Bethany Lutheran Church – West Branch, Iowa

Join the youth of EPIC for Socktober. This wonderful idea was inspired by Kid President (google him if you haven’t heard of him). During the month of October we will be collecting socks, which will be distributed to either Shelter House (Iowa City homeless shelter) or to the Domestic Violence Shelter in Iowa City. In addition to socks, we will also be collecting other much needed items for the Domestic Violence Shelter. October is Domestic Violence awareness month and thus we thought it would be a good opportunity to reach out and support the ministry they do. We spoke to leaders there who advised us the shelter is nearly full every night (approximately 50 women and children). We have learned many of these women and children leave their homes swiftly and abruptly and don’t have the opportunity to take anything with them. Here is a list of some of the most pressing needs we would like to collect and deliver to them at the end of the month:

• Fuel gift cards (any dollar amount)
• Pharmacy gift cards (Walgreens, CVS, etc.) to help with prescriptions
• Winter clothing: boots, snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves, coats (for women and children of all ages and sizes – can be slightly used and in good condition)
• Skin lotion, body wash, and deodorant
• Hair care products for African American women (These they always have a great demand for and can be found in most stores where hair care products are sold)

We are grateful for the support the good people of Bethany have shown us in the past for events such as the Malaria Campaign, chemo bags, and others events and we pray for your generous support again. To kick off our drive we will be hosting breakfast during fellowship on October 5. We hope all of you can attend. There will be 2 boxes on the table between the bathrooms outside the kitchen where you can donate supplies. Additionally, if you prefer to give a monetary donation that would be great and we will go out and purchase supplies. Please note on your checks “Socktober” so that we can designate your gift to the appropriate fund. Thank you! EPIC Youth Group

There will be a meeting for all youth and parents who have expressed an interest in attending the 2014 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, MI next summer. Again, the dates are July 15-19. Youth eligible to attend must be entering High School in the fall of 2015 (current 8th graders) or have just graduated High School in the 2014 (current seniors). Please attend following worship and fellowship on Sunday, October 5. Please see Jenni Olson or Pastor Chad with questions.