Dear Friends of Lutheran East Side Mission:

As we enter the penitential season of Lent, it is with great appreciation that we say thank you to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What better time than this season to thank the Lord for all his many blessings and for you. How amazing it is to receive your prayers, gifts of time and financial support. You “Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12. It is through you we witness Christ at work in the lives and hearts of the children and their families who attend Church at Lutheran East Side Mission. Because of your compassion and insight we continue to research ways to expand our ministry. It is evident that our mission has changed lives for the better.

Guests are welcome to the board meetings and if you would like to discuss a topic during the meeting please contact us in advance to be scheduled on the agenda. We welcome new council member, Julie Daniels of Park View Lutheran Church. Julie exemplifies leadership with a great enthusiasm to make a difference. Our Board of Directors meets the first Thursday every other month at 7:00 p.m., @ the Mission. In addition to attending the six Board Meetings during the year, one of the responsibilities of Board members is to communicate with faith families within their own congregations. This is to ensure that our Christian friends know what is happening at Lutheran East Side Mission. We are grateful in that all of the congregations within our circuit provide support and sponsor events throughout the year. Thank you for your commitment to serve others as we “Commit Your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed.” PROVERBS 16:3 NLT.

We continue to pray for volunteers to teach Sunday School. Sunday School is from 12:00 to 12:30 for grades pre-K to 8th grade. Dixie Lewis is our Sunday School Director, she is happy to visit with anyone interested in teaching. Maybe God is waiting for you to welcome the opportunity to teach his children. The After School Program is from 3:00 to 5:00 Monday –Thursday. The children attending the program are usually overjoyed and filled with excitement to take part in the many activities and opportunities available at the Mission. Would you want to join our children on a field trip, be a friend to a child and visit them at the After School Program or offer just 15 minutes of your time to read to a child? There are a variety of ways you can make a difference and be involved at the Mission and at the After School Program. We continue to pray that the children of Lutheran East Side Mission grow in faith and that every joy is well received with a grateful heart.

We are always in need of van drivers. Just one Sunday per month to transport families to and from Sunday Worship Service is asked of you. It does make a difference and provides hope for families in difficult situations. Your driving route is pre-planned for you and the families are usually eager and waiting at the door when you arrive to pick them up for church. Drivers leave the Mission around 10:30 to pick-up families for worship service and are returning families homes by 1:00.

The Mission families are well aware of the many blessings that are given through the circuit churches and often reflect on meaningful times and moments they will never forget. Near 70 Baptisms have taken place during worship service in the last six years. Pastor David Anderson continues to offer adult confirmation classes, and confirmed two adult confirmands in December. The seeds are planted; the Mission will build on past traditions while planning for abundant growth in years to come. “For I know the plans for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” JEREMIAH 29:11 NLT. The Mission’s purpose is to serve God while sharing the Gospel with thanksgiving and praise!

Blessings,

All the Staff
Lutheran Church East Side Mission
Davenport, IA 

We continue to need helpers and particularly male mentors for the young boys who attend our After School Program. We continue to need volunteers for Sunday School teachers for the summer and fall sessions. Volunteering at the mission is an opportunity to exercise your faith and be a role model for people who need to see how a Christian lives and cares for others.

The pantry could always use some toothbrushes, canned fruit, and canned meat and paper products.

We would also appreciate any members of Davenport Circuit congregations willing to serve on our Mission Board.