Christmas in July gift drive: By the numbers

Here’s a tally of the gifts gathered through Immanuel’s Christmas in July gift drive to benefit the Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry Christmas store.

1

woman's coat

2

pillows

men's watches

gift certificates

3

book bags

5

gifts for teens

6

articles of women's clothing

7

men's shirts

blankets

8

towel sets

9

lap robes

10

men's wallets

baby blankets

12

toys

small appliances

knit items

20

items of boys and girls clothing

The social ministry committee appreciates your generosity.

Mark your calendar: Immanuel will gather gifts again in November. Items that are often in short supply at the Christmas store are large size women's clothing, teenage gifts and gifts for Moms.

Cash donations are welcome as well, and are used for third day shopping when the store managers shop for items in short supply.

News from the pews: Velicer plays JCCC

Catch Immanuel member Dan Velicer in two performances as part of the Ruel Joyce Recital Series at Johnson County Community College this fall. The recitals are free and open to the public.

Velicer will perform with the Fedele Trio (David Fedele, flute, Matthew Herren, cello, Velicer, piano) at noon Monday, Sept. 20, in the Recital Hall at the Carlsen Center at the college, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park.

He also will appear with Raymond Santos, clarinet, at noon Monday, Oct. 25, also in the Recital Hall.

The recital series, named for Ruel Joyce, a longtime jazz bassist who headed the local musicians’ federation from 1977 until his death in 1989, is cosponsored by the JCCC theatre and music department, Community Services and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts. Seating is available first-come, first-served.

Calendar check

Do you have these dates marked on your calendar? These upcoming events at Immanuel offer service and fellowship opportunities that you won’t want to miss.

• It’s clean-up time. Immanuel’s property committee will be painting and cleaning to prepare for the Sunday school year on Saturday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 11. Have someone who needs some service time for school or Scouts? This is a great way to log those hours in good company.
• Take me out to a ballgame. What could be better after a day of painting and cleaning than a trip to the ballpark? Immanuel’s congregational life committee is planning a trip to Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan., to catch a T-Bones game on Saturday, Aug. 14. Tailgating starts at 5 p.m. With the game at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11 per person; a few are left, call the church office at 816-931-8483 for details.
• Still more clean up and organizing. Phase III/OPUS, Immanuel’s group for active seniors, will meet at the church at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, to help organize Sunday school classrooms for the start of the school year. Lunch will follow at a local restaurant. Call the church office at 816-931-8483 to reserve a place.
• Getting to know you. A getting-to-know-you coffee hour is planned at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. Enjoy treats, conversation and a chance to share your dreams for Immanuel with others.

God's work, your hands: Volunteer

Whether you’re looking for a short-term commitment or a long-term ministry, Immanuel has lots of opportunities for you to do God’s work with your hands.

Here are a few:

• Help handle recycling. The property committee is looking for volunteers to haul recycleables to a recycling center.
• Hand out bulletins, take the offerings. C’mon, admit it. You always wanted to be part of the usher corps. Here’s your chance. Immanuel’s ushering teams have a few openings.
• Teach a Sunday school class. Immanuel’s kids could use your help. We need at least 14 teachers to staff seven Sunday school classrooms. Teach the full year, or commit for a semester. The benefit to you, besides getting to know and shape the faith of Immanuel’s youngest members? The Spark Sunday school curriculum is based on the lessons that are read in worship on Sunday. Prepare for Sunday school and get some insights on worship at the same time.
• Sing in the choir. Choir resumes in just a few weeks, and new singers are always welcome. Whether you’re in high school or graduated long ago, there’s room for you in the choir.

Call the church office at 816-931-8483 to learn more.