When Shorewood Foursquare Church learned about the center’s food shortage, they decided to take action by hosting a Food Drive to benefit the food shelf.

“When we became aware of this food shortage crisis, we just had to get involved. We want to help get the word out to everyone in the community, to build awareness, and are asking everyone to bring food donations,” said Sue Cross, administrator for the church.

The Shorewood Food Drive is currently running, ending Dec. 21. A food bin is available 24/7 outside the entrance to the church building. Shorewood Foursquare Church is also accepting monetary donations. Checks can be made out to “White Center Food Bank.”

The food bank is requesting the following items: chicken or turkey broth, gravy mixes, stuffing mixes, fruit cocktail, whole olives, Jell-O or pudding mixes, canned pumpkin, canned cranberry sauce, condensed or evaporated milk, canned vegetables, canned yams or sweet potatoes, and $5 gift certificates to QFC, Albertsons or Safeway.

For more information on the food drive, call (206) 932-0186.


World Vision survey says poor economy may be good for charities
FEDERAL WAY — A World Vision survey conducted by Harris Interactive suggests that the weakening U.S. economy will force many adults to cut back on holiday gift spending their year. The survey also found that the economic decline will also make some more likely to give a “charitable gift” as a present in 2008.

As a result of the current economic climate, seven in 10 adults said they will spend less money on holiday presents this year, and about 49 percent said they were more likely to give a charitable gift. In addition, 84 percent of those surveyed said they would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else, rather than a traditional holiday gift such as clothing or electronics.

World Vision’s Devin Hermanson, senior director of the organization’s Gift Catalog, said these kinds of charitable gifts offer economical ways to make a big difference.

“A gift given from the Gift Catalog significantly improves the life of a child or family in need by providing tools and opportunities to overcome extreme poverty while at the same time honoring your friends and loved ones,” Hermanson said. “While families in the United States face decisions about where to cut back, families in other countries may be facing much harder decisions, like how to provide food for their children.”

For each World Vision gift, the giver can make the purchase in the name of a friend, family member or business associate. World Vision then sends special cards to those individuals describing the gifts and their impact. Last year alone, the World Vision Gift Catalog raised $21 million and provided assistance to more than 500,000 people around the world.

For more information, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org.


SPIRIT 105.3 FM’s Sarah Taylor named 2008 R&R Music Director of the Year
SEATTLE — Sarah Taylor of SPIRIT 105.3 FM was recently named the Radio and Records 2008 Christian Music Director of the Year.

“Having the most prestigious trade paper in broadcasting recognize the talent of our staff is incredible! Sarah Taylor deserves to be lavished with appreciation. The music she schedules directly contributes to our strong ratings,” said Scott Valentine, program director.

The award is Taylor’s second R&R recognition in a row. Taylor began working at the station in 2002, working her way up from an intern to on-air talent and music director. Earlier this year, she was also the recipient of the Music Director of the Year – Major Market award at the 2008 Radio Echo Awards for the Gospel Music Association in Nashville.

SPIRIT 105.3 FM recently ranked No. 1 with women 25-54, No. 1 with women 25-49 and top 5 with adults 25-54 in an Arbitron survey of Seattle radio listeners.

Now through the New Year, the station is playing all Christmas music.

“In the midst of a time of fear, it is our job to shine a light for others to see. Playing all Christmas music is our way of inviting people to find encouragement and hope,” Valentine said. “As a promise to our listeners, SPIRIT 105.3 FM will not over-commercialize Christmas and will play Christmas music from Friday, Nov. 28 through the New Year.”

Christmas music on the station will range from Christmas favorites like Perry Como and Faith Hill, to contemporary Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Third Day and Amy Grant. To learn more about the station or listen online, visit www.spirit1053.com.


Pacific Lutheran University to offer parish nursing informational meeting
TACOMA — Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries will host an informational meeting on parish nursing in the University Center Regency Room at Pacific Lutheran University on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. The meeting will provide information to pastors, church leaders and lay people interested in adding parish nurse ministry to their congregation.

The free meeting, entitled “What on earth is a Parish Nurse?: Can a Parish Nursing/Health Ministry Benefit Your Congregation?,” will be facilitated by Adjunct Educator Nancy Haughee.

“Parish Nursing is more than just relaying information to parishioners on how to keep their physical body’s healthy and working well,” said Haughee, who serves as parish nurse at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Puyallup. “It is a calling and it allows me to have all the time needed to listen and pray with my parishioners with health issues and to nurture their spiritual natures. It is about relationships and it is a way to use the talents and gifts God has given me, to his glory.”

A parish nurse is a specially trained, registered nurse who serves within a specific congregation to further the health and well-being of church members and staff. Possible activities a parish nurse might participate in include: home and hospital visits, arranging CPR classes, performing blood pressure tests, writing articles for church publications, posting information on health related programs in the community, creating bulletin boards on health topics, facilitating a grief group, and participating in healing prayer.

"Parish Nursing is a great opportunity to make a difference by empowering people to care for their mind, body and spirit. One can do this ministry in the time frame that best fits their personal schedule,” said Barbara Olson, one of four Parish Nurses at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. “I have shared this experience with a few other nurses in my church. It seems we have been able to pray often, visit people, provide education programs and find various resources for getting the best possible care for members of our church and even into the community. My cup of compassion is full and running over. The role of Parish Nurse is a gift from God."

For more information contact Adjunct Educator Nancy Haughee at (253) 848-4853 or Congregational Ministries Coordinator Jean Vanberg at (253) 426-6887.


Washington State March for Life adds new components
OLYMPIA — The 2009 Washington State March for Life will take place on the Capitol steps in Olympia on Jan. 20 at noon.

“Whether this is your first visit to our site or your first year joining us on the Capitol steps in Olympia, or the 31^st time you’ll be standing with us, your presence and your passion mean more than words can say,” Noreen McEntee Hobson, president of the Washington State March for Life, wrote in a statement on the group’s Web site.

In addition to the annual Capitol event, the group has planned the Week for Life featuring community events to inform legislators and citizens on pro-life issues.

On Jan. 21, participants will go into local communities and “find ways to support organizations that educate and offer options to those most affected by abortion and end of life decisions.”

Jan. 22 will be a day of prayer on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

“We have to remember the millions of women, men and babies whose lives have been touched by the ‘Culture of Death,’” McEntee Hobson wrote.

On Jan. 23, participants are encouraged to engage in conversations about pro-life issues with neighbors and others within their sphere of influence.

For updates and to read more about the 2009 Washington State March for Life, visit www.washingtonmarchforlife.org.


Seattle University and Opus Prize Foundation award $1 million Opus Prize
SEATTLE — Seattle University and the Opus Prize Foundation awarded the $1 million Opus Prize to Marguerite “Maggy” Barankitse on Nov. 18. Barankitse, founder of Maison Shalom, works to provide safe haven to 30,000 child victims of ethnic strife in Burundi, Africa.

Michael Woodard, founder of Jubilee House Community and Center for the Development of Central America, and Krishnammal Jagannathan, founder of Land for Tillers’ Freedom, were also honored with $100,000 prizes.

“Seattle University is clear about its mission: empowering leaders for a just and humane world,” said University President Stephen Sundborg. “Bringing these unsung heroes to our campus is a great opportunity to honor their work and provide our students an incredible educational experience by meeting inspiring individuals. Something is coming about from our students being global citizens and reaching out across the world to reach other people. My vision is that our students learn their own humanity through knowing more of humanity.”

“We are thrilled to be recognizing and supporting three amazing entrepreneurs for their transforming, faith-driven work throughout the world,” said Amy Sunderland, executive director of the Opus Prize Foundation. “These individuals show us that change is possible. They are an inspiration to us all.”

To learn more about the Opus Prize, visit www.seattleu.edu/opusprize.