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Families Impacted By Schuylkill County Floods Are Not Forgotten

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Liberty Lutheran
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For the people of Schuylkill County, the dangerous weather in Northeastern Pennsylvania that occurred this past August was much more than a rainy end to summer.  The overwhelming amount of precipitation in this region led to dangerous floods that caused devastating damage to homes and businesses throughout the community, not to mention the families who lived and worked there.

Schuylkill County flood relief efforts

Rescue divers on Spring St. in Tremont

The floods endured by Schuylkill County created immense challenges for the people of their region that they alone, would not be able to overcome. Lutheran Congregational Services, and their partnerships with disaster response teams from various churches, continue to provide relief for families whose lives have been impacted by the floods that occurred in August of 2018.

This work would not be possible without the volunteers responding to disaster to do God’s work and provide relief for those who need it most. Maureen Duffy, currently a UCC pastor in Tower City, Pennsylvania is one of them. Maureen first became involved with Lutheran Congregational Services when she participated in a Lay Eucharistic Visitor training session. A program devoted to bringing the Eucharist to home-bound individuals who can’t attend worship due to poor health and other reasons, Maureen says the visitor training was very valuable.

“Having many shut-ins, this was a wonderful way for them see more people from the congregation and receive visits more often.”

Maureen’s participation in Lay Eucharistic Visits are just one demonstration of her commitment to serve the people of her community. Her support in the ongoing flood relief efforts for Schuylkill County are another.

A little help goes a long way…

Schuylkill County flood relief efforts

Flooded church basement in Tremont of Schuylkill County

When the flooding last August washed over the community, Maureen was reminded of similarly dangerous weather conditions she and her churches experienced back in 2011. “There was significant flooding,” Maureen recalls. “St. Peter’s had so much water in their basement. It was emotionally very difficult,” she says remembering the impact of the devastating weather on the people of her community. At the time, Karl Jones, a UCC pastor and disaster volunteer came to visit Maureen’s church.

A seemingly small act of kindness to come out and offer assistance, Maureen was extremely grateful for Karl’s help, “A visit seems like a small thing, but it truly makes a world of difference when you suffer a flood.”

Fast forward seven years to the August flooding of Schuylkill County, and Maureen’s memory of the difference Karl’s visit made to her church back in 2011, sparked motivation to carry on his generosity. Maureen along with UCC pastors, Claude Schach of Tremont and Jason Stump of Pine Grove, met with Karl Jones and decided to start a disaster relief fund to assist the people of Schuylkill County who greatly needed a helping hand.

Starting small, thinking big and letting families know, we care.

“At first we gave out clean-up buckets, then dehumidifiers,” Maureen says recalling their initial efforts that were soon to grow larger than any of them anticipated.

“The fund grew fast. I was the treasurer and we surprisingly had the problem of asking ourselves, ‘what do we do with this money?’”

A good problem to have when it comes to disaster response, Maureen and her fellow pastors quickly realized if they wanted to significantly help the people of Schuylkill County, they would need a trained caseworker as well as a construction manager.

Recruiting Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) volunteer, Dennis Steffy as construction manager, and Joe Sciandra as caseworker, the team became more equipped to determine the needs of families affected by the floods and to better allocate their funds.

“Joe and Dennis have made a big difference. Their help makes the families affected feel like people care, and their repairs allow the families to be safe, sanitary, and secure.” Maureen says, thankful for the help that Dennis and Joe have provided.

“We recently put four hot water heaters into various homes and one furnace,” Maureen says, recalling just one of many ways the team continues to assist families with recovery.

Disaster Response Volunteers for Schuylkill County flood relief

UCC Pastors volunteering their time in flood relief efforts

“More furnaces will be repaired in the next couple of weeks,” Maureen adds. “There’s plenty of opportunity to serve for those who’d like to help put homes back together. Funds are still very-much needed to finish the recovery efforts.” Maureen states, further substantiating the fact that although the flooding waters have long since come and gone, the recovery of Schuylkill County continues to be an ongoing process. As Maureen and UCC pastors from other churches encourage volunteers to get involved, the invitation for participation on the part of Lutheran churches is equally encouraged.

Relief efforts continue, insuring families they are not forgotten.

“Just because the floods aren’t in the news anymore, doesn’t mean everything is back to normal. Some people still aren’t back in their homes.” Maureen says with a balance of both fragility and urgency for the work that has yet to be done.

With the strength and goodwill of her congregation behind her, Maureen’s efforts to help the people of Schuylkill County continue, and her gratitude for the support from Lutheran Congregational Services is endless, “I am grateful to Liberty Lutheran and Lutheran Congregational Services. It means so much to know we are not forgotten.”

Posted in Lutheran Congregational Services, Lutheran Disaster Response | Tagged Disaster Response, Lutheran Congregational Services, Schuylkill County Flooding | Leave a reply

Liberty Wellness – Employees Helping Employees

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran
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Liberty Wellness Works is Liberty Lutheran’s health and wellness program that helps employees reach their fitness goals, as well as achieve better health through improved diets, nutrition, and stress management. Liberty staff members are encouraged to earn points that can be redeemed for financial bonuses at the end of each Eligible employees can gain up to $350 per year.

The system is based on a 1 point equals $1 system. Regular wellness visits with a physician that include bloodwork are worth 200 points, which converts to $200. Completing a monthly challenge will earn an employee 5 points. Being a non-smoker for over 12 months is worth 10 points. Having your annual dental exam is worth 15 points. Points are also awarded for such activities as reading a book on stress management, receiving an annual flu shot, joining a gym (or Liberty’s own Becoming Center), and more.

Each month, employees are encouraged to submit healthy recipes they enjoy making at home. Rebecca Ditore, wellness program coordinator, then assembles the recipes and shares them with the entire network of Liberty employees through her email blasts.

This summer alone, 60 recipes were sent to Rebecca by staff to encourage others to eat healthy this summer.

Here is just a sample of those recipes:

Tropical Papaya Smoothie
Submitted by: Annamma from Paul’s Run
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 c fat-free plain yogurt
½ c fresh pineapple chunks
½ c crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed

Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Submitted by: Heidy from Liberty at Home
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 container plain or flavored Greek yogurt
1 egg

Mix together, cook with coconut oil
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto skillet to make 1 pancake
Wait for edges to bubble and flip pancake

Cantaloupe Salsa
Submitted by: Luanne Fisher, Whitemarsh
4 cups cantaloupe, small chunks
1 cup tomatoes, small chunks
½ red onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, small chunks
4 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 tbsp. each lemon & lime juice
Clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil

Mix everything & refrigerate until chilled & flavors combine (about 1 – 2 hrs.)

Summer Fruit Salad
Submitted by: Sherry, The Village at Penn State
1 – 29oz can of peach slices (don’t drain)
1 – 20oz can of pineapple chunks (don’t drain)
3 1/8 box of instant vanilla pudding
1 lb. of strawberries sliced
1 banana sliced
½ pint blueberries
1- Bunch of grapes

In a large bowl combine peaches, pineapple, pudding and juice from cans. Mix well. Stir in remaining fruit and chill.

Carrot Dogs
Submitted by: Areatha, West Philadelphia Senior Center
5 carrots – cut each end of the carrot off, to fit a hot dog bun,
Shave the outer layer of skin off.
Put 2 cups of water in a pot with:
2 tbls. soy sauce
2 tbls. liquid smoke
2 tbls. steak sauce such as A1 sauce
2 tbls. maple syrup
2 tbls. ketchup
(Preferably organic, without high fructose corn syrup)

Stir the pot and add the carrots.
Let it boil for 10 minutes
Cover the pot and boil for 10 more minutes.
Place your carrot in a hot dog bun and dress it with coleslaw, white onions, mustard and ketchup.

Delicious Cauliflower
Submitted by: Diane, Whitemarsh
1 large head of cauliflower, cleaned and cored (keep it whole)
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown mustard
4 slices Swiss cheese; other sliced cheese may also be used
Pepper, to taste

Clean, core and steam one large head of cauliflower.
Drain cauliflower and place on a serving dish.
Mix mayonnaise and mustard together to blend them.
Spread the mixture over the hot cauliflower.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Lay the four cheese slices on top to cover the cauliflower.
Serve when the cheese has softened and melted.

Low Carb Taco Salad
Submitted by: Sheryl, Village at Penn State
8 oz. low fat sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. lean ground beef
Mild taco seasoning packet
Mild taco sauce
1 bag shredded or chopped lettuce
1 bag mild shredded cheddar cheese
Tomatoes
Whole grain Tostitos (optional)

Mix sour cream & cream cheese until creamy and layer on bottom of 9×13 pan.
Brown ground beef & mix taco seasoning according to package.
Layer on top of sour cream mixture.
Pour taco sauce over ground beef.
Layer lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
Dip Tostitos if desired.

Summer Veggie Pasta
Submitted by: Sophie, Artman
Pre-cooked ziti (zucchini diced, tomatoes diced)
Garlic chopped or minced depending on your preference
Basil leaves
Mozzarella balls or Parmesan cheese
Yellow squash
Mushrooms if you like it

This recipe is quick and easy to make. The amount of ingredients depends on how many people you’re cooking for and the timing also depends on how you like to eat your vegetables. I like to eat mine crunchy, so I don’t cook them as long.

Zucchini Casserole
Submitted by: Teri, The Hearth at Drexel
1 large zucchini, chopped into ¼-inch slices
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
Croutons
1 tomato, sliced,
4 – 5 slices American cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook zucchini 10 minutes or until tender and drain well.
Sauté onions, mushrooms and green pepper in butter.
Add zucchini to sautéed mixture; season with salt and pepper.
Put mixture into buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with croutons, then sliced tomatoes.
Arrange cheese slices on top.
Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
Vegetable mixture may be prepared ahead of time. If so, heat casserole longer to warm through.

Apple Turnovers
Submitted by: Samantha, West Philly Senior Community Center
Total Time: 30min
Servings: 8
Small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices
Tablespoons butter, melted
One can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
One teaspoon apple pie spice

Heat oven to 375°F.
Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper, or grease cookie sheet.
Set aside.
In small bowl, toss apple slices in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; set aside.
Separate dough into 8 triangles.
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple pie spice.
Divide mixture evenly among triangles.
Top each triangle with apple slice. Starting at short side of each triangle, wrap dough around apple.
Place on cookie sheet. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until crescents are deep golden brown and apples are softened.
Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Learn more about the benefits of working for Liberty Lutheran at LibertyLutheran.org/benefits

 

Posted in Artman, Liberty At Home, Liberty Hospice, Liberty Lutheran, Lutheran Congregational Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, Paul's Run Retirement Community, The Becoming Center, The Hearth at Drexel, The Manor at York Town, Village at Penn State, West Philadelphia Senior Community Center | Leave a reply

The New Tax Law, Giving, and You

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran
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Wondering how the new tax law will affect your charitable giving? Here’s a snapshot of some of the things that changed and stayed the same.

What changed that has many donors looking for additional ways to reduce their 2018 taxes?

  • Standard deduction was doubled ($12,000 single, $24,000 couples), meaning less people will itemize on their 2018 tax return. If you itemized on your 2017 tax return, look at line 40 on the 1040 form to see if you’re affected.
  • Deductions for state and local taxes are now limited to $10,000.

 

What stayed the same and can be used as an option for a charitable donation?

  • You pay no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities or real estate, whether you itemize or not.
  • You can still make a gift from an IRA through the Qualified Charitable Distribution (available to those who are 70.5 years of age or older).

 

Email Patty Cline for information on making a gift of securities or from an IRA. Find more information about changes in the new tax law here on Liberty Lutheran’s website.

Posted in Artman, Liberty Lutheran, Lutheran Congregational Services, Paul's Run Retirement Community | Tagged artman, capital gains, IRA, liberty lutheran, Lutheran Congregational Services, paul's run, taxes | Leave a reply

Liberty’s Helen Rayon Recalls Role in Historic Civil Rights Sit-In

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran
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Sumter newspaper clippingIn honor of Black History Month, Liberty Lutheran would like to share Helen Rayon’s story. Originally posted on February 4, 2014, Helen reflects on life during those turbulent times.


Black History Month holds a special place in the heart of Helen Rayon, Health and Wellness Coordinator at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. It conjures up memories of the civil rights movement many years ago, specifically a day at the age of 20, when she and a group of friends courageously carried out lunch counter sit-ins across Sumter, South Carolina.

Continue reading →

Posted in Liberty Lutheran, Lutheran Congregational Services, West Philadelphia Senior Community Center | Leave a reply

Tips to Prepare for the Second Half of Winter

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran
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The winter of 2017-18 has been a rollercoaster of extremes in Pennsylvania- drastic cold snaps, ice storms, flooding, snow and even more snow. With February 4th being the midpoint of winter, now is time to make sure you are prepared for the second half of the season.

“Searching for resources during a crisis can add extra stress and take valuable time,” said Julia Menzo, Liberty Lutheran’s director of community outreach. “Even if you didn’t take the time in late fall to prepare your home, car or family for winter, you can still be ready for whatever February and March bring.”

Stay warm this winter by dressing right with these tips from the National Weather Service.

Julia also serves as Coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA (LDR-EPA).  Tasked with overseeing disaster preparedness and response for Lutherans in 19 counties of eastern Pennsylvania, Julia has culled resources to help you through the second half of this truly unpredictable winter.

 

  • What you need to know about hypothermia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682

 

  • How to making a family emergency plan: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

 

  • How to winterize your car: https://www.dmv.org/how-to-uides/winterize-car.php

 

  • Winter driving tips: https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/

 

  • Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning at home: https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

 

  • Preventing winter fires: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/heating.html

 

  • Preventing & treating frozen pipes: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

 

  • Shoveling snow the right way: https://www.wikihow.com/Shovel-Snow

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight how to prepare your home for winter

For more information, contact Julia Menzo, Coordinator, Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA, at jmenzo@libertylutheran.org or call 215-430-1299.
Learn more about LDR-PA at Libertylutheran.org/disaster-recovery-philadelphia-pa

 

Posted in Liberty Lutheran, Lutheran Congregational Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, The Becoming Center, West Philadelphia Senior Community Center | Leave a reply

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Through Service at Paul’s Run

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Liberty Lutheran
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As the nation remembers the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., here’s a special note from Luanne Fisher, Liberty Lutheran President and CEO:

The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”. 

The Community Service Club at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community admirably honors Dr. King’s vital call to action. “Our mission is to support ministries that provide food for those facing food insecurity,” says Julie Stumpf, Director of Spiritual Care.

 

The Community Service Club, which includes residents and staff, prepares 300-400 sandwiches each month for the Social Ministry of New Creation Lutheran Church. “The sandwiches are picked up by congregational members and taken to homeless individuals who live under bridges and along railroad tracks in the vicinity of North Philadelphia,” says Julie.

The monthly meal preparation continues as the Club prepares an additional 400 sandwiches for St. Francis Inn, a ministry that serves meals to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Philadelphia. Additionally, a group of Community Service members prepare 100 full-course dinners monthly for Jane Adamms Place, an emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia for mothers and their children.

Julie says that it’s greatly rewarding for residents and staff to participate in efforts that help to strengthen and support vulnerable individuals and families. Moreover, both residents and staff members enjoy being part of a large community of caring people that encompasses not only Paul’s Run, but volunteers from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Creation Lutheran Church, St Francis Inn, and a wide variety of generous food donors that include the Core Group, Whole Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, and Weiss Markets.

The initiative at Paul’s Run to support people who cope with food insecurity has been steadily growing over the last few years. The preparation of about 100 meals each month has now grown to 600-900 meals monthly. It’s amazing to witness how this tremendous effort has taken root and awakens a strong sense of purpose and meaning for so many who are involved.

Thank you to Julie and the Community Service Club for the truly impactful and meaningful way you honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day of Service—on the actual day of this special observance, as well as many days throughout the year.

Click the following links to watch the Paul’s Run Community Service Club in action making hurricane school relief kits and casseroles for Jane Addams Place.

Posted in Liberty Hospice, Lutheran Congregational Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, Paul's Run Retirement Community, Senior Living, Volunteer | Tagged liberty lutheran, Martin Luther King Jr, MLK, Volunteer | Leave a reply

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