Blood Drive

Wednesday, May 9 from 3:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Why should I donate blood? Blood is essential for life: it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infections, and helps heal wounds. And everyone has this self-generating resource that can be generously given to others when and where it is needed most.

• Accidents happen 24/7 that put our friends, family, and neighbors in danger
• Blood transfusions save the lives of cardiac patients during surgery
• Premature infants come into the world often needing blood to survive

If not personally in need, at some point we will all know a friend, neighbor, family member, or co-worker who needs a blood transfusion. In fact, 1 out of 3 people will need blood in their lifetime. From natural disasters to unforeseen catastrophes, emergency hospital procedures to life-long battles with chronic diseases such as sickle cell, the demand for blood is constant. The supply is not. And since there is no substitute, only volunteer blood donors can roll up their sleeves and save lives. Memorial Blood Center will be here in the SOC parking lot on May 9th. Contact the church to reserve your donation appointment. Give blood, the ultimate renewable resource!

Community Day of Service 2012

Saturday, May 19 at 8:00am through Sunday, May 20 at 6:00pm

The 2012 Community Day of Service is on May 19-20. Join with area neighbors as we gather together to make a difference in our neighborhoods and around the world. We have projects lined up at Hopkins Schools, City Parks, STEP, ICA, Resource West, Senior Centers, Westwood Nature Center and so many more! Check it out at http://cds2012.eventbrite.com. Commit a few hours or a whole weekend (or a pint of blood!) Be a part of the action.

Celebration Sunday

Sunday, May 20, marks the end of the Sunday School year and our last Donuts and Devotions until Rally Sunday. Join us following worship for our celebration. There will be a barbecue/potluck, and fun and games for all. All are welcome to celebrate the day.

Donut Sunday

Sunday, June 10th

Join us for the next Donut Sunday on May 6. Our last Donut Sunday before fall will be held on June 10.

New Suburban Host Home Program

On any night, an estimated 2,500 Minnesota youth are homeless and on their own. They don't have a safe place to stay. Homeless youth are everywhere, including the suburbs. And the numbers are growing. According to Wilder Research, there are 46% more homeless youth (ages 16 to 21) in Minnesota today than just 3 years ago. A new community initiative - the Suburban Host Home Program - connects homeless teens with caring adults from their own communities who are willing to provide safe housing and support. We are recruiting adult volunteers to open their homes to host homeless youth. And we are seeking support for this important community initiative.

For more information, to make a donation,
or to download an application to be a volunteer host, contact us at:
www.suburbanhosthome.org
Email Address
612-522-1690 ext.113
Avenues for Homeless Youth
1708 Oak Park Avenue North
Minneapolis MN 55411

Windows on India

The Windows on India event was successful with a full house of participants to take part in the brunch of special food, music entertainment, Silent Auction and speaker from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. Beth Peterson's grandfather served in India years ago. In 2004, First Lutheran had several families visit from India. After the Tsunami, Beth and others created Books For India creating a library in a small community in India. Now Beth has a chance to return to the site through her relationship with Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM). They will also see a child that they are sponsoring.

Looking Ahead ...

Mark your Calendar! Daycamp will be held August 20 - 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Daycamp is open to children ages 5 through youth who have completed 6th grade. The cost is $55 for members and $70 for non-members.