2009 JOIN HANDS DAY REPORT

Saturday, June 6, 2009 - Thrivent members, church organizations, young, old, boys, girls, men, wormen, what a wonderful group gathered at the National Seashore on Padre Island for an Environmental Activity. The Annual 'Clean The Beach' gathering.  In checking the records, this was the 6th time that we have been to the Padre Island National Seashore to carefully sweep, vacuum and sift the 3 miles of Malaquite Beach sand.  That's stretching what we did, but we like to think that we did an excellent job!  Seventy-two people picked up 63 bags of garbage, and then enjoyed hot dogs, cold drinks, chips and cookies, courtesy of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Thrivent.
We were invited back for next year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUN AT THE BALL PARK

Monday, July 6, 2009 - What a surprise it was to see so many turning out for the Faith Night at the Ball Park in July. Over 200 Thrivent Members availed themselves to a super bargain to enjoy a faith based program prior the the Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game at Whataburger Field.  This was so much fun, that it's anticipated, that this event will be repeated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ECONOMIC EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Over 30 members were present to get the low down on today's economic climate from Jerrod Summers at Fishers of Families Lutheran Church in Portland, Texas.  Jerrod explained why the market has been acting as it has, and whether or not now is a good time to invest, and what the good investments might be right now.   Members present cited the meeting as informative and very worthwhile. The next workshop will be held following the annual meeting at the Back Street Cafe on November 14th.  Indicate you attendance on the Annual Meeting Registration Form elsewhere in this newsletter.

CONGREGATIONAL COORDINATOR position. Through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Care in Congregations® program, Three congregational coordinators are required to help administer the program and initiate funding requests for the activities. If you are interested in serving as a congregational coordinator in your church, contact a coordinator at your church of call Ida Hansen at 361-364-2511.

CHAPTER LEADER position. Through the Care Abounds in Communities® program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides funding for members who, through volunteer activities, want to aid people and nonprofit organizations needing help in the community.  The chapter leadership board is responsible for reviewing funding requests and deciding on the amount of funds to provide for each request. New people are now being sought for chapter leader positions to help continue the fraternal benefit tradition of helping others. Contact Haroldine Fox at 361-387-6274 to add your name to the ballot.

REQUIREMENTS for volunteer positions: A Thrivent Financial member, a desire to help others, and five to 12 hours per month of volunteer time.

BENEFITS: A smile on the faces of others you've helped and a good feeling in knowing you've made a difference in someone's life.

Learn more about today's markets and your money -  What does it all mean?  Did the third quarter of 2009 perform as expected?

This financial education event reviews factors that impact our economy and financial markets.

Participants will gain a better understanding of:

  • How the changing economy can impact investment markets.

  • How emotions can influence decisions and when to seek professional financial guidance.

  • The strength of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its prudent approach to investing.

Name of Congregation:______________________________ City:_______________________________
    Are you a
Congregational
 Coordinator
     Yes/No           Name_______________________________Member / Guest (Circle one)

     Yes/No           Name_______________________________Member / Guest (Circle one)

     Yes/No           Name_______________________________Member / Guest (Circle One)

                           Name _______________________________Member /Guest (Circle One)

                           Name _______________________________Member / Guest (Circle One)

                           Name _______________________________Member / Guest (Circle One)

Name and Address of person submitting this form:______________________________________
Address__________________________Tel.:_____________City/Zip______________________
Totals: Total number of Thrivent Members________@ $6.00 each = $________________
Total of non Thrivent Members _________@$16.00 each =_$________________
Total amount included with this registration $________________

Number that will attend the Economic Workshop following the meeting: _______ (please indicate 0 if none on this registration will stay for the workshop).

(If you would like more information concerning this workshop, contact Michael Kennedy at 361-888-4622 or Dan Wilkerson at 361-688-6358.)

Elections of officers for the 2010 Gulf Coast Chapter leadership board will be conducted at this meeting.
Please read the "Who Wants to Help" article in this newsletter, and consider serving on the board for 2010 or even 2011.  It's never too early to decide to serve mankind.  Congregational Coordinators will received a special recognition. (Please follow directions at the bottom of page 2).

Have you recently moved or changed your e-mail address or church membership? If yes, you now have an easy and quick way to not only ensure the information Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has on file for you is accurate, but to also update it – immediately!

The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Web site now has a secure page to review and update this information – with just a few clicks of the mouse.  

Go to www.thrivent.com and click on Your Accounts. Enter your User ID and Password (first-time users will need to complete an easy one-time registration) to access the My Accounts page, which provides a comprehensive financial summary of your Thrivent Financial products.

Click “Edit My Page” and a screen will appear showing your name, address, phone number(s), e-mail, church membership information and more. Click on the “Update” link to change any wrong or outdated information, such as where you have church membership.

You also can review and update information on other Thrivent Financial members who reside in your household (e.g., spouse and children).

If you do not have Internet access but need to update information, please contact your Thrivent Financial representative or Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and they will be happy to help you.