Retreat Center.

Vice President - Becky Wietzke.  Becky is a member of Fir-Conway Lutheran Church.  She has been a public school teacher for 28 years, currently in the Mount Vernon School District.  

Records Director - Burnice Moore.  Burnice is a retired elementary school librarian and is a member of Central Lutheran Church.

Financial Director - Janet Congdon.  Janet attends Christ the Servant Lutheran Church.  Janet and her husband own and manage Master Lube, a quick lube shop in Bellingham.  

Congregational Service Team Director - Karen Bellingar.  Karen's home church is Our Saviour's Lutheran in Bellingham.  She and her husband own and manage Bellingar Storage.                          

Communications Director - Bryan Jones.  Bryan is an active member of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church and is employed at Jones Engineering.    

Community Service Team Director - Diane Williams attends Faith Lutheran Church and is a personal care provider.  

Jodi Oliver has volunteered to serve on the board in 2009.  She attends Our Saviour's Lutheran and works at S.P.I.E.  

There are two positions still open.  If you have any interest in joining our board, we are always looking for new members.  We meet every third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Fairhaven and dinner is provided by our Thrivent financial representatives.

Russ Celia has been our vice president for the past two years.  Thank you, Russ, for taking the time from your busy schedule building airplanes to serve on our Board.

Alvina Olstead has served on the Board as Congregational Service Team Director.  In October of 2008 Alvina was ordained by the ELCA and was called to serve as pastor in Opheim, Montana.  She is also the music director for the local school district in Opheim.  Thank you Alvina.

WE WILL MISS YOU!