We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of some of the activities and projects that your chapter was involved in last year.  We also would like to encourage all members to get involved with the chapter and congregational events.  

In 2004 we were involved in 21 different fundraisers or hands on projects in which we matched a portion of the funds raised or provided funds for seed money or purchasing of supplies.  

Project teams had fund raisers for two small children with medical issues, put together boxes filled with various items for children in third world countries, painted and repaired rooms in The Dalles school system, cleaned up school grounds and planted trees and other things at The Dalles, raised money for Good Shepard and other community service groups.  

These are only some of the great events that Community Service Teams were involved in.  The Chapter had just over $9000 to provide for funding.  To do this volunteers spent a total of 3071 hours and raised an additional $9580.  Service teams spent 684 hours on Hands On activities.  The value of all volunteer hours for 2004 is estimated at $32055.

We would like to encourage members to get involved in 2005 and help to spread this care for others.  We need service teams and project ideas.  Coming up May 1st is Join Hands Days, which is a time to get older and younger people together for various projects.  The Chapter has an extra $1000 to spend for these activities.  We are looking for ideas.  

We would like to also encourage all members to get involved in your local congregations as Congregational Service teams.  All congregations are allotted at least $1300 for 2005.  These are use it or loose it funds and sad to say there are a few congregations that have not used all their funds last year.  

The Care Abounds in Communities and Care in Congregations are great ways to get involved in helping others.  So get on board for 2005.

The Chapter is also in need of any member who would be interested in serving on the chapter board.  Actually we need to replace most of our chapter board members as our terms are running out and we have to step down.  

Please contact one of your chapter board members for more information or to get involved.  Our website address is http://www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo-procserv/dbpage=page&mode=display&gid=00018000001064233.  You will find the names and numbers of the chapter board on the website.  Or you can leave us a message on the message boards.

Or you can contact me at 1-541-386-6916 or fcschatz@gorge.net.