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Thrivent Action Teams

Here’s a picture from the Lumen Christi Christmas Live Nativity event, Reedsville WI.

Over 50 volunteers helped make this first Live Nativity a great success. There were actors of every age group, musicians and singers, parking attendants, greeters, concession workers, cleanup helpers and others. 
Tickets were sold out for each of the two nights, 112 total. 

The show began with Saint Clare and Saint Francis telling the story of a young virgin saying yes to God, visiting her Cousin Elizabeth, and trusting in God’s plan. As everyone in attendance made the cold outdoor pilgrimage to Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary (and a live donkey) the inns were all full, leading us to the stable where the Christchild was born, then to the pasture where the dozens of sheep were, and finally back to the warm welcome center where the story concluded with shepherds and Wise Men coming to adore the Newborn King, more songs and prayer,  including Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Everyone warmed up with hot cocoa, cookies and treats and shared some fellowship to end the night. What a faith filled experience.

We are blessed to be able to help people in need

The Blessing Box At Redeemer Lutheran Church

Happy Birthday

One of the quilts that was made to be given for those in need.

Look at the smiles on these  First Immanuel, ladies faces they are helping keep people in need warm!

My favorite part - Is the willingness of my Guardian family, with eager hands, to  pitch in and help! Marilyn does all our shopping. But there were several of us who prepared and served. There were two young men Caleb and Luke as well as  Ronnie, who pitched in and did all the dished.

Our Wednesday night Advent dinners, are always popular. This was a very successful fundraising, which will support our Women's Retreat February  27-28.

We served over 200. The menu consisted of spaghetti and meatballs, buttered noodles, garlic bread and salad. We even catered to our gluten free guests. It goes without saying, there were plenty of desserts. We were so busy serving and replenishing the food, that no one had a chance to take any pictures. But, fun was had by all. 

Thank you to All!

With God all things are possible, 
Caroline Shoults

Case for Smiles in  joined Sewing with Heart for a great day!  They made whimsical pillowcases for children in the local hospitals.  The team also cut fabric , ironed, & packaged the pillocases for delivery

Supplies such as bedding , clothing, and towels sent to LWR warehouse for Ukraine .

This was our third time doing this project. We made  thick, warm yarn and made hand knit blanket, lap blankets hand warmers.

Assemble Quilts Or Blankets

The Social Ministry team members from Calvary Lutheran Church who participated in cooking the meal for St. Agnes Dayroom are pictured. A hot meal for 160 people was prepared and delivered to the Dayroom on Tuesday, December 30th. Much of the meal was financed by the Action Grant through Thrivent.

Our church, Trinity Lutheran in Oregon City, had a "Giving Tree" for children and families that Parrott Creek Child and Family Services serves in Clackamas, Oregon. We decorated a tree with Tags that gave our congregation ideas for gifts for the children as well youth and parents.  Our Quilters also supplied 35 
beautiful Quilts.  It's become an annual event that allows us to show Love to others at such a Special Time of the year.

Our church, Trinity Lutheran in Oregon City, had a "Giving Tree" for children and families that Parrott Creek Child and Family Services serves in Clackamas, Oregon. We decorated a tree with Tags that gave our congregation ideas for gifts for the children as well youth and parents.  It's become an annual event that allows us to show Love to others at such a Special Time of the year.

We engaged 546 volunteers and packed 119,546 servings of fortified cheesy rice dinner for our neighbors who are in need.

2025 Christmas Ministrant Community Outreach

Completing the scenery and displays.  Then I watched the people enjoying the Bethlehem market.

The Streets Of Bethlehem Booth Building

Thrivent Action Team provided funds to purchase food and hygiene products to combine with the food drive sponsored by the Granite Threshermens Association.

Picture of us delivering supplies to Walter Lawson.

It was fun to see the excited faces of the many students who will be benefitting from the materials I was able to purchase!

Math Practice At Home

A group of 7 ladies at Our Savior’s have assembled about 150 quilts over the past

It is great being a part of something you both work hard on and believe in.  It is always a good day helping people in need.

Ham Dinner Giveaway

We were able to fill 39 boxes for Samaritan's Purse. Three of my team pre-bought the items to fill the boxes and 4 of us spread them out on tables sorted by girl and boy and each of the 3 age groups. Then anyone who wanted to come in chose an age group and sex and filled their box with appropriate items of their choice. This kept the price low and made it easy for our older church members to fill boxes and they only needed to pay for the postage. This was done every Sunday until the pickup date of October 17.

Making a difference for families of NICU patients.

2nd Annual Parents Survival Tote For Nicu Families

The students purchased underwear and then sorted it in bags for the Cards Closet a free clothing pantry in Sun Prairie WI

We were able to bless over 20 single mothers and their families with more than 76 Christmas gifts, diapers, wipes, and household items.

Adopt A Family Christmas Gift Giveaway

We helped pregnant women and their babies have hope for their future

I loved the opportunity to celebrate the Birth of our Savior after Christmas! Having a simple meal and gift bags helped members connect.

Post Christmas Party

What a GREAT TURNOUT!  More than 30 volunteers (on and off) showed up this morning for our "Re-Stock the Shelves" event.  Additionally we collected almost a 500 lbs of non-perishables over the holidays, as an extra show of support.  Photos show where we started and almost where we finished.   We sorted, crated, transfered, unloaded and FILLED the shelves, refrigerators and freezers AND had a G R E A T time doing it!   
    All those flyers we printed, posted, distributed at holiday events and handed out at local churches really "paid off."   I was expecting maybe 10 people to show and was overwhelmed by the actual turnout, both in person and the donations.  

     The only problem was ... I only had the 10 Thrivent shirts.  SOOooo  ... we held a drawing for the shirts & an additional 8 ($15) gift cards as THANKS for all their efforts!   

      ALL in all ... it was an event Well Worth the Effort!  THANKS for helping us make it SUCH a success!!   Considering making it an annual event!! 

       SHOOT!!  I have another half dozen photos to share ... but can't figure out how to do it!!

Our action team put together "Blessing Bags" for unhoused people in our community.  These one gallon Ziploc bags contained a variety of foods, toiletries, emergency supplies, first aid items, and a clothing item like a hat or pair of socks. We also included a personalized hand-written note of encouragement in each bag. 
It was a blessing to see how many people wanted to be a part of this effort, and they were thrilled to be able to contribute in a tangible way. We made 210 bags and distributed them to two local shelters and three police departments. The local paper grabbed the story and ran a two page article on it which generated more awareness and support from the community.

This event was a huge success for our community, there were over 350 attendees, all ages!  The balloons dropped at noon to celebrate 2026!

Noon Year's Eve

Providing much needed items for the underserved in our community

Providing Breakfast For Broadway Christian Folks

Advent Lutheran Church decided to shop for students in need that were recommended by the Orange Park High School guidance counselor. My team’s student was a homeless young man. Unfortunately, we found out that the student needed to have his requested items delivered the next day after we got his list. Therefore, our team quickly gathered the next day to buy the items and returned to Church to wrap the gifts. Through Thrivent’s generosity, we were able to help make this homeless student’s Christmas filled with joy.

Crockpot liners and take out containers were provided for the ‘Gathering’ meal at United Methodist Church tonight. About 200 people receive meals each Monday night so the products bought with thrivent card will be used for these meals.

The Reed City Heritage Museum calendar is here!  Working with our city's ten churches, the board, and others, we have created a history-filled calendar with pictures and stories of our church history for over 150 years!
With the help of Thrivent, and our printer, we are able to keep the cost down to only ten dollars each. 
This booklet also includes information and pictures on Reverand Bennard and his wife Hannah, of the Old Rugged Cross fame.
These won't last long. This is a fundraiser for the museum to help pay for history activities for the year. Thank you for your support.

Inspiring others means so much to me and to the American Legion post we provided dinner on Christmas Day for those who had nowhere to go and needed a hot meal. Our members and new members and ones that just walked in we always make everyone feel like they’re at home. I can’t think thrive enough for their help with our project to give.

Giving back to the Community and adopting four 
 Being able to make a meaniful impact was truly rewarding.

Toys For Tots Campaign

We had extra funds left over, so we were able to buy a bunch of gifts for the animals at the humane shelter in Fort Wayne.

Blessing A Family

We had extra funds, so we were able to take additional dollars and buy lots of gifts for animals at the humane shelter

I'm a volunteer teacher at CAC and find that ESOL students benefit greatly from the Toobaloos.

Toobaloos For Esol Learning

We went shopping for our elementary school coat closet. They were in need of snow pants, shoes and boots and we delivered thanks to Thrivent!!

We brought joy to the children in our community and to our church and school families.  We were able to spread the birth of Jesus message at our event.

We baked Scandinavian Cookies and Lefsa and sold them at church.  All the proceeds went to support Youth Ministry at our church.

The best thing about our annual church picnic is sharing delicious food following our outdoor service.

Annual Fall Picnic

Midwest Miracle Foundation

Old Town Free Christmas 2025 give away. 300+ individuals of all ages standing in line to receive assistance with underwear for teen and adult men and women on a 23 degree day.

Ladies Bible Class packaging underwear for the Old Town Christian Free give away in December 2025.

Men’s Bible class member packaging underwear for the December 2025 free Old Town Christmas Giveaway.

Some of the men’s Bible class holding bags filled with underwear that has been relieved of its plastic and tape and cardboard and packaging. 
Two items of each kind are place in a plastic zip lock bag with information about the item.

Second shift volunteers assisting 300+ individuals with underwear items on a 23 degree day. Many of them waiting outside to enter the give away area.

Unloaded boxes waiting for tables to sit on for Old Town Free Christmas give away

Looking forward to another MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19th! This collage is from 2025. We expect 2026 to be even bigger!

Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day

100 plus boxes identified as to what is inside boxes. (Colored t-shirts, underpants, sports bras, socks for make and female teens and adults).   Also showing many stickers of our supporter, Thrivent!!! On the boxes

Furry Tales Rescue Spay And Neuter Drive

Volunteers standing by nicely marked boxes for Old Town Christmas Giveaway. Dec 2025

Preparing to box items we collected for Old Town Giveaway at Christmas. December 2025

Thank you very much for your support. We were able to be a blessing to people in need who live on the streets by providing Christmas meals, including rice, oven-roasted pork, fried ripe plantains, chicken, cookies, water, and soft drinks. Through us, they were able to see God’s grace. May God continue to bless you.

Community Bean Supper

To add to a memorial gift given to the Congregation that was to provide Christian books for children, I used my Thrivent dollars to the purchase of the books in the picture.

Thanks to Thrivent, the WAYA girls softball team will be getting some upgraded equipment for the 2026 season! Grateful for a company that values supporting children and youth in the community.

Knowing that I helped to put the only Christian float in the Pasadena, California New Years Day Rose Parade.

Lutheran Hour Ministries Petal Pushers Behind The 

We had a New Year's brunch for around 50 people to bring the community together.  We had food and drink and it was a rousing success.

As they jubilantly rang sleighbells for three carols, including "Come on, Ring Those Bells," these young men brought big smiles on faces of worshipers at "Lessons and Carols," Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 28 December 2025.

Meier Family Paws Supply Drive

Was able to make 175 sandwiches with the Action  Card and 25 volunteers. These sandwiches will be delivered tomorrow to the hungry in Mpls.

God’s Work, Our Hands

The City of Hardeeville and the Hardeeville Police Department proudly hosted the Hardeeville Pastoral Breakfast, welcoming local pastors, faith leaders, and community partners for a meaningful morning of fellowship, connection, and open dialogue. The event served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Hardeeville Police Department, and the faith-based organizations that play such a vital role in supporting the community.

 

Throughout the breakfast, representatives from the Hardeeville Police Department spoke with pastors about the wide range of services, programs, and resources the department provides. This included an overview of daily operations, community-oriented initiatives, and outreach efforts designed to build trust, enhance public safety, and support residents beyond traditional law enforcement responsibilities. The conversation allowed faith leaders to gain a deeper understanding of how the department serves the community and how collaboration can further strengthen these efforts.

 

The gathering also encouraged thoughtful discussion and relationship-building, highlighting the importance of faith leaders as trusted voices and pillars within the community. Pastors shared perspectives, offered support, and engaged in meaningful dialogue focused on unity, compassion, and shared responsibility in serving the City of Hardeeville.

 

Events like the Hardeeville Pastoral Breakfast reinforce the value of partnership and communication, fostering a strong network of support for both residents and first responders. The City of Hardeeville and the Hardeeville Police Department extend their sincere appreciation to all who attended and look forward to continuing this important collaboration with the faith community as they work together to serve Hardeeville with purpose and care.

The 2025 Jasper County Shop with a Cop event, hosted at the Hardeeville Walmart, was a heartwarming success that brought joy, generosity, and holiday spirit to children throughout the community. More than 60 children were given the opportunity to experience a special day of Christmas shopping, each receiving $300 to spend on gifts, clothing, and essentials for themselves and their families.

 

Shop with a Cop is a powerful program designed to create meaningful connections between law enforcement and the youth they serve. The children selected to participate were carefully identified by local school counselors, who understand the individual needs of each child and work closely with families throughout the school year. This thoughtful selection process ensures the program reaches children who would benefit most from this experience.

 

Throughout the event, children were paired with law enforcement officers and volunteers who guided them through the store, helped them choose gifts, and shared in the excitement of the season. Laughter, smiles, and genuine moments of joy filled the aisles as officers and children shopped side by side, creating memories that will last long after the holidays.

 

Events like Shop with a Cop remind us that a child is only able to be a child for a short time, and it is our responsibility as a community to protect that joy and wonder whenever possible. By providing this experience, the program ensures children can enjoy the magic of the holiday season, feel supported, and know they are cared for.

 

The Jasper County Shop with a Cop event would not be possible without the dedication of our law enforcement partners, school counselors, volunteers, and the generous support of the community. Together, we are making a lasting difference—one child, one smile, and one holiday memory at a time.

Favorite part: Buying supplies to help keep rescued animals fed and comfortable until forever homes can be found.

Turtle Mt Animal Rescue Orgaization

Delivery of personal and home hygiene supplies to our local food pantry.

The whole day was so rewarding to say the least!  Kobee had a vision and his dream came true in this amazing Midwest Miracle Classic!

Our small group has been making LWR quilts for about 6 years. Meeting twice a month for 3 hours we made 48 quilts last year.

The PCMHM donated 3=Outdoor Rocking chairs to the Veterans at Marian Cliff Home.  We also donated some popcorn for the popper we donated last year.

Day one of the pillow cases making project

Some of our volunteers with handmade quilts.

We prepared freezer meals for a local family that has fallen on hard times this year. Many hands made for light work!

We were able to purchase Christmas food and Gifts for nine children. We are blessed to be in a position to help families in need in our community. Thank you, Thrivent, for the action cards and our own WELCA funds to be assistance to families.

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