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Latest News
Please see the email below from the director of the Lawrenceville Co-Op and thanks to everyone who has been bringing in canned goods and praying for our neighbors at the Co-Op:
Your prayers for the Co-Op have been heard. A few weeks ago we were dangerously low on food and funds. August was a record month for assistance given. BUT our God has provided for our needs and is continuing to do so! Please continue to pray for the Co-Op and its faithful volunteers who are devoted to the Lord Jesus. Thank you for your prayers for our clients.
Linda Freund
Director
Thanks,
Dawn
I would like to thank everyone who helped out in the canned food drive. We had almost 500 canned food items donated!! Please read the email from the Co-Op below.
Thanks,
Dawn
The Co-Op desperately needs your help! Donations have been critically down over the summer and need has greatly increased. We are purchasing food from Co-Op funds. Today we gave out over $5,500 in assistance with utilities, emergency housing, and prescription medication. We gave out 4,900 cans of food in one day. We purchased over $1,000 of food. We will be out of funds for assistance within the next two weeks unless donations increase immediately – both food and money. We have not been without funds to help those who qualified for assistance in almost 8 years! We have not been out of food in 10 years! PLEASE HELP! If each person in our 25 supporting churches gave $1 per member per month and 1 can per person per week we would have enough! During the past two weeks I have had notices from two churches – one cutting support from $100 per month to $50. The other discontinued their $100 monthly donation completely.
Each day the stories from the clients are getting to be more difficult to hear and to bear. One long-time volunteer who had been out for 10 months caring for his wife returned last Friday. He had to leave at noon. He said he was overwhelmed with the need and with the severity of the cases.
A woman was diagnosed with breast cancer, her husband had attempted suicide the day before, she had no phone to contact the hospital, and the brakes were out on her car. A friend had brought her here. We helped with a utility bill, prayed for her, and she left here knowing that Jesus loves her and she was encouraged. Today a man with chronic myelogenous leukemia (49 years old) came in for food. He is the primary caregiver for his aunt who is 88 and disabled. He broke his toes this week and was walking with a cane. He is terminally ill. Our volunteer Barbara talked with him, prayed with him, and encouraged him in the Lord. He was so happy when he left – “it was such a lift to talk with someone – with God’s people” he said.
The Lawrenceville Co-Op is God’s ministry, and we are trusting Him to provide for our every need. Those of us on the front lines need the support of our churches, our community and individuals who share our passion – Jesus’ passion – for helping “the least of these” in our very midst. If you are one of these, I pray that the Lord will use you to spread the word of our need, and the response will be such that we will be overwhelmed with the generosity of God’s people.
This email is my prayer for help in Jesus’ name,
Linda Freund, Director Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.
P.O. Box 1328, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Hours for deliveries: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9 – 10:30; Monday 6-8p.m.; Wednesday & Friday 10 – 1; Saturday 10 – noon
176 Church Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Blood Donation
Aug 16
The next blood drive at Bethesda United Methodist Church is scheduled for August 29, 2010 from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone welcome!
Please remember to return your canned goods this Sunday for the Lawrenceville Co-Op. Just pull your car up to the side of the Fellowship Hall and the Youth will be anxiously waiting to help unload!
The Lawrenceville Co-Op has been notified by the “Clothing Closet” that they are in need of children’s, preteen’s and teenage clothes. Please consider donating your slightly used clothes while you are “back to school shopping”. You may bring the clothing to the Fellowship Hall under the coat rack.
Thank You,
Dawn
DID YOU KNOW?
Jun 21
We have two people from our church, Al and Bev Hombroek in Honduras this week, June 21 – 25 serving the people of this country. They are with the Simpsonwood United Methodist Church.
Laura Miller and Taylor Brooks from our church will go with the Lawrenceville First UMC to Costa Rica on July 10th. This Mission Team will be taking 100 copies of the Jesus Study Book Bible to that country. If you would like to help Taylor and Laura with these books, $25 will buy two of them. For more information contact Taylor (770-314-4207) or Laura (770-979-5075). Please remember to pray for these two beginning July 10th.
John Whatley, Pastor
Back from Afghanistan!!!
Gwinnett’s Army National Guard Infantry Unit Military Parade
The Lawrenceville Neighborhood Alliance Board members are encouraging all members of our community to show our thanks by attending the Military Parade for the Georgia National Guard Infantry Unit, Alpha Company.
Saturday, June 5, 9AM, Downtown Lawrenceville
We will gather on Pike Street, at the back side of the Historic Courthouse.
Please try to be there by 8:45 AM. Bring a small flag!
The unit was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2009, where they spent a year at a base near the eastern border of Afghanistan. In early June, elements of the Company crossed the vast mountain ranges to begin their mission. The Unit’s primary mission during the deployment was to train the Afghan National Forces.
The Unit returned in Spring of 2010. Two soldiers were killed during the mission, 1st Sgt. John Blair and SSG Alex French, IV.
1st SGT. John Blair, age 38, was the gunner on the lead MRAP–a new armored vehicle designed to be resistant to mines–in a convoy of several vehicles. Not long after leaving camp, the group came under attack. An hour-and-a-half long firefight ensued. A rocker-propelled grenade tore through the turret of the vehicle where John was a gunner. 1SG Blair is credited with saving the life of his Staff Sergeant while under attack.
SSG Alex French, age 31, was killed after enemy forces attacked his unit using an improvised-explosive device. (IED).
The North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Committee has been coordinating and overseeing the rebuilding of homes damaged by the September 21 floods in Cobb and Douglas Counties since December. Thirty-five rebuilding teams comprised of over 357 individuals from 9 states representing United Methodist Churches and 12 other churches/organizations have completed 25 houses allowing the homeowners to move back in their homes. However, the need to help other families still displaced from their homes continues. There are at least another 80-100 homes in Cobb and Douglas County and additional homes in DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties that need major repairs.
There are currently rebuilding teams scheduled for most weeks in May and June and very few scheduled beyond that. Three teams per week with up to 10 members for each team are needed each week at least through October. In order for the remaining homes to get rebuilt and the homeowners moved back in, many more rebuilding teams are needed.
This is an appeal for Churches in the NG Conference to put together teams that can come and help for a week or part of a week to put people back in their homes. Please call the Disaster Response office in Austell at 770-739-9537 if you can help.
Sybil Davidson
Office of Connectional Ministries
North Georgia Conference of the
United Methodist Church
678.533.1446
Blood Drive
Apr 20
Your blood donation is needed at our next drive on Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in the fellowship hall. Free gifts for all participants.
Please read note below from director of Co-Op:
Exciting Opportunity Requiring Immediate Action!
Our local Curves collects food from their members and donates it to us each year. Yesterday, they told me about the Feinstein Foundation (see attached file) and their $1 Million Challenge which potentially matches $1 per can of food and dollar-for-dollar cash matching donations from now until the end of April! Our local Lawrenceville Curves donated 505 items which would translate to $505.
I just called the Feinstein Foundation to verify this information. It’s true! AND the money they give us may be used to help in any area of the ministry – utility bills, prescription medication, etc.! All donations of food and money given to the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. between now and the end of April will be eligible for this match from the Feinstein Foundation in response to this email. Please spread the word within your congregations and among your spheres of influence . . . and please donate money and/or food to us so we can collect this dollar-for-dollar matching money to help the needy in our community. This could make a huge difference in our ministry!
Donations should be made payable to: Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.
P.O. Box 1328
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Deliveries may be made to the Co-Op at 176 Church Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Mon-Tues-Thurs 9:00 – 10:30
Monday 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday 10 – 2
Saturday 10 – 12
If you want to know more about Feinstein Foundation please go to www.FeinsteinFoundation.org
God bless you!
Joyfully serving Him,
Linda Freund
Director
Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAY 1ST AT 5:00. Bethesda UMC’s Relay for life team presents:
KARAOKE / TALENT AND SURVIVOR RECOGNITION DINNER
Please come join us at the *YOUTH PAVILLION* for a nice pasta dinner and an entertaining evening!! Dinner will be served at 5:00 and any registered talent or organized group karaoke will go first at 5:45.
If you are a cancer survivor please come to let us honor you with a fun evening out and a token of our appreciation.
We would like you to RSVP to this event:
- For recognition of survivorship!
- For talent or organized groups!
- For dinner and fun!
To RSVP e-mail Kim Bertram – kb711 {at} comcast(.)net or call 678-521-8556
This dinner is a fundraiser for our church’s Relay for Life team and is supported by LOVE OFFERINGS. Survivors are our guests!!
Speaking on behalf of Lawrenceville FUMC, we would like to invite anyone interested in joining with us on our 2010 Costa Rica Mission trip. The trip is scheduled from Saturday, July 10th to the 17th. Below is some information about the trip. If people would like to know more, we have our first organization meeting (jointly with the Mexico mission team) in our small dining room on March 28th at 12:15 p.m. We would like to invite the youth on this mission trip as well. Barry Blakely 404-593-8695COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP 2010
WHERE WE ARE GOING: Alajuela, Costa Rica. Alajuela is a suburb of San Jose, the capital. It is a 10 minute ride from the airport. We will be staying at the church, Iglesia Metodista.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: We will be involved in Bible School, similar to VBS, for a half day and general construction for a half day. The Bible School will be off-site. We will not be returning to the same area where the Bible School was held in 2009.
WHERE WE WILL SLEEP AND EAT: We will sleep on the floor of the Sunday School classrooms. Foam mattresses will be provided. The church also will provide the meals. There are several bathrooms and showers similar to what you would find when camping. The church has recently added a water heater for the showers. Bottled water will be provided.
WHEN WE ARE TRAVELING: We will be leaving from Atlanta (ATL) on Saturday, July 10th. We will return from San Jose (SJO) on Saturday, July 17th. The main airlines going into SJO include Delta, Continental, and American.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: TBD. We plan to travel as a group in order to obtain a group rate, but you can make your own arrangements, such as using frequently flyer miles.
COST: The cost of the trip is $200 PLUS airfare (i.e., $400 to $450). Based on posted airfares, the total trip cost is expected to be from $600 to $650. You will need to make a deposit of $300 by Sunday, May 2nd. The cost covers travel, all meals (except for lunch and supper on Wednesday – see below), exit tax, transportation to and from both airports, and luggage fees.
SPENDING MONEY: You may need approximately $125 – $150. Wednesday will be a tourist day (optional). The canopy tour (i.e. zip line) is $45 for the basic tour and an additional $25 for the extra zip line. Hot springs are $10. Other activities are available. Lunch and supper will be $10 to $15 per meal on Wednesday, and everyone will be asked to share the cost of the transportation. There is a McDonalds across the street, a Pizza Hut within 2 blocks, grocery stores, and several ice cream shops, in case you want snacks or soft drinks during the week. (Many people purchase Gatorade or similar drinks due to the heat.) There are a wide variety of stores in the area.
LUGGAGE: We will be taking Bible School supplies and 100 to 150 Bible story books with us. You will be asked to provide an extra bag for these supplies. There will be a “packing” party a few days before the trip.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
VALID PASSPORT: Your passport must be valid through the length of the trip, so if you’ve had your passport for awhile, check the expiration date. If you do not have a passport, please apply ASAP.
WORK CLOTHES: Work boots are recommended, but tennis shoes are acceptable for the construction work. NO SANDELS OR FLIPFLOPS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE WORKSITE. You will get dirty and may not be able to wear work clothes for more than one day. It may rain every afternoon and shoes may not dry completely overnight. Work gloves also are recommended.
CHURCH CLOTHES: We will attend church on Sunday morning. Business casual is acceptable, but a dress or skirt is recommended for the women.
CASUAL CLOTHES: The Bible School will be off-site and is likely to be in an area without much shade. T-shirts and knee-length shorts are recommended. Shorts should not be too short. Shirts for women should be somewhat conservative; no spaghetti straps, or revealing clothing . We will have a tourist day on Wednesday. You will need comfortable clothes and you may want to bring a swim suit.
RAIN GEAR: It WILL rain some time while we are there, if not every afternoon. It is recommended you take a poncho or some other light weight rain jacket. A cap or a hat is a good idea for the rain and sun.
BEDDING: Foam mattress will be provided, but you will need a sleeping bag, or sheets and a light blanket. You will need to bring your own pillow.
TOILETRIES: Bring towels, washcloth, soap, shampoo, and whatever personal items you may need. There are 110v outlets for hair dryers, etc. If you forget something, it will be available at the grocery store.
MEDICINES: If you are afraid of losing you medicines, please take copies of your prescription. Please consider bringing anti-diarrhea medicine or obtain a prescription for Cipro.
BIBLE: We will have devotions each evening and personal time for spiritual reflection.
MISC: Sunscreen, sunglasses, flashlight, journal, camera. Security of personal items cannot be ensured. With that understanding, you may or may not want to bring your ipod or laptop (there is one Ethernet line available).
Bethesda UMC Preschool and Kindergarten is celebrating their 40th Anniversary by raising money to send 40 flocks of chicks to needy families throughout the world through Heifer International. This gift of livestock will bless the receiving family as well as others because they will in turn “pass on the gift” by giving some of their flock’s offspring to another family, so the blessing continues. If you would like to make a donation, please see Shelley Scoggins. One flock of chicks is $20, but gifts in any amount will be combined to buy as many flocks possible. Thank You!
CHANCE TO VOLUNTEER !
Mar 17
If you are interested in volunteering this year, both the Lawrenceville Co-Op and the SaltLight Center are in need of volunteers.
The next volunteer orientation sessions for the Co-Op is March 15th and April 15th at 7 pm at the Co-Op.
The next volunteer training day for the Salt Light Center is March 13th from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. Meet at First UMC Lawrenceville.
Relay for Life
Mar 9
Relay for Life is coming up May 7 & 8. If you are interested in signing up to be on the Bethesda Team, contact Kim Bertram at kb711 {at} comcast(.)net. She will need to have everyone’s shirt size by March 15th. There will be a sign up sheet available on Wednesday night and on Sunday.
The SaltLight Center
Mar 2
The Salt Light Center is a new emergency shelter for women and children in Lawrenceville. They are in need of twin size sheet sets (for cots) they will accept new or very slightly used, also children designs are welcome. They are also in need of towels, and wash clothes, new or very slightly used. You can drop them off in the box in the Fellowship Hall (by the coat rack).
Thank you, and please keep this center in your prayers.
Dawn
Habitat for Humanity
Feb 15
Habitat For Humanity will be starting a new home from Feb 20 – May 15 2010. If you are interested in volunteering you can go to their webpage: Atlantaemorybuild.org. You can volunteer for a 1/2 day or for a full day. You must go to the above webpage to register, all dates and shifts show up on the webpage. They will have shuttle buses pick you up at Harmony Grove UMC and take you to the site. Please make sure that each person registers so they can keep a count of volunteers. Please let Athel know what date you have signed up for. Thank you
Haiti Mission Project
Feb 2
We are collecting things to send to Haiti for those in need! Below is a list of things we would like to send. If you have these things at your house or would like to purchase a few things to send, that would be great! There are labeled boxes in the narthex in both the sanctuary and the chapel where you can leave supplies. Please bring in all items by Sunday, February 14th.
Powdered formula
Pedisure
Diapers
Cloth diapers
Baby wipes
Baby bottles (clean, used bottles are ok)
Baby cereal
Infant Tylenol
Infant and children’s vitamins
Baby shampoo
Baby lotion
Baby powder
Stuffed animals
Clothes and shoes of all sizes (keep in mind it is summertime year round there)
Underwear
Tents
Tarps
Flashlight (and batteries)
Air mattresses
Hygiene items (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)
Blankets
Towels
Plastic buckets
Candles
Water bottles
Bandages of all sizes
Creams and ointments for cuts
Bug spray
Hand sanitizer
Canned meats
Non-perishable food
Sugar
Oil
Dry beans
Peanuts
Peanut butter
The children and youth will also making things to send to children in Haiti as well.
Please remember to pray for the families and children affected by the earthquake.
(And a great big THANK YOU to Bridget Scott for all you are doing to make this project possible!)
Blood Donation
Feb 2
The next drive is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2010 in the fellowship hall from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. To schedule a time you may e-mail me at felixmartin2000 {at} yahoo(.)com, call 770-979-0767, see me on Sundays at church or at any Wed. night supper.
Our next Blood Drive will be on Sunday, February 21st from 8:00am to 1:00pm in the fellowship hall.
