This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Two months out


Boxes are ready for delivery in Hayward, Wis., where First Lutheran Church provides Christmas food, winter gear and presents to families in need. The project began in 1973.


than 800 people received baskets (boxes filled with food) last Christmas. She believes Hay- ward’s Operation Christmas could be a model for what other congregations and communities could do (deeplake1@centurytel.net). “The outreach of this congregation is nothing short of phenomenal,” she said. As the need grew each year, so did participa-


Operation Christmas


In Hayward, Wis., more than 800 will receive Lutheran cheer


I


n both summer and winter, tourists flock to Sawyer County in the beautiful northwest corner of Wisconsin. Hayward, population 2,300, is the county seat, which began as a


lumber mill. Visitors enjoy canoeing the Namekagon River, fishing area lakes, biking well-maintained trails, and in the winter cross-country skiing the American Birkebeiner trail. But residents have a different picture. Nearly 20 percent


of Hayward’s population lives below the poverty line—sec- ond highest in the state for those of all ages living in poverty. Tourism jobs are seasonal and the climate can be difficult. First Lutheran Church, Hayward, has for 41 years been


making a difference for neighbors at Christmastime. First’s women began Operation Christmas in 1973 to provide a small group of residents anonymous food baskets, which included coloring books, crayons and puzzles for children. The Salvation Army pitched in with vouchers for turkey or ham. “The congregation has always been led by the Spirit to


serve God within our broader community,” said member Connie Schield, who reports that 185 families and more


42 www.thelutheran.org


tion, Schield said. Members donate generous gifts of food and money. A restaurant provides pies and a famous candy shop puts a pound of fudge in each basket. Hats, mittens, gloves and


socks for all family members are added, as well as wrapped presents for nearly 400 children. In the last two years, First formed a partnership with two


other churches in town. Operation Christmas spent $4,500 (all of it donated) to purchase gifts and enough food (that would last a week) for each family. More than 90 volunteers assemble and deliver baskets. 


Good one! ‘Good for Your Sole Sunday’


In June, Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Flor- ence, S.C., celebrated its first “Good for Your Sole Sunday.” Worshipers were invited to wear shoes to


church that could be left at the altar as a donation. They left in bare feet, with prayers focusing on peo- ple without shoes. More than 70 pairs of new and slightly used shoes were donated to a store that benefits House of Hope, a women’s shelter.


Contact Mary Finklea, pastor of Cross &


Crown (pastorfinklea@bellsouth.net), for more information.


Send congregational stories—both those for a specifi c month/holiday or your best timeless idea—to julie.sevig@thelutheran.org.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52