Bethany Lutheran Church – West Branch, Iowa

Here is a photo of all the supplies we purchased for the schools to go to children and youth who may not be able to afford everything on the list – we also had enough money left to purchase 2 more of the $100 calculators required in the 8th grade. Thanks everyone and thanks Linda and Jill for organizing!

Recently, Pope Francis urged Roman Catholic parishes in Europe to host refugees and even said the Vatican will take in 2 families. This is part of the church’s call and we as Lutherans hold to that same belief. The Bible is clear about the fact we are called to walk alongside those in need. This is our response to God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Do you wonder how we can do that? One way is prayer. We can never go wrong with open and honest prayer to God. A second way is supporting various agencies working on the ground bringing aid and relief. One of those is our very own Lutheran Disaster Response. See the link below to learn more about it and how you can give.

Lutheran Disaster Response

Thanks to these ladies for serving lunch today to the youth of West Branch for the Summer Lunch Program.  Once again, one more way of how we are doing God’s work with our hands.  Way to go gang and all who help out over the course of the summer and this week to provide this valuable ministry!  Thanks West Branch United Methodist Church for opening up your doors and providing space.

Thank you to all who contributed to the collection for backpacks. You donated a total of $825 and one backpack was assembled for each grade level K-8. We do have some leftover funds and will either wait until we hear of additional backpack needs before school starts or give it to the school for mid-year supply needs. Thank you! Jill Taylor and Linda Black

Great work people of God. We do God’s work together. This is a truly awesome response to God’s grace! Proud to be a member of Bethany!