The Summit

 It has been two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Haiti and financial contributions total more than 1.6 million. With this money, 2 water purification systems, food, medical supplies, and shelter have been provided. Some of the funds have been distributed between three partners working in the relief efforts; Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, and Church World Services. Your generosity makes this life-saving work possible. Donations will continue to be collected through the ELCA with 100% of the gifts specified for Haiti, going to this relief effort.

Annual Meeting This Sunday

Youth Sunday Service at 10 AM Only

Luncheon Hosted by Youth Served between Service & Meeting

This Sunday, January 31, will be different from the usual schedule. Every year we invite the youth of the congregation to lead worship. Because it is also combined with the annual meeting of the congregation, we’ll have one service only, at 10:00. Following worship the congregation is invited to the fellowship hall for a luncheon, which is a fund-raiser for the youth work camp.

About 11:30 or a little after, the congregation of Alpine Lutheran Church is convened for its annual meeting. We will elect seven people to the church council (six three-year terms and one one-year term).

Also, we’ll hear the reports of our various ministries, pass an annual budget, and award the Volunteer of the Year for 2009.

Alpine is a congregation that is blessed with many wonderful volunteers, and each one is appreciated for their service offered so generously. We continue to offer our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. Thank you very much.

inside page

Bring your used ink cartridges and drop them off at the school office. They will then take them in for recycling and receive a credit towards new cartridges. It’s an easy way to be green and support our school.

From 7-8 p.m. on the second Mon. of every month, a leader will be on hand to participate in a “table talk” about faith and religion. Everyone is welcome. Pastor Bill Dahlberg, Salem, will facilitate Mon., Feb. 8^th.

Help to lower your heating costs. Keep drapes open in sunny weather and close them at night to keep the heat in.

Lent will be here before you know it!

Ash Wed. is Feb. 17^th, and for the following five Wed. we will have soup suppers and 7 p.m. worship.

This year we’ve invited the directors of various social ministry organizations we support to share their story with us: Carpenter’s Place; Love, INC; Lifescape; Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries; and Lutheran Social Services of IL.

One can hardly imagine the kind of devastation that leveled the capital of Haiti several days ago. Already the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, and devoid of infrastructure to handle large-scale tragedies, the death toll will continue to mount. Much of the world has rallied to bring food, water, medicine, shelter, and other forms of relief to Haiti, but that effort will be ongoing for years to come.

There are many reputable relief organizations that are working tirelessly to give aid. Each one of us must do what we can to help. Amongst the trustworthy relief groups that dedicate 100% of contributions received to help in the relief effort are Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief. In addition to ministries they already serve, these organizations of the church coordinate with other relief groups to see that maximum service is given to the most needy. Lutherans tend to be “quiet contributors,” making a great impact without bragging about their efforts or getting much publicity from the secular press.Here are some of the things you can do to help:

1. Those who are able-bodied and in a position go to Haiti at some point to partici- pate in the rebuilding effort are encouraged to do so with a reputable organization.

2. Give to Lutheran Disaster Response in your offering envelope. Simply include a check, designating “LDR – Haiti” on your envelope or check, and we will send it.

3. Go online to www.elca.org to make your contribution. Or, if you are a Thrivent member, go to their website to make your contribution for their 50% match.

4. And, of course, remember the people of Haiti in your daily prayers.

Inside page

Those who serve

photo from elca website

8:00 Service

Ushers – Arnie Johnson, Les Johnson, Curt Moen, Gil Okeson

Ambassadors – Roger & Bettie Everson, Karl & Deb Okeson

Elements – Steve & Pam Hemenway

Acolyte – AJ Ostic

Lector – Irene Northrup

Lay Assistants – Keenan Perry, David Nelsen

Altar Guild – Janet Gentry

10:30 Service

Ushers – Bob Fanello, Tom Funk, Jon Hill, Pete Todd

Ambassadors – Martha Carlson, Lucille Thoren, Nancy Ewert, Doris Williams

Elements – Tom & Debbie Detzner

Acolyte – Aiden Osborne

Lector – Collin Gillette

Lay Assistants – Chuck Valentine, DiAnne Beynon

Altar Guild – Cary Ralston

Praise Singers – John & Cary Ralston, Tina Howe

http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response/Ongoing-Responses/Haiti-Earthquake.aspx