Chapter leaders with the Upstate SC 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 several leadership opportunities for 2008. 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 Greg Greiner at 803 684-3827 or golftoo@rhtc.net today to find out more or add your name to the election ballot.

Is someone in your community suffering from health problems and high medical expenses? Do you know a family in financial need who could use help maintaining their home? Is there a school, community park or camp that could benefit from new equipment?

Through the exciting chapter Care program called Care Abounds in Communities®, Thrivent Financial provides funding to members who form community service teams to conduct fund-raising or hands-on service activities to help individuals, families and/or qualified not-for-profit organizations.

So, do you want to help, but don't know how to get started? It's as easy as ABC 1-2-3.

This online tool—located at www.thrivent.com/ABC—is available to help you translate your desire to help into an action plan for making a difference. It provides easy steps to guide you as well as ideas, checklists and tips so you can successfully form a community service team and execute an activity through your Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter.  Here's a glimpse of topics you can read about

Getting things started
1. Identify recipient of funds or service project.
2. Form your community service team.
3. Explore your capabilities; select your activity.

Making a plan
1. Request chapter leadership board funding approval.
2. Plan activity logistics and details.
3. Get the word out.

Do it! And Celebrate!
1. Do it! Carry out your plans to help others.
2. Celebrate completion of activity and recognize your volunteers.
3. Tell us what you did. Then pay bills and provide funds to recipient.

If you have questions about forming a community service team, conducting an activity or the Care Abounds in Communities program, please contact one of our chapter leadership board members.
Information about board members can be found on the chapter web site:  www.lutheransonline.com/upstatescchapter