Helping Hands is a group of Lutheran Disaster Relief volunteers from the surrounding communities that came together to organize a team that is ready to respond to disasters locally as well as in distant locations.
In May 2007, 10 members of Saint John’s combined with members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hecktown, participated in the building of 2 houses in South Bethlehem. This project was a combined effort of Thrivant and Habitat for Humanity. These houses had families living in them by the end of the year. In October, 3 members painted outside the church, this painting will continue in 2008.
In addition to assisting in local disasters, Helping Hands has provided volunteers to the Lutheran Disaster Response effort for Hurricane Katrina victims in coordination with the “Bethel Lutheran Church in Biloxi, Mississippi”. Please visit “Bethel’s Katrina Disaster Ministry” web site.
Saint John’s Lutheran Church of Nazareth has sent teams to Biloxi (four times) to work on housing for Katrina storm victims. In January, 2007, Helping Hands sent 41 people to Biloxi, MS. They worked on 4 homes and a community center, with hopes that people would be in these homes by the holidays. In January, 2008, 28 people were sent to Biloxi. Future trips are planned for June 2008 and January 2009. Persons interested in volunteering can call the church office at 610-759-3090 for more information.
Both forms are needed to attend the Biloxi Trip.