 When we looked for a theme for our 2011-2012 fundraising events, we first considered a way to recognize our 10-year anniversary of the merger that created Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Well, the anniversary date of July 1st came and went and I indulged in some brief nostalgia through a staff e-mail, recounting a couple of key events that led to the merger between Lutheran Family Service of Oregon and SW Washington and Lutheran Social Services of Washington and Idaho.
The merger, however, was just one of many stepping stones that have secured a rich foundation for our ministry - a ministry that is always directed toward present needs and future opportunities to serve.
Concerned supporters continue to ask me how the economic downturn affects LCS. If we use the image of stepping stones, I would have to say that right now the stones are quite wobbly and slippery. So, we venture forth with care, one foot in front of the other – or from one funding reduction to another, from one new funding opportunity to another. Sometimes we pause, regroup, but always we move forward. The needs of the people and communities we serve are too great to consider any other option.
I think of the apostle Peter, who stepped out on the lake waters to meet Jesus. Every day we meet Jesus in the faces and lives of the people we serve. Fortunately, we have a community of staff and supporters who give us the courage to meet the future with all its challenges. We never take that for granted and give thanks for all who have contributed to our past successes and step forward with us into the future.
Roberta Nestaas, President/CEO
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