Provided by the Life Teams at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, Illinois—Marlene Rahe, Life Team Leader, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco, Texas—Barb Geistfeld, Life Team Leader.
Do you remember the days when you actually hand-wrote letters to your grandparents, your parents, your children, and your friends? Do you remember your excitement at finding a letter addressed to you in the mailbox? Perhaps it is time to revive that wonderful custom by sending hand-written notes to special people in your congregation.
The Life Team at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, Illinois, has a special project called 1-2-3 Cards. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! 1. Pick up a card. 2. Write a little note. 3. Drop it in the mail. That’s it! Easy peasy! Inspirational “thinking of you” cards are pre-addressed and stamped by one of the Life Team members and then placed in the narthex on the first Sunday of every month. Congregational members pick up the cards, write an encouraging, uplifting note in the card (the most important step), and mail it. The Team keeps a list of members’ names who may be ill, recently bereaved, homebound, living in assisted care, or have some other need. Cards are also sent to caregivers for their encouragement. The pastor or other church members may suggest names to be added to the mailing list as they come up. There is a line item in their church budget for Life Team expenses, so the cost of the cards and stamps is covered.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco, Texas, also has a card ministry. A Life Team member is the person responsible for sending birthday cards to the adult members of the church, but the cards are signed in the name of Trinity Lutheran Church. Church members regularly donate new birthday cards for this ministry.
Words of love and encouragement will always brighten anyone’s day—and it will brighten the heart of the sender as well. Let’s keep those cards and letters coming as we spread joy in the name of Jesus.