BOARD OF EVANGELISM October 2018 Newsletter

The Evangelism Committee is very busy as we have several projects happening at this time.

As several have heard, Evangelism is working on our Homeless Ministry. We are reaching out for help from our congregation. The first item of need is backpacks. Why backpacks? These will be filled with several objects – a copy of the Bible, toiletries items, flyers discussing and helping to spread the Word of God. Besides the backpacks, we are collecting blankets for the homeless in the Savannah community. These items are all needed to help make their lives a little better than what they currently have. Not sure what type of items we need? You can also donate in the Sunday offering plate as a designated gift.

The other project we are working on is the Angel Tree. This is not a new project as Evangelism has sponsored this before. It is a ministry which helps children who may have a parent incarcerated and need a Christmas present to open.

Not only is Evangelism reaching out into the Savannah community, we are looking inward to our own congregation. Look for a list of the homebound members who would appreciate either a phone call or a visit. Most often, these members are unable to come to service and have many friends at Trinity. They need to hear from us.

Several members of the Evangelism Committee will be assisting at the Trunk or Treat. Not sure what to do on Saturday, October 29th? Come out and help not only the Evangelism Committee, but several other boards and members as this is one way to help spread the Gospel to our surrounding community.

Finally, one last thought. If you were not in service on Sunday, you missed the “All In” message and the Stewardship Drive. As one way to focus on Evangelism, ask yourself this: Do you know a person or a family who is a member at Trinity and has not been at church lately? Give them a call to say, “We miss seeing you at church. Come on and join us this Sunday.” Let’s all reach out to our church family and to our friends.

Yours in Christ,
Chris Garretson

Homeless Ministry

The principle drive behind our Homeless Ministry is Ron Wolfe with lots of help from his wife, Jennifer, and stepson, Ryan Smith.  The purpose is simple, to meet the needs of the homeless living in the Southside of Savannah.  Under the umbrella of the Evangelism Committee, the focus has been to meet the everyday needs with clothes, blankets, personal care items and even shoes. 

The congregation of Trinity has been very generous in their giving to meet the needs established by Ron.  Our very first blanket drive was a huge success with people in the community dropping off trunk-loads of blankets.  Our sock drive was also very successful and greatly appreciated when delivered to the homeless who gather at Forsyth Park.  The socks were placed in plastic bags with snacks and a few personal items.

The Homeless Ministry now has storage space located in the Education Building for your donations.  Feel free to donate gently used items such as blankets, coats and jackets, other clothing, shoes, socks and small personal items.  Keep in mind that items that are oversize and not easily transported are not needed.  Your donated items are then delivered by Ron and Jennifer directly into the hands of the homeless who gather on Sunday’s at Forsyth Park.  Top of Form

Future plans for this growing ministry include teaming up with People Helping People to serve breakfast at the Park.  Church and Social groups throughout the city sign up for a breakfast and handle everything from purchasing the food, cooking and serving to the homeless.  If you would like to be involved in this outreach please contact Ron Wolfe at (912) 677-0676.

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ABOUT THE BOARD OF EVANGELISM

We, as Christians, are called by Scriptures and God to pass on the good news of God’s love and Christ’s salvation. The Board of Evangelism has one purpose: “To oversee and give direction to the congregation’s evangelism and outreach activities.” There are two elements to this ministry according to The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod: Witness and Outreach.

Witness is the work we have been given to do as the church scattered. We have opportunities to speak of Jesus with the people in our everyday lives who are our friends, co-workers, neighbors, family members, etc. 

Outreach is the work we do as the church gathered. It is our collective effort through ministries, services, events and other activities as the church through which we invite and include others into Word and Sacrament ministry.

Witness & Outreach are distinct, but they work together so people will know of Jesus and be gathered into His Church through us.

Here at Trinity Lutheran Church our Board of Evangelism provides the following programs to witness and outreach:

Visitors are always welcome at TLC. The Board of Evangelism provides visitors with a small gift and a folder with a welcome letter from Pastor Webb and other pertinent information. Our new welcome table is in the Narthex and a designated area for visitor information.

New member classes and educational classes are another opportunity from the Board of Evangelism. If you are interested in signing up for a new member class please contact the Church Office at (912) 925-4839.

Our “Dinner for Eight” ministry provides a fun way to meet members of the congregation that you may now know very well. One person hosts the dinner and guests are invited to join a small group for dinner. The groups are purposely kept small to provide an opportunity for each guest to get to know their fellow attendees. If you are interested in hosting or attending one of these dinners please contact Chris Garretson.

Our Small Business Directory is available on the table in the Narthex and includes contact information for congregation members who have a small business. If you are interested in being added to the list please fill out the form available and give to Karen Hanovich.

Through the efforts of the Board of Evangelism, TLC is now a member of not only the Kroger Community Rewards Program but the AmazonSmiles program as well. Please consider participating as this is a great way to earn funds to help with our serving the community. The following link should explain any questions you may have about the program: http://www.Kroger.com\communityrewards. Our organization number for Kroger is 18527. If you are unable to sign up for this online, if you call Kroger’s customer service at 800 5764377, they should be able to designate Trinity Lutheran as your community rewards choice. You will need your Kroger rewards card and our organization number above when you call.

Just like Kroger, Amazon has a similar program called Amazon Smile that gives money back to the charitable organization of your choice. The link is https://smile.amazon.com/ch/58-1269942. The AmazonSmile program will donate .5% to Trinity. For more information contact Chris Garretson.

The principal drive behind our Homeless Ministry is Ron Wolfe with lots of help from his wife, Jennifer, and stepson, Ryan Smith. The purpose is simple: to meet the needs of the homeless living in the Southside of Savannah. Under the umbrella of the Evangelism Committee, the focus has been to meet the everyday needs with clothes, blankets, personal care items and even shoes.

The congregation of Trinity has been very generous in their giving to meet the needs established by Ron. Our very first blanket drive was a huge success with people in the community dropping off trunk-loads of blankets. Our sock drive was also very successful and greatly appreciated when delivered to the homeless who gather at Forsyth Park. The socks were placed in plastic bags with snacks and a few personal items.

The Homeless Ministry now has storage space located in the Education Building for your donations. Feel free to donate gently used items such as blankets, coats and jackets, other clothing, shoes, socks and small personal items. Keep in mind that items that are oversize and not easily transported are not needed. Your donated items are then delivered by Ron and Jennifer directly into the hands of the homeless who gather on Sunday’s at Forsyth Park.

Future plans for this growing ministry include teaming up with People Helping People to serve breakfast at the Park. Church and Social groups throughout the city sign up for a breakfast, and handle everything from purchasing the food, cooking, and serving to the homeless. If you would like to be involved in this outreach please contact Ron Wolfe at (912) 677-0676.

Currently the Board of Evangelism members are:
Chris Garretson (President) (912) 977-3443
Shirley Lewis (912) 925-1523
Greg Lucas (912) 659-7150
Ron Wolfe (912) 677-0676