Outreach Ministry

It has been 6 months since the Prayer Shawl Ministry started at Martin Luther. We have a total of 8 knitters and crotchetiers and 1 anonymous donor. Thus far we've given 20 shawls to those in need of prayers and comfort. If any of you have a loved one, a coworker, a neighbor or anyone who is hurting or healing, please contact Pastor Kris. We also welcome anyone interested in joining our Ministry. ~Jeanne Johnson

Social Outreach Committee
The Social outreach committee works on and/or promotes projects that have a direct social impact. Such projects include but are not limited to: Burbank School (Thanksgiving baskets, readers, Christmas giving tree, and coats and boots), Mt. Meru Coffee (provides fair trade funds to the farmers directly and money to the Mt. Meru cooperative to help fund improvements such as schools and books), special projects (e.g. Pennies for Peace), Serenity House meals (more volunteers could be used), the RIC proposal and the play-date. We currently have 6 members: myself, Nancy Sack, Michelle Wegner, Barry Burns, Art Langlas and Wendy Buettner. We are trying to come up with ideas for additional outreach including the potential of renewing the partnership with Divine Word Lutheran Church and perhaps supplying project materials for the County Mental Health Children’s wing. If you have any suggestions, please drop a line in my mailbox in the Church office.~ VJ Meyer Chairperson

Volunteers Needed! Do you or someone you know need a volunteer to make a daily morning telephone call to help a frail or elderly citizen stay connected to the community while they remain living on their own? Interfaith Older Adult Programs’ Telephone Reassurance Program makes calls Monday-Friday to people over the age of 60 to ask how they are doing and remind them to take their medications if necessary. Please call Lynn Friedman at 414.220.8651 to make a referral or for more information.

Older Neighbors Need YOU!
Due to vacations, hospitalizations and busy schedules, Greater Tosa Interfaith is experiencing an extreme shortage of drivers. We are in desperate need of people willing to take older adults to their medical appointments. If you are available once or twice a month and enjoy helping people, this is a great opportunity for you to help your neighbors. Your congregation is a sponsor of this outreach ministry. The people we help are your neighbors, and they need some help to stay safe at home. Can’t you spare just a little time? For more information call Greater Tosa Interfaith at 414.453.5750.

MT MERU COFFEE PROJECT
Are you looking for a way to help support farmers in Africa and possibly save some forest areas there? Do you like to participate in social justice activities? Do you ever drink “specialty” coffee at home that you buy from a shop? Are you not a coffee drinker, but have it on hand for visitors? Are you a coffee drinker and buy packaged coffee frequently? Are you part of a Martin Luther group that serves coffee at church? Try buying Mt. Meru coffee sold here at church.

Price Paid to Coffee Farmers to Increase this Fall The Mt Meru Coffee Project made a decision over 8 years ago to pay the coffee farmers a significant premium over market and fair trade prices. The price we have been paying to the farmers has not changed since the program began. Because the cost of living and the cost of producing coffee have increased over the years, it is time to increase the price paid to our friends in Tanzania. The price we pay the farmers for this year’s production will be increased by 10% and will continue to be higher than prices established by the market and the Fair Trade standard.

Selling Price of Mt Meru Coffee to Increase this Fall Beginning this fall, we will be paying the farmers more for their coffee. At the same time, the costs of transportation and shipping, along with other operating costs, have increased. Therefore, beginning October 1, a 12oz package of Mt Meru Coffee will be priced at $9.00. This price will be the same for regular and decaffeinated coffee. The price for 4 lb packages will be increased to $40 at the same time. Your Mt Meru Coffee Ambassador will have all of the details.