Putting Faith to Work: 

         Opportunities for Mission and Service

• TODAY the Immanuel 7th – 10th Grade Church School Class will join young people in congregations around the country to celebrate the annual “Souper Bowl of Caring,” by collecting canned goods and monetary contributions to combat hunger. Your contributions will benefit Milwaukee’s Interchange Food Pantry. Since 1990, this annual event has raised nearly $80 million for individual charities throughout the United States.

• Cathedral Center Shelter for Women and Families - Immanuel’s next opportunity to volunteer at the Shelter for Women and Families is February 21-25. You will greet guests, provide a light evening meal, make lunches for the following day, and offer a friendly presence.  Sign up sheets are available in the Parlor.  Volunteers are particularly needed for Saturday, February 25.  If you have questions, please contact Martha Mainland (414-273-1889) or Ms. Dow in the church office (414-276-4757). 

• If you have considered joining an Immanuel group for a mission trip to Mwandi, Zambia this year, there is still time to sign up.  The trip will take place May 29 through June 11.  Commitments are needed by February 15.  Scholarship assistance is available.  For more information, please contact Ms. Dow in the church office (414-276-4757).

• Volunteers needed at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Do you have an interest in doing office work?  Would you enjoy working with families that are in an application process for a new home?  Do you like providing hospitality to groups of volunteers? Do you have construction skills or would you like to learn? Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers in all of these areas.  Whatever your gifts, consider being a part of something very special – working in community with a team of partner families, staff, and volunteers to provide safe and affordable housing for our neighbors.  More information is available at www.milwaukeehabitat.org (click on “Volunteer”).

• Mission Trip to Joplin, Missouri – March 4-11, 2012 Last May, a tornado devastated parts of Joplin, Missouri.  Immanuel Church is currently in the process of making plans with the Joplin Area Habitat affiliate for a mission trip to the area.  It is a small affiliate, which has been overwhelmed by offers of help – so, we are not able to make definite plans until late January or early February.  The plan is for a group to drive to Missouri the first weekend in March and return the following weekend.  There will be some resources available through the mission budget to assist with the cost for hotel, meals and gas. Additional information will be made available as soon as possible.  In the meantime, if you have an interest in this trip, please contact Jenny Vellinga at vellinga77@me.com.