I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.
--Matthew 25:34-36
The benevolence that our church gives consists primarily of two parts:
St. Martin's does not run any social outreach programs in-house; therefore we dedicate our time and money to programs in the community that we believe are doing a good and worthy job of sharing God's love with others. These organizations do not have to be Christian, but many of them are. Our benevolence money has been given to many organizations that help those who are poor, hungry, elderly and sick.
Every year at the congregational meeting, we vote for six benevolence focus organizations. The other six organizations are selected by the benevolence committee.
--Matthew 25:34-36
The benevolence that our church gives consists primarily of two parts:
- One portion that we give to the Southwestern Texas Synod of the ELCA in support of our wider church and its extended ministries in this region and throughout the country.
- And the other portion that we give to social outreach organizations outside our congregation.
St. Martin's does not run any social outreach programs in-house; therefore we dedicate our time and money to programs in the community that we believe are doing a good and worthy job of sharing God's love with others. These organizations do not have to be Christian, but many of them are. Our benevolence money has been given to many organizations that help those who are poor, hungry, elderly and sick.
Every year at the congregational meeting, we vote for six benevolence focus organizations. The other six organizations are selected by the benevolence committee.
August 2008: Meals on Wheels
The mission of Meals on Wheels is to nourish and enrich the lives of the homebound and other people in need through services that promote dignity and independent living. Meals on Wheels does this by delivering meals and other services directly to the homes of people who cannot get out of the house or do things by themselves. Many of our members are volunteers and clients of Meals on Wheels. To contribute, write a check to St. Martin's and note Meals on Wheels on the memo line.
Read more about Meals on Wheels.
Read more about Meals on Wheels.
July 2008: Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) seeks lasting solutions to poverty and injustice and, in doing so, compels US Lutherans to put their faith into action. LWR works with partners in 50 countries to help people grow food, improve health, strengthen communities, end conflict, build livelihoods and recover from disasters.
Contributions from St. Martin's this month will aid those in Myanmar and in the Sichuan region of China following the devastating natural disasters there. LWR's immediate aid includes food, shelter and supplies with longer-term aid focusing on reconstruction in the hardest hit areas.
Please prayerfully consider supporting LWR, so that LWR can support others. Write a check out to St. Martin's today and put LWR in the memo line.
Read more about LWR at lwr.org
Contributions from St. Martin's this month will aid those in Myanmar and in the Sichuan region of China following the devastating natural disasters there. LWR's immediate aid includes food, shelter and supplies with longer-term aid focusing on reconstruction in the hardest hit areas.
Please prayerfully consider supporting LWR, so that LWR can support others. Write a check out to St. Martin's today and put LWR in the memo line.
Read more about LWR at lwr.org
June 2008: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Mobile Loaves and Fishes is an Austin ministry with this mission:
Bringing food and clothing and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need.
St. Martin's has been working with MLF since 2004 along with the other downtown churches, preparing sandwiches in our own downtown kitchen at First United Methodist Church at 12th and Lavaca. Each run costs about $150 and we are doing 8 runs each month so we need everyone's benevolence dollars. Help keep this important St. Martin's ministry going. Write a check out to St. Martin's today and put MLF in the memo line.
We need volunteers for many of our runs, especially the second Monday of the month. Runs are in the evening and your commitment would be once a month for a few hours. For more information, contact Pr. June Wilkins.
To read more about MLF, visit mlfnow.org
As you consider your contribution of time or money or both, remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi: Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Bringing food and clothing and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need.
St. Martin's has been working with MLF since 2004 along with the other downtown churches, preparing sandwiches in our own downtown kitchen at First United Methodist Church at 12th and Lavaca. Each run costs about $150 and we are doing 8 runs each month so we need everyone's benevolence dollars. Help keep this important St. Martin's ministry going. Write a check out to St. Martin's today and put MLF in the memo line.
We need volunteers for many of our runs, especially the second Monday of the month. Runs are in the evening and your commitment would be once a month for a few hours. For more information, contact Pr. June Wilkins.
To read more about MLF, visit mlfnow.org
As you consider your contribution of time or money or both, remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi: Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
May 2008: Cross Trails Camping Ministry
Cross Trails is the camping ministry for the Southwestern Synod of the ELCA of Texas and operates two camps for the churches of our Synod: Camp Chrysalis, located near Kerrville; and Ebert Ranch, located near Harper, Texas.
These camps provide a time and place apart from daily life in which youth, adults and families can discover more about themselves, the natural world, and our loving and caring God.
Three years ago, a major campaign was initiated to raise money for needed improvements and expansion of the two camps. The goal was $1.5 million and after three years they are within $70,000 of attaining the goal.
As they crossed 90% of the goal, the Board decided to begin the construction phase. Ebert Ranch has already opened its new cabin, and the three new cabins are nearing completion at Chrysalis. The Mop and Hammer group has worked extensively on both locations. Cross Trails will now be able to offer year-round facilities with comfortable air conditioned and heated cabins.
They are SO CLOSE to their goal! Please consider the Cross Trails Ministry as part of your Benevolence for May. Write out a check today to St. Martin's, listing Cross Trails in the memo line.
These camps provide a time and place apart from daily life in which youth, adults and families can discover more about themselves, the natural world, and our loving and caring God.
Three years ago, a major campaign was initiated to raise money for needed improvements and expansion of the two camps. The goal was $1.5 million and after three years they are within $70,000 of attaining the goal.
As they crossed 90% of the goal, the Board decided to begin the construction phase. Ebert Ranch has already opened its new cabin, and the three new cabins are nearing completion at Chrysalis. The Mop and Hammer group has worked extensively on both locations. Cross Trails will now be able to offer year-round facilities with comfortable air conditioned and heated cabins.
They are SO CLOSE to their goal! Please consider the Cross Trails Ministry as part of your Benevolence for May. Write out a check today to St. Martin's, listing Cross Trails in the memo line.
April 2008: The Lutheran Church in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica has one of the more stable economies in Central America, 20% of the population still lives in poverty with inadequate schools, health care and access to potable water. Centro Manu is a retreat center of the Costa Rican Lutheran Church where Lutheran youth from Costa Rica participate in leadership development workshops. The Austin Conference is challenged to increase the sleeping capacity of the center from 48 to 62 by adding bunk beds and bedding to existing cabins, adding an outside stairs to the central building and increasing water reserves and electrical support. Other conferences in the Southwestern Texas Synod are charged with raising money for their other programs. Together, the Austin Conference and its congregations want to raise $22,000. To give, write a check to St. Martin's with Costa Rica in the memo line.
March 2008: The Salvation Army
Motivated by the love of God, the mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination. It continues to seek ways to change people's lives by elevating the human spirit through the gift of love. Their goal is to lift people up--get them on their feet--help them grow in all dimensions of life.
That goal just became much more difficult as The Salvation Army now faces an urgent financial situation. In December 2007, The Salvation Army was notified that due to a shift in funding strategy by the United Way, it will not receive $265,000 in unrestricted funding this year. The impact on The Salvation Army and on the community is significant. If they can't replace the United Way funds with other sources by the end of March, major programs will be shut down. These include the men's shelter program, which provides 33,000 shelter nights a year, AND the 4:00 PM meal, which provides approximately 180,000 meals a year.
Because St. Martin's cannot provide the daily ministry that The Salvation Army provides, we depend on this partner heavily. The Salvation Army is committed to doing the most it can with its available resources, as described with these stats for Downtown activities:
Many people look to The Salvation Army to assist them--therefore we need to give them all the assistance we can. Prayerfully recognize the need of this great partner of ours and make a check out to St. Martin's with The Salvation Army in the memo line.
That goal just became much more difficult as The Salvation Army now faces an urgent financial situation. In December 2007, The Salvation Army was notified that due to a shift in funding strategy by the United Way, it will not receive $265,000 in unrestricted funding this year. The impact on The Salvation Army and on the community is significant. If they can't replace the United Way funds with other sources by the end of March, major programs will be shut down. These include the men's shelter program, which provides 33,000 shelter nights a year, AND the 4:00 PM meal, which provides approximately 180,000 meals a year.
Because St. Martin's cannot provide the daily ministry that The Salvation Army provides, we depend on this partner heavily. The Salvation Army is committed to doing the most it can with its available resources, as described with these stats for Downtown activities:
- Since April 8, 1988, has operated 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
- Serves homeless men, women and families with children.
- Provides shelter, meals, clothing, case mgmt, employment services, mental health/substance abuse counseling, education and child care.
- Has 274 beds--40% of Austin area shelter capacity.
- In 2007, provided shelter for 271 people per night; served 926 meals daily.
- In 2007, 511 adults exited to safe housing; 397 adults gained or improved employment.
Many people look to The Salvation Army to assist them--therefore we need to give them all the assistance we can. Prayerfully recognize the need of this great partner of ours and make a check out to St. Martin's with The Salvation Army in the memo line.
February 2008: Agua Viva
St. Martin's has been partnering with Agua Viva Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Mission in Laredo for the past four years. We have been helping with building projects, sharing funds and Christmas gifts. Many of our members have visited the church and the pastors there and have felt their welcome. With our help they have already done wonderful things with an after-school program to help with education and nutrition: they are serving over 120 families in their food pantry and they have a sanctuary building in El Cenizo.
Prs. Marianna and Moises Mendez were called to the mission in Laredo in 2003. When they began, they had one congregation--Agua Viva. Their vision was to have 8 congregations gathered in Laredo and the surrounding areas. They are already up to 6!
Prs. Moises and Marianna handle 6 churches by empowering the members of the congregation to do the work of the congregation. They train and encourage members to lead worship, manage programs and care for each other. One of the ways they are doing this is to provide training in pastoral care for one or more members of each congregation. The 10 selected people will take courses to help them be able to give ongoing care and crisis care.
The money that we give to Agua Viva this month will help provide scholarships for these classes and will also help them in their many other programs. To give, make a check out to St. Martin's and put "Agua Viva" in the memo line of your check.
Prs. Marianna and Moises Mendez were called to the mission in Laredo in 2003. When they began, they had one congregation--Agua Viva. Their vision was to have 8 congregations gathered in Laredo and the surrounding areas. They are already up to 6!
Prs. Moises and Marianna handle 6 churches by empowering the members of the congregation to do the work of the congregation. They train and encourage members to lead worship, manage programs and care for each other. One of the ways they are doing this is to provide training in pastoral care for one or more members of each congregation. The 10 selected people will take courses to help them be able to give ongoing care and crisis care.
The money that we give to Agua Viva this month will help provide scholarships for these classes and will also help them in their many other programs. To give, make a check out to St. Martin's and put "Agua Viva" in the memo line of your check.
January 2008: Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that welcomes volunteers of all faiths who are committed to Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing.
It also takes money to build houses and donations are essential. During the month of January, our benevolence gifts will be given to Habitat for Humanity. We need to collect $6,000 from St. Martin's alone to make this build possible.
Habitat uses volunteers to transform houses and whole neighborhoods that are unlivable and in disrepair into homes that are livable and yet still affordable. A group of volunteers gathers for a few days each of work and over the course of a few weeks, they can transform a house. Sometimes Habitat workers have worked to build a whole house from just a foundation! Lutherans in Austin have built 10 new Habitat houses.
Financial contributions are also needed.
Homeowners are selected by local affiliates based on need, ability to repay a no-profit, no-interest mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat by investing "sweat-equity" hours into the construction of their houses and others' houses. Their mortgage payments then contribute to a Fund for Humanity, which provides the money to build more houses.
If you've ever used a hammer before, you can work on a Habitat house. But even if you don't feel adept at construction, you might work in the offices or as a photographer, historian, or as a lunch and volunteer coordinator. In the spring of 2008, several Lutheran churches in Austin will get together to build a house in our community (dates are to be determined), and volunteers are needed.
In January, please consider giving to St. Martin's and designating the gift for Habitat for Humanity: write Habitat for Humanity in the memo line of your check.
It also takes money to build houses and donations are essential. During the month of January, our benevolence gifts will be given to Habitat for Humanity. We need to collect $6,000 from St. Martin's alone to make this build possible.
Habitat uses volunteers to transform houses and whole neighborhoods that are unlivable and in disrepair into homes that are livable and yet still affordable. A group of volunteers gathers for a few days each of work and over the course of a few weeks, they can transform a house. Sometimes Habitat workers have worked to build a whole house from just a foundation! Lutherans in Austin have built 10 new Habitat houses.
Financial contributions are also needed.
Homeowners are selected by local affiliates based on need, ability to repay a no-profit, no-interest mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat by investing "sweat-equity" hours into the construction of their houses and others' houses. Their mortgage payments then contribute to a Fund for Humanity, which provides the money to build more houses.
If you've ever used a hammer before, you can work on a Habitat house. But even if you don't feel adept at construction, you might work in the offices or as a photographer, historian, or as a lunch and volunteer coordinator. In the spring of 2008, several Lutheran churches in Austin will get together to build a house in our community (dates are to be determined), and volunteers are needed.
In January, please consider giving to St. Martin's and designating the gift for Habitat for Humanity: write Habitat for Humanity in the memo line of your check.
December 2007: Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is an area non-profit organization that provides food to human service agencies serving those in need in Central Texas.
Nearly one of every five adults and one in four children in Texas live in poverty and cannot meet basic nutritional needs. Enormous quantities of surplus food are available from the food industry, grocery chains and the government. CAFB, which opened in 1981, works to distribute more than 16 million pounds of food and grocery products each year to partner agencies such as soup kitchens, church food pantries, neighborhood centers, halfway houses, family crisis shelters, hospice programs and low-income daycare facilities. These agencies, in turn, help thousands of people receive food assistance each year.
St. Martin's benevolence focus for December is the Capital Area Food Bank. If you would like to make a designated gift to this organization, please write a check to St. Martin's and note Capital Area Food Bank in the memo line.
Our food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank begins on Sunday, December 2. For every two dollars, the Food Bank can provide 11 meals and for every 25 pounds of food, they can provide 20 meals. Put food donations in the marked barrels at the entrances and give money donations in the offering plate during worship. If you have any questions, contact Pastor June.
CAFB is looking for donations of these items:
Baby Food & Cereal
Canned Fruits
Canned Meats
Canned Stews
Canned Tuna
Canned Vegetables
Diapers
Pasta Sauces
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Personal Care Products
Rice
Beans
Single Serving Pop-Top Canned Foods
Nearly one of every five adults and one in four children in Texas live in poverty and cannot meet basic nutritional needs. Enormous quantities of surplus food are available from the food industry, grocery chains and the government. CAFB, which opened in 1981, works to distribute more than 16 million pounds of food and grocery products each year to partner agencies such as soup kitchens, church food pantries, neighborhood centers, halfway houses, family crisis shelters, hospice programs and low-income daycare facilities. These agencies, in turn, help thousands of people receive food assistance each year.
St. Martin's benevolence focus for December is the Capital Area Food Bank. If you would like to make a designated gift to this organization, please write a check to St. Martin's and note Capital Area Food Bank in the memo line.
Our food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank begins on Sunday, December 2. For every two dollars, the Food Bank can provide 11 meals and for every 25 pounds of food, they can provide 20 meals. Put food donations in the marked barrels at the entrances and give money donations in the offering plate during worship. If you have any questions, contact Pastor June.
CAFB is looking for donations of these items:
Baby Food & Cereal
Canned Fruits
Canned Meats
Canned Stews
Canned Tuna
Canned Vegetables
Diapers
Pasta Sauces
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Personal Care Products
Rice
Beans
Single Serving Pop-Top Canned Foods
