A Gift from the Heart

First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, MN

First Congregational United Church of Christ is holding a unique fundraiser throughout November.  The congregation is is using the Heifer project as a basis for a fundraiser benefiting the YWCA, UCC Global Missions, Churches United for Homelessness, and Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as well as the Heifer Project. 

The fundraiser headed by Lorilee Bergin, mimics the Heifer Project's catalog so that members can visualize the gift they are passing on to those persons in need. For example, members who choose to make a donation to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity have varied options of giving. A $10 donation buys a box of nails and a $30 donation buys shingles for a home.  Members are given a certificate with their gift to symbolize the goods which will be purchased by the charitable organizations they have helped to support. 

Thank you to all the member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ for keeping stewardship at the forefront of your ministries, and thank you to Lorilee Bergin for organizing this event!

All Saints Sunday

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity celebrated All Saints Sunday with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Barnesville on November 7, 2010.  Bishop Lawrence Wohlrabe of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America was also in attendance and gave a stirring sermon to the people. 

During coffee time and fellowship Catherine Kratochvil hosted an informational session on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to prepare the congregation for the 2011 Build Season during which the organization will build its first home in the Barnesville community. 

Thank you to all who attended and to Pastor Ingrid Skillbred for inviting us to celebrate with them on All Saints Sunday.  We look forward to the coming year with excitement as we anticipate the build next summer.

Olivet Lutheran's Mission Outreach

On October 31, 2010 Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo held their mission focus Sunday celebrating the church's work throughout the community and informing its congregation of opportunities for involvement.  The church hosted several non-profit and charitable organizations such as the Dakota Boys Ranch, Hospice, Great Plains Food Bank, and Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  They also featured prominent ministries within their own church such as the new ministry Soup for the Soul and their preschool ministry. 

During the Olivet's education hour between the traditional service at 8:00am and the Celebrate! worship service at 11:00am, guests from the varied ministries spoke about their organization, outreach, and opportunities for involvement in the church's fellowship hall to a large group. 

Special thanks to Olivet Lutheran Church for inviting us to celebrate our partnership in ministry together!