San Mateo County Chapter

Four page newsletter: SAN MATEO COUNTY CHAPTER NEWS MARCH 2007

Four page newsletter: SAN MATEO COUNTY CHAPTER NEWS MARCH 2007

San Mateo County Chapter, CHAPTER NEWS - MARCH 2007

JOIN HANDS DAY, MAY 5, 2007

JOIN HANDS ACROSS THE NATION - See the Power of Volunteerism Grow
The eighth annual JOIN HANDS DAY is Saturday, May 5. This day is sponsored by Thrivent to encourage youth and adults to come together to improve their communities. This year the San Mateo County Chapter of Thrivent will be adopting Francis State Beach in Half Moon Bay. All congregational members, family and friends in San Mateo County are invited to this fun event. We will be spending the morning of Saturday, May 5 picking up litter at Francis State Beach. This will be followed by a picnic supplied by Thrivent. Last year 22 members and friends, representing 7 chapter churches, attended and had a wonderful time. All said they wanted to do it again.

Important Details Are:

    * Arrive at Francis State Beach at 9 AM on Saturday, May 5. Be prepared for cool weather, the beach can be foggy. Bags and gloves will be provided. Everyone will need to sign a waiver of liability for the park.
    * Free T-shirts will also be provided by Thrivent for participants.
    * Thrivent will provide lunch at the park after a morning of beach clean-up.
    * Francis State Beach is located one-half mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay.
    * If you have questions, please contact Greg Bohlmann at 650-508-8415.

2007 CHAPTER BOARD KICKOFF

The 2007 Chapter Board kicked off the new year at the Winchester House in San Jose in February for board member training, which was led by Sheilah Lynch, the Lutheran Community Services Specialist in the Sierra Northwest Region of Thrivent. The training covered new opportunities for service in our roles as Chapter leaders - and chapter planning. It was also an excellent opportunity fo meet leaders from other chapters in the region, and to hear and discuss various new ideas and events taking place. Additionally, a Winchester House tour was available following the meeting and lunch. The board has met several times for planning of the coodinators' training that took place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlingame on March 18th and also planning of the Join Hands Day Beach Cleanup on May 5th.

LOOKING FOR A CHAPTER BOARD YOUTH DIRECTOR

We would very much like to fill a voluntary position on the Chapter Board for a Youth Director, who would involve the youth in our congregations in service-learning activities. Working with the board to give help to the youth in congregations and the community through the Thrivent Care programs is interesting and fulfilling. If you know of a Thrivent member who would like to hear more about working with the Chapter Board please contact Greg Bohlmann, Board President, at: 650-508-8415 or email him at: gbohlmann@sriconsuting.com.

NEW LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SPECIALIST

Sheilah Lynch, who has been our Lutheran Community Specialist in the Northwest Region of Thrivent, will be leaving the area soon. We wish Sheilah good luck in the future. We will miss her peppy personality and helpful ways. And, welcome to Kimberlea Green who will be taking Sheilah's place as the Lutheran Community Specialist. Kim can be reached at kimberlea.green@thrivent.com

CARE ABOUNDS IN COMMUNITIES

CRAB FEED at REDEEMER, REDWOOD CITY
Redeemer Lutheran in Redwood City had it's 12th Annual Crab Feed on February 24. The event was sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The feed was held in Luther Hall and was again a success. A 2 pound crab and/or spaghetti dinner was enjoyed by about 100 attendees, including our Crab Vendor from Half Moon Bay. Not only he attended, but also his family of eight. Redeemer received supplemental funds from Thrivent and all funds, $3000, will be applied toward the debt of our new school building.

A special thanks goes to our "Chef Extraordinaire", Christine Leslie, who makes the most delicious spaghetti sauce ever! Also, thanks to Grace Schnereger, who chaired the event, and all her helpers who served in various capacities. And, last but not least, thanks to all the attendees.

RAGS TO RICHES - HOLY CROSS FASHION SHOW
A fashion show and luncheon, an annual event presented by Holy Cross in Pacifica, took place in March. The clothes, which were modeled by Holy Cross Thrivent members, were designer fashions which had been donated to the show. The outfits were then auctioned off. The proceeds of the event, and supplemental funds received from Thrivent, were used to benefit the Charity of the Auxiliary of American Legion. One example of the benefit to the American Legion Auxiliary is providing an outing for disabled veterans to the Pacifica pier for fishing and lunch.

For members, by members.

This newsletter is written for you by volunteer leaders of your local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter, and any views expressed are those of the writer. For questions, comments or to learn more about chapter activities in your area, please contact one of your chapter leaders, who are listed on our Web site at: www.thrivent.com/members. Just click on Information About My Chapter.