First Immanuel Lutheran Church
A welcoming community centered in Christ’s love, joyfully reaching out together
1816 NW Irving Street, Portland OR 97209
503-226-3659
Email: office@firstimmanuelluth.org
A welcoming community centered in Christ’s love, joyfully reaching out together
1816 NW Irving Street, Portland OR 97209
503-
EMERGENCY FOOD BOX PROGRAM IS REBORN
Donations always needed...
Keep those food donations coming! The food box program once run by Friendly House is now being run by Northwest Portland Ministries. It’s still located on the lower level of First Immanuel’s Sodergren Hall, operating Tuesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It serves primarily working poor families and low income elderly in our Northwest community—some 190 households, 256 people per month. Clients receive a food box every two months. If you or someone you know needs food, please call NW Portland Ministries to see if you qualify (503/413-5529).
Most food is purchased from the Oregon Food Bank at a subsidized cost of 11 cents a pound. Donations from individuals are also much needed. Here’s a list of desired items. THANKS!
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canned goods (chili, stew, meat, tuna fish, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter)¯and can openers;
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boxed goods (meal kits, cereals, oatmeal);
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canned soups, ramen cups, rice, pasta, dry beans;
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canned or powdered milk, nutritional supplements (like Ensure or Boost);
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nonperishable ethnic foods;
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personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, diapers, etc.);
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food you would appreciate receiving.
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VOLUNTEER AT THE LOAVES & FISHES LUNCH PROGRAM
Help Spread a Friendly Table
for our Neighbors
Every noontime, Monday through Friday
at First Immanuel
We consider ourselves extremely blessed to host a Loaves and Fishes meal site. Five days a week you will find our Fellowship Hall filled with 30-35 neighbors enjoying a hearty lunch. Those who come are seniors from the Northwest neighborhood, and for some this is their only meal of the day. Some diners pay a small donation while others are not charged. In addition to enjoying nutritious food, they appreciate the good company that goes along with the meal. As we know, the gift of community can literally be lifesaving for those who live alone.
This daily lunch program represents a partnership between First Immanuel, Loaves & Fishes (a tri-county organization), Northwest Portland Ministries, and Friendly House. Staff people supervise the effort and volunteers are drawn from the churches and synagogues of the Northwest neighborhood, as well as community residents. There’s always room for more assistance. How can you get involved? It’s your choice…
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PICK UP AND TRANSPORT FOOD: Use your own vehicle to pick up food from the Loaves & Fishes center near the downtown YWCA at 10:30 a.m., deliver it to First Immanuel, and return pans at 1 p.m. You’ll need a large trunk or cargo space.
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HELP SERVE FOOD: Lend a hand in the kitchen and serving lunch clients, 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. any day. Personalized, hospitable service is a hallmark of this meal site.
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DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS: Loaves & Fishes is always in need of drivers to deliver noontime Meals on Wheels to elders in Northwest Portland.
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TO LEARN MORE: Speak to our own Bonny Groshong (bonny@firstimmanuelluth.org, 503/226-3659) or sign up with Kelly Caldwell, Volunteer Program Manager for Northwest Portland Ministries ( fia@nwpm.org, 503/413-5530). Or chat with others from First Immanuel who regularly volunteer, including Waldo and Ellen Johnson, Kristine Jurgenson, Steve Venn, Joan Pendergast, Nancy MacDonald, Ryan Traetow, Howard Rasmussen, Misty and David Ibsen, and Chuck Bessette. Join the joyful serving!
Make a Difference for the Elderly―
Become a Certified Ombudsman!
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Do you care about the elderly in our community?
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Are you willing to speak out against injustice?
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Do you have excellent communication and problem-
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Are you interested in a fast-
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If your answer is “Yes!” then just a few hours of your week can bring hope back into the lives of seniors in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and adult foster care homes.
Volunteering as a Certified Ombudsman can make all the difference in their lives―and yours!
To learn more about this exciting, challenging and important volunteer opportunity, just call the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 800-522-2602.
STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
at Gallagher Plaza, 2140 NW Kearney
Saturday, June 7, 1-3 p.m.
First Immanuel does love a party! Each year on Rose Parade Day, we host a Strawberry Social at our neighborhood high-rise building, Gallagher Plaza. It’s a great way to get to know the residents and share a lovely summer afternoon. This year we can use volunteers, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and angel food cakes. Can you help? Contact Joan Pendergast (503/226-0612, jpenderx@mac.com) or Pastor Melinda at the church office (503/226-3659, pastormelinda@firstimmanuelluth.org).