The purpose of this chapter is to foster voluntary activities for aiding lawful social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic or religious endeavors in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Society and policies of the Board of Directors of the Society; to provide members with the opportunity to take part in benevolent and charitable activities of the Society; and to provide members with the opportunity to participate in the process of selection of candidates for the Board of Directors of the Society.  This chapter shall participate in local, regional, and national chapter programs of the Society. The funds of this chapter are to be used exclusively to carry out the purpose of this chapter.

Goals:

1.  In 2008, the Maine Chapter, #31007 plans to focus on helping Congregational Coordinators maximize the benefits available through the Thrivent – Care in Congregations and Care in Communities programs.  We will do this by:
Training -  
We will conduct a series of regional orientation and training meetings throughout the state of Maine.  Meetings will take place over breakfast or dinner and be conducted by Chapter Board members.  Emphasis in each meeting will be placed on:
  a.  Orientation regarding the organization of Thrivent Service Teams and Chapter Board.
  b.  Organizing projects and accessing Congregational funds.
  c.  Organizing projects and applying for Community funds.
  d.  Special opportunities such as Join Hands Day.  
  e.  Appeal for interest in serving on Chapter Leadership Board.
Communication –
  a.  5 Newsletters during the course of the year.
  b.  Telephone call from Congregational Service Coordinator to each ‘lead Congregational Coordinator’
       to be sure every congregation uses all of their Care in Congregation funds.
2.  In 2008, the Maine Chapter, #31007 plans to focus on meeting the objectives set for the “Chapter Challenge.”
3.  In 2008, the Maine Chapter, #31007 plans to focus on recruiting new officers for the 2009 Chapter Board as necessary.

We are matching $1 for each $3 raised and are encouraging 1 hour of effort for each $2 of matching funds.  For example, if an event raises $600, we would provide $200 as a match for the recipient of the funds.  We would also expect at least 100 hours of effort for the project.  This is easy to attain if you take into consideration all time expended.  Time begins with the concept of the project.  It includes: planning, meetings, set up, clean up, paperwork and all volunteer time spent on the project.  

For “Hands On” projects, pre-funding of one half of the projected cost is available and, since there are no matching fund requirements, we hope for one hour of effort for each two  “Hands On” dollars provided..  A $300  “Hands On” project would hope to have at least 150 hours of effort.  

Congratulations to Good Shepherd in Brunswick and Nativity in Rockland who have applied for or received all of their “Care in Congregations” funds.  Our other 18 congregations have between $100 and the maximum of $1,600 available.  These funds are provided for your congregations to use on local congregational projects for the congregation or ministries of the congregation.  

Application for “Care in Congregations” funding is easy.  Your Congregational Coordinator can go on line before it is completed and enter the facts about your project.  The project must be closed out as completed on line after the event is finished.

All $1,000 of our “Join Hands Day” funding has been distributed to the five congregations who participated with individual or joint efforts.

I look forward to meeting with many of you this summer at one of the financial seminars being planned or at one of five  “Meet the Board” orientation events in September.

God Bless all of you for your efforts on behalf of your congregations or communities.

Abbott

Intermission: Embracing Life Transitions and Planning for the Future

You are invited to attend this free informational seminar hosted by representative Bradley  Shephard.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 7:00PM
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church209 Eastern Ave.Augusta, ME 04330-5951

Refreshments will be served.  Please call (207) 623-9486 or (207) 872-5208 before June 21st to reserve a place for yourself and a guest.

Intermission: Embracing Life Transitions and Planning for the Future

You are invited to attend this free informational seminar  hosted by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and your financial representative Kurt H Kasik

Event Details:

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 7:00PM
First Lutheran Church
123 Auburn Street
Portland, ME 04103

Refreshments will be served.  Please contact Abbott Knowles at (207)-712-2949 before June 20th to reserve a place for yourself and a guest.

Chapter leaders with the Maine Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans do just that with the Care Abounds in Communities® program! And with chapter leader elections just around the corner, the time to get involved is NOW! Our chapter will have leadership opportunities for 2009. The only requirements are: being a Thrivent Financial member; a desire to help people; and five to 15 hours per month volunteer time (depending on the position).

We very much need you on the chapter leadership board--without a full board, our chapter will not qualify for the funding that helps people and our community. Help us take full advantage of this unique opportunity to significantly impact our community and contact Jerry Junkins at 207-897-2281 today to find out more or add your name to the election ballot.