Some current needs and opportunities to Join Jesus on His Mission:

BAGS for UH STUDENTS via LINC CAMPUS MINISTRY

SML has been asked if we can help put together some simple bags to help introduce the Lutheran/LINC campus student ministry at UH (especially for the international students) at a student Open House on September 1. [This request was received just today. I know it is very short notice!]

They are looking for 40-50 bags with items like:

• Sticky Notes
• High Lighters
• Devotionals [What to Use???]
• Candy/Mints
• Gum
• Granola Bars
• Notepads
• Hot Chocolate Packets?
• Fast Food Coupons?

I’d love to say “yes” to this, but time is of the essence here. If I cannot get a positive response by tomorrow morning, we will need to pass on this one.

KENDLETON FARMS WORK DAYS

We will be promoting a specific day for SML folks to initially be a part of a workday, with more to follow.

Here’s some great (and easy) information.

If you would like to take part, please let us know (before signing up with Elijah Rising) by emailing FAST-Team@StMarkHouston.org. 

Thank you!

SPRING BRANCH APARTMENT FIRE

On July 28, there was a huge fire in Spring Branch which destroyed several people’s homes and injured many, including some firefighters.

MAM has been a leader in helping to address the needs of those affected.

Below is a partial message from MAM on ways to hellp.

SLM is dedicating $5,000 to MAM for use; either in this effort or others as they see fit.

Our August school chapel offerings are also being directed here for help in this effort.

Our Outreach teams are also considering if there are other ways we will be involved.

Please keep the matter in prayer and see if the Lord is leading you to help, as well.

Dear Clergy Members of MAM,

The overwhelming response of the community to the Gentry House fires shows that the concept of “loving one’s neighbor” is alive and well in Spring Branch.  Thank you for all your collective years of spiritual leadership that clearly has had a positive effect on the residents.

I am writing to you this evening following a meeting of organizations, churches and individuals who are working to provide support to the families that were displaced by the fire.  The Disaster Officer from the Red Cross gave us an update that included the news that there are 15 families still looking for housing and that the most needed items are:  furniture, food, household goods and clothing.  They were also quick to request that please, NO MORE DONATED CLOTHING.  There is already too much clothing to manage and that the donated piles were picked through by the survivors.  Families need clothing that fits and is suitable for their work and school.

The Red Cross will continue to handle Case Management and advocate for tenants’ housing needs, provide immediate items like toiletries until families are relocated.  Families who were affected by the fire are all identified and have received letters of authentic need from the Red Cross.

MAM will provide rent assistance, furniture (we buy furniture for the families), household goods, vouchers for school clothing, vouchers for work clothing.  MAM staff and volunteers will be making home visits to see exactly what families need (is there food in the refrigerator? Linens on the beds?)  Often times families do not ask for help when they need it most.

St. Christopher’s Thrift Store will allow survivor families to select from clothing donated specifically for fire survivors.

SB Presbyterian Church will be providing school shoes for children directly to the Edgewood Elementary CIS workers.

Fairhaven Food Pantry is providing food for these families.

John Knox Presbyterian is conducting a food drive.

There will be another meeting at 3 pm on August 18th at MAM to check-in and see how things are working.

How can your church help?  If you would like to ask for donations of fire relief funds for MAM – all funds will go directly to provide the items listed above.  Other items can be delivered to the organizations listed above…

Again, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Take good care,
Martha

This year for our Advent and Christmas emphasis, we will be doing a take on Advent Conspiracy.

Although we may not designate the same organization they do as the recipient of their efforts, we will be following the same theme, patterns, and philosophy to:

• Worship Fully
  
• Spend Less
• Give More
• Love All

We aim to simplify and focus our Advent and Christmas effort for SML; be it for the congregation, school, and families.

More to come.