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On Saturday, November 22, 2003, Thrivent Financial members, church members, community, family and friends gathered at the North Branch Fire Department to attend the Baked Ziti Dinner to benefit Brion Ebert. Brion, a church member at Grace Lutheran Church in North Branch, NY, was critically injured in a tractor accident at his parents' farm on October 19, 2003. He sustained multiple injuries, including a spinal injury that has left him paralyzed. Members of Grace Lutheran Church and its sister church, First Lutheran Church in Jeffersonville, teamed up with the Hudson Valley Chapter of Thrivent Financial and others to sponsor a benefit to aid the Ebert family. The Hudson Valley Chapter donated $5,000 in supplemental funds, which immediately fueled an out-pouring of generosity and caring. Over $9,000 in ticket sales and donations was raised prior to the benefit. All the food served was donated and prepared by local residents and businesses. Raffle items filled five tables. On that night, the people of the Town of North Branch, population 200, served 1200 meals and raised over $29,000. Because of this incredible outpouring of generosity, Thrivent Financial Representative Darlene Midlang was able to secure additional donations of another $6000 from the Dutchess County Chapter and the Southeast New York Chapter of Thrivent Financial. In excess of $42,000 dollars was raised to help Brion and his family. Pastor Kris Anderson said, “The Care Abounds in Communities program was crucial in sparking people to give generously. What an amazing thing, to see so many people pulling together to help out someone in need. That is the power of the spirit!”
Elections for the 2004 Hudson Valley NY Chapter Leadership Board were held this past fall at six sites in our region (2 in Orange, 2 in Sullivan and 2 in Ulster Co.). The following individuals were elected: President Steve Lee Vice President Robert Barrette Financial Director Jim Steipp Congregational Service Team Director Deb Kress Records Director Susan Vorstadt
The Hudson Valley NY Chapter Leadership Board has decided to continue to hold monthly meetings. The meetings will be on the third Tuesday of every month. The majority of the meeting will be held by teleconference. Quarterly, the Leadership Board will convene at a central location in our district. The meeting schedule for 2004 is as follows: May 18 - 8:30 pm * Tele-Conference June 15 - 8:30 pm Tele-Conference July 19 - 8:30 pm Tele-Conference August 17 - 8:30 pm Tele-Conference Sept. 21 - 7:00 pm * King of Kings, New Windsor October 18 - 8:30 pm Tele-Conference Nov. 21 - 8:30 pm Tele-Conference Dec. 13 - 7:00 pm* TBA Your participation is encouraged and appreciated. If you wish to attend or be a participant in the teleconference please contact Sue Vorstadt at vorstadt@hvc.rr.com for information.
The Hudson Valley Chapter hosted a Congregational Coordinator’s Luncheon and Forum from 10 am to 2 pm. on March 27, 2004 at the Ramada Inn on Route 300 in Newburgh NY. Pastors and Congregational Coordinators from Chapter congregations met to hear about funding levels for 2004 and how to arrange for Care in Congregations(TM) and Care Abounds in Communities(TM) funds. Additionally, plans for Join Hands Day, information about the Thrivent Financial Website, and plans for a Thrivent Financial sponsored youth gathering were shared. Finally, congregational leaders had an opportunity to give us feedback and enjoy a luncheon and fellowship. Two-thirds of the congregations in our chapter sent representatives.
Join Hands Day is a national event that unites young people and adults in an effort to make their neighborhoods better. Last year, volunteer teams repaired playground equipment, removed trash from streets and many more activities. The possibilities were limited only by the imagination. Thrivent Financial members around the nation always have been a big part of this special day sponsored by America’s fraternal benefit societies, including Thrivent Financial. The Hudson Valley Chapter would like to encourage an adult-youth partnership project in each and every congregation. As an incentive, we will sponsor a Regional Youth Conference this fall for the youth of those congregations that participate in Join Hands Day.
Not sure where to start? An information packet being sent to your congregational coordinators will include a "Quick Start" kit and an "Action Guide." These can be given to groups to generate interest in possible Join Hands Day activities. Contact Chapter Service Team Director Deb Kress at kress@hvc.rr.com for more information. Additional planning help is available on the Join Hands Day Web site at www.joinhandsday.org .
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