Our DeKalb Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gives members like you a vehicle to demonstrate  care and concern for others. Three chapter Care programs provide the fuel—funding and resources for you to deliver an even greater impact in your congregation and community:

Care in Congregations®
Through the Care in Congregations® chapter Care program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides funding for Thrivent Financial members to conduct fund-raising activities (including appeals/collections) and/or hands-on service activities to benefit a congregation or its related Lutheran institution(s). Members are encouraged to help the congregation in its ministry to the community. Funding comes directly from Thrivent Financial to the congregational service team's congregation.

Care Abounds in Communities™
Through the Care Abounds in Communities™ chapter Care program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides funding for members participating in community service teams. These teams are formed to conduct fund-raising activities (including appeals/collections) and/or hands-on service activities. Activities can benefit individuals, families, local communities or organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, excluding congregations. (This includes charitable, educational and religious organizations, excluding congregations.) Activity requests for funding are directed to the chapter leadership board.

Care in Regions™.
Through the Care in Regions™ chapter Care program, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides funding for members of multiple chapters to come together, through community service teams, and work with their regional manager of Lutheran community services (MLCS) to address a significant regional need.
The community service teams conduct fund-raising activities (including appeals/collections) and/or hands-on service activities that benefit individuals, families, local communities or organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with significant needs. (This includes charitable, educational and religious organizations.) The manager of Lutheran community services (MLCS) approves all activities.

If you're short on time, but want to help others in your community or help meet a need in your church, getting involved with the DeKalb County GA Chapter of Thrivent is the answer for you. You have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and help others in a way that fits your schedule.

Please contact one of your Chapter Leaders listed in this newsletter for information about how you can get involved.

Vice President - Pastor Haco von Hacke
Phone: (404) 373-1682  Email: lmessiah@lmessiah.org  Congregation: Messsiah (Decatur)
The vice president is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and provides leadership in the absence of the President.

Records Director - Beverly Pilgrim  
Phone: 404.241.6519  Email:  bpilgrim@msn.com Congregation:   St. Stephen (Decatur)
The Records Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and provides leadership for the administrative functions of the Chapter.    

Financial Director - Terry Woodside
Phone:   770.981-5462   Email: june3woodside@juno.com  Congregation:  Peace (Decatur)
The Financial Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and plays a significant role in maintaining financial records for the DeKalb Chapter.  

Congregational Service Team Director - Gene Lewis
Phone:   404.299.8880  Email:   gene1950@bellsouth.net  Congregation:  St. John's (Atlanta)
The Congregational Service Team Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and is the first line of support to Congregational Coordinators and Congregational Service Teams.  

Financial Representative Advisor - Steve Vogel
Phone:(404) 373-7530   Email:  steve.vogel@thrivent.com  Congregation:  Redeemer  (Atlanta)
The Financial Representative Advisor, is an appointed advisory position without board voting rights. The person in this role provides advice to the administrative functions of the leadershipboard. The person is part of a board that provides direction, planning and support to service teams.

Assistant Financial Director - Pastor David Hardy
Phone:  (404) 634-7505  Email:: stmatt@bellsouth.net  Congregation:  Living Grace (Atlanta)
The Assistant Financial Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and provides support to the Financial Director in maintaining financial records for the chapter.  

Communications Director - Diedra Green
Phone:  404.292.5053   Email:: deg4@cdc.gov  Congregation:  Peace (Decatur)
The Communications Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and supports service teams and the chapter as they communicate with the public.

Community Service Team Director - Pastor Charles Newman
Phone: (404) 241-2524 Email:stpaulch@bellsouth.net  Congregation:   St. Paul (Decatur)
The community service team director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board and supports community service teams which form and initiate activities that support individuals, families and qualified not-for-profit organizations.

Youth Director - Antrunika Rakestraw
Phone: 770.593.8352  Email: ntimes3039@yahoo.com  Congregation: St. John's (Atlanta)
The Youth Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board whose position is to look for opportunities to involve youth in chapter and service team activities.

Events Director - Laura Crawley
Phone: (404) 633-1403  Email:lcfox@mindspring.com  Congregation: St. John's (Atlanta)
The Events Director is a voting member of the Chapter Leaders Board who works to determine appropriate recognition and events to be sponsored by the chapter.

How often have you asked yourself, "What can I do in life to really make a difference?" How often have you seen a need and said, "I wish there was something I could do?" Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gives you an opportunity to make a positive impact right where you live. Now there is something you can do. Get involved and help others through the Care Abounds in Communities™ program. Contact a member of your chapter leadership board as noted in this newsletter for information about how easy it is to help others through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.