A message from our Vicar

Greetings From Your Vicar

“Our God’s Work, Our Hands” project on September 14th was a huge success. We participated in Missions in Motion’s “A Day of H.O.P.E”: an event for our Hamilton brothers and sisters in need. The event was at Symmes Park in Hamilton. It was a totally free event. Zion Lutheran was a sponsor for the door knockers that were distributed the week before the event and we donated 72 wash buckets for the cleaning supply table. 

“Our God’s Work, Our Hands” team members were Robin Kaelin, Daphne Lee, Donna Wolfe, Heidi Wolfe and myself.  In addition, a Hispanic Ministry from Indiana stationed 4 Spanish speaking young adults to translate for us. Louis, who spoke very little English, but was able to follow my pantomimed instructions was a Godsend. Those backpacks were mighty heavy, but he slung boxes around like they were as light as a feather! Next year we must ensure that we have a man with us for heavy lifting! Tracy Dubois came to the park early and helped with setting up the 15 tents. Heartfelt thanx to Robin, Daphne, Donna, Heidi, Tracy and our 4 friends from Indiana. 

The Zion Team ran the most popular booth of the entire event, the Hygiene Backpack Booth. The Hygiene Backpacks are the most sought-after item. They are chock-full of wonderful “full sized” products. There are bags specially made according to gender and age. In order to receive this special gift, the guests had to visit the 6 major sponsors and have their entry card punched as well as visiting 2 other vendors who signed their cards. A guest who presented a completed entry card received a Hygiene Backpack. We started the day with 72 female backpacks, 72 male backpacks and 48 children’s. We ran out of the women’s and children’s backpacks by 2pm. At the end of the day, we had about 14 men’s backpacks left. 

Our guests had a catered hot meal in a lovely bistro area. They visited referral agencies and prayed with local ministers. Nurses did vital checks, and an optometrist provided eye exams and glasses.  Many guests got their hair cut. The clothing boutique was 4 tents large and had a wide assortment of clothing items. The bookmobile from the Lane Library was on site. There were games and toys for the kids, along with music and entertainment. Cotton candy, kettle corn, snow cones and other refreshments were available throughout the day. Water was constantly being distributed. It felt like a July day rather than mid-September. 

I do not have all the official statistics, but this is what I know right now: The event was attended by more than 150 adults and 75 children with 365 meals served. Many of our guests expressed their appreciation for everything they received.

We were living our mission of  “Reaching Out With God’s Love”!

Blessings;
Vicar Patti