JOIN HANDS DAY PROJECT FOR 2008

The Chapter had another successful fund raising event with the ninth annual JOIN HANDS Day on Saturday, May 17, 2008 held at Wightman United Methodist Church in Prosperity.  At the conclusion of the Walk-for-The Free Medical Clinic and Interfaith Community Services of Newberry County, a hot dog meal was served.  The money raised along with the supplemental funds provided by Thrivent Financial resulted in these two agencies each receiving $1,246.66.  Thank you to the walkers who walked the track, churches that raised money, JOIN HANDS staff who set up, and those who prepared and served the meal.  This was a very special day which benefited these two caring ministries!  Now what will JOIN HANDS DAY 2009 bring?  Start planning - ideas to improve our communities are limited only by the imagination!

Chapter leaders with the Newberry Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans do just that with the Care Abounds in Communities(R) 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 Vice-President, Assistant Financial Director, and Records Director.  The only requirements are:  being a Thrivent Financial member; a desire to help people; and 5 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 Havird, (803) 276-8895  today to find out more or add your name to the election ballot this fall.

If serving on the chapter leadership board does not work for you but you'd like to be involved or volunteer in some capacity, there are many other volunteer opportunities, both short-term and longer term, available as well. Please contact us and we will describe how you can make a difference through the Thrivent Chapter system in a way that fits into your schedule.

So, if you are handy with a hammer, love landscaping, notice that sewing or knitting makes you smile, or you have another talent to share with others, why not partner with other Thrivent Financial members to make an impact in your community?

For example, a wheelchair ramp is so much more than wood and nails.  For a wheelchair user, a ramp represents accessibility to life outside the house --- to community, friends, and family --- and even to living independently.

Building a wheelchair ramp is only one example of the impact a little teamwork can have on someone's life.  Can you think of other needs in your community and other ways you might be able to make an impact?  Call your chapter leadership board for more information.

    a.  Form a SERVICE TEAM (must include 6 Thrivent households) to identify, plan, and conduct the activity.

    b.  After the Service Team decides on an activity, contact Community Service Team Director, Mrs. Catherine Boozer (803-364-2870)  or Assistant Director, Mrs. Jackie Perry (803-276-5378) for an application at least two weeks prior to a Chapter Meeting.  They will then mail you a "Request for Funding" form.

    c.  Complete the form and mail the form to either Catherine or Jackie several days before the Chapter Meeting.  Mrs. Catherine Boozer's address is:  360 Holland Boozer Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 and Jackie Perry's address is:  1180 Hillbrook Ln, Newberry, SC 29108.

    d.  Chapter Leadership Board will review the request and act on it.  Request MUST go before the Board BEFORE the activity is held.

    e.  Catherine or Jackie will contact you via phone with the result of the Board vote.  If approved, one of these ladies will send you a #1 "Report for Funding Activities" form and a #2 "Receipts Funds Raised and Expense" form.

   f.  Activity should be promoted as a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans activity as well as an activity supporting the community organization.

    g.  Following the activity you should complete form #1 and mail the completed form to our Records Director:  Mrs. Barbara Bishop, 2457 Beaver Dan Creek Rd, Newberry, SC 29108.

    h.  The #2 form should be completed and mailed along with a check for net funds raised (made out to Newberry County Chapter Thrivent Financial for Lutherans) to the Financial Director, Paul Wertz.  His address is 2539 Old Jollystreet Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127.  Also, it is important to include legible copies of all deposits and expense receipts from the fund raiser.

    i.  After the activity request is processed by Thrivent Financial, Paul will then send your organization a check which will include the total amount of net funds raised plus supplemental funds approved by the Chapter Leadership Board.

Chapter Members are invited to attend meetings beginning at 7:30 PM.

Oct. 23, 2008, Elections held and Meal served at 7:00 PM at Stoney Hill School
    RSVP by Oct. 16 to Mrs. Faye Hawkins (364-1417) or Mrs. Carolyn Torrence (945-7620)
                 
PLEASE NOTE:  These are PROPOSED dates; if there is a change, you will be notified.  Please RSVP by dates listed so that the proper amount of food can be prepared.

                                 Chapter Leadership Board wishes you a safe and fun-filled summer!