March 2022

A number of people have been asking how we, the members of Saint Andrew’s, can provide help for the people suffering the violence in Ukraine and fleeing for their safety.  The U.N. refugee agency reports that as of March 16, 2022 more than 3.1 million people have already fled war-torn Ukraine in what has become an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Europe and its fastest exodus since World War II. This number continues to climb every day. The need for help is very great and urgent.

First off, pray for the people of Ukraine and their safety.  Pray for all of those in Eastern and Central Europe who are affected by this crisis.  Pray for partner churches in the region and the work they are doing to show God’s love and mercy to people in great need.  And pray for a swift and merciful end to the violence.

Our Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee has directed $500 from the New Opportunity fund to Lutheran Disaster Response’s “Eastern Europe Crisis Response”.  If you are able, we encourage you to consider providing help to these people who have fled their homes and are in need of shelter and such basic necessities as food, water and toiletries.  There are a number of organizations working hard to provide help to these people.  We have decided to provide our support through Lutheran Disaster Response.  If you are interested in other organizations providing support, a Seattle Times article lists a number of non-profits doing this work (link: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/heres-how-wa-residents-can-help-the-people-of-ukraine/ ) 

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) assures that 100% of money given to their “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the neighboring countries.  LDR is accompanying their companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia as well as the Lutheran World Federation in their humanitarian responses to the crisis.  These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits.  For further information about some of the companions and their responses to the current situation see this document (link: https://files.ctctusercontent.com/eccc8a0a001/e9e975e1-7935-4e60-a57e-bff81c3e3350.pdf?rdr=true )

To provide financial support to these people, you can do that directly at the Lutheran Disaster Response website at this link: https://community.elca.org/eastern-europe-crisis-response.  Ensure the Designation is “Eastern Europe Crisis Response.  At the bottom of the page are directions for sending a check rather than using a credit card. 
Or you can make a check to Saint Andrew’s and put “Ukraine Support” on the memo line. 
A third option would be to go to the secure donation page on our website and select the donation to “Eastern Europe Crisis Fund”. 
Donations made directly to LDR rather than through the church will reach the people affected quicker.

Our mission is Growing Together in Christ to Love and Serve All People.  Loving and serving the people affected by this crisis is certainly part of that.  If you are able, we ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to provide help for the people suffering during this crisis.

Blessings,
Dick Szabo   
Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee – Chair    

Carolynn Ferris
Congregation President