To: [log in to unmask] Dear Christian friends, Leon Phillips (Director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran Diaster Response) and I want to pass on to you this update from Melanie Josephson. Melanie is our Lutheran Diaster Response coordinator for Minnesota. Her message comes in this Advent season as a gift of grace and of thanks to you and to all who are participating in the ministry of recovery in the upper Midwest. On behalf of the thousands of lives being touched by your response -- in the name of the Lord whose coming we are celebrating -- may you have a blessed Christmas filled with God's richest blessings. In Christ, Gil Furst *** Original (but possibly edited) note follows *** From: MELANIE JOSEPHSON Dec. 18, 1997 Glad Tidings in the Upper Midwest It all began with a vision prompted by so many of you caring individuals out there who wanted to know what we were going to do for the disaster-affected individuals and families of Minnesota, North and South Dakota. From our LDR field meeting in late September came the idea to host Christmas dinners in as many of the disaster areas as possible. It seemed like such a huge undertaking, but God who is faithful never calls us to do something that he will not give us the means to accomplish. It all started with a vision....but because of so many of you - thousands of you...it became a reality. On faith, publicity began. Chistmas coordinators emerged in each area. They talked with pastors and survivors and developed events that would reflect the needs and wishes of each community. Volunteers began to call into the 800 number excited about helping with the events. Gifts began to trickle in at first, but by the time of the events, there were massive amounts! Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans made tremendous appeals to their branches who came forward with volunteers and thousands of dollars to help cover the costs of the dinners. RSVP's began to come, exceeding all local expectations! All of the events had their own personality, their own menu. Some had elegant brunches, others had turkey and all the trimmings. Some had professional muscians as entertainment, others had local school choirs. Although each was unique, they all had a common message:"Like with Noah, God is at work to bring new life out of destruction, order out of chaos. God had not forgotten them in their losses, nor had their brothers and sisters in Christ." At all of these events we prayed that God's spirit would be there, embracing the families at this special time in their recovery. From the smiles, the tears and the thank yous we saw and received, we feel that the dinners accomplished what we had hoped...that people would feel remembered and cared for. You made that all possible. Your gifts of prayer, time, money or presents helped to make the love of Christ tangible. For all of this, we are deeply grateful, and honored to have been able to provide a channel through which this could happen. There is still a long road to go for recovery in the Upper Midwest, but you helped to make the road a little shorter and smoother for thousands of those on the journey. On behalf of Lutheran Disaster Response in Minnesota and North and South Dakota, thank you! (We will publish a report with all of the communities, the number served, volunteers etc. soon after the last events Dec. 20th.) Melanie Josephson, Lutheran Disaster Response of Minnesota Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota 2485 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108, Phone 1-800-987-0061 *** End of original note *** GILBERT B. FURST (written on Fri, Dec 19, 1997, at 3:48 pm) Associate Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response Internet address: [log in to unmask] For more information, click on our web site: www.elca.org/dcs/disaster