Semper Vita

Semper Vita now on Facebook and Twitter

Now there are more ways to stay current with Semper Vita and to participate with us in the online community. 

Are you on Facebook? Please check out our Facebook page and join the community. 

Love pictures? We posted an album on our Facebook page of our Northwest Ministry Conference launch in March, 2010. Like the page? You can help us out by signing up!

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Do you Twitter? If you do, follow us and we'll follow you back.

An Easter Egg Hunt and Feeding the Homeless on Easter Weekend

How was your Easter? Several of us from Semper Vita joined with partner churches this Easter. It was great! We had fun and we did some good together.

A pre-Easter egg hunt

On Saturday, we joined Life at the Ridge fort their annual Redmond Ridge community Easter egg hunt at Rosa Parks Elementary. We arrived at 8 am on a very cold and somewhat windy morning. We joined Pastor Josh and his wife Tanya and about 20 others from Life at the Ridge. Together we put out 7000 eggs, placed signs, set up the gift tent and prepared the gym in the school for the festivities. Hundreds of Redmond Ridge kids and parents started arriving at about 9:45 am. The Easter egg  hunt activities started out in the gym followed by a kid frenzy in the egg-filled fields at 10:20 am. Those eggs disappeared in a matter of minutes. One little boy in the area I watched, filled his bucket in under a minute. This was race for some kids. The eggs were filled with good stuff too - candy, little stuffed animals (for the little ones), See’s gift certificates, cash and more. Wow! After the hunt and games, the crew cleaned up. Helping out at the community Easter egg hunt was fun!

Easter at Occidental Square

On Sunday, after attending services, a few Semper Vita folks joined Missio Lux at Occidental Square in Seattle for a special luncheon prepared for the homeless population. A great meal of ham, potatoes, salad and rolls followed by cake was served to the men and women who came by. The line looped around the square when lunch was ready. Tables and chairs were set up for the people at Occidental Square. The Missio Lux people and friends joined the locals for lunch and had great conversations with the people at Occidental Square. Great stories are being told of changed lives...Several accepted Jesus as their Savior. One man was healed from his anger and received peace. Others just enjoyed a good meal and conversation. 

It was a different Easter for me but it was great. Instead of the Easter brunch tradition at my mom’s we spent time with people in the community. At the end of the day we shared stories of our Easter adventures as we gathered for our Easter dinner.

Thank you! Our launch was a success

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth, staffed the booth and for all those people cheering us on behind the scenes. Also a big "thank you" to all the people who have been supporting us in prayer! The launch went very well. 

Tamara showing Laurie Bunnell and Tamara Buchan from Missio Lux a preview of our social software. Cindy is helping a person fill out a card.

Booth traffic and 5 lucky winners

In total we had over 200 people stop by our booth. About 150 people filled out a card for our $500 give-away. We had 5 winners each of whom won $100! We gave away Semper Vita pens and brochures to everyone who came by the booth.

Jeanne accepts her $100. She was the first to come claim her prize. 

Cindy hands Dan his $100. He was the last to come claim his prize. 

We gave away lots of water bottles.

Additionally, we gave away a Semper Vita water bottle to the first 100 registrants that filled out a drawing card. Our water bottles were such a hit that people were asking for them and offered to buy them. One college student took a dented one just so she could have a “cool” Semper Vita water bottle.

All in all, the Semper Vita launch was a hit!

A big "thank you" to our volunteers and others

I also want to thank everyone who helped us prior to the launch. Some of us have put in thousands of hours of volunteer time to get us this far. So a heartfelt "thank you" to: Cindy, Ed, Tamara, Jeff, Ardis, Dina, Fred, and Alex. An additional "thank you" goes out to Jacqui Lott who's designed our look and to Jason Savino who is creating our website application. We could not have done it without you. Thank you for making this happen!

Love Always

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping."

1 Corinthians 16: 13, 14, The Message.

If you want to change your world, love without stopping.

What does love like this look like? It means choosing to love and give love always. It's not necessarily a feeling but the act of loving. It's action. It's a choice.

If we loved without stopping, the world would be a different place. There was a group once that took these words seriously:

The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared life together. They broke bread and ate together. And they prayed. Everyone felt that God was near. The apostles did many wonders and miraculous signs. All the believers were together. They shared everything they had. They sold what they owned. They gave each other everything they needed. Every day they met together in the temple courtyard. In their homes they broke bread and ate together. Their hearts were glad and honest and true. They praised God. They were respected by all the people. Acts 2:42-47, NIRV

The result was that God added to their group every day. People found hope, health, community, healing, joy and most of all a relationship with God.

Make It Christmas For Kids In Need

The right treatment can change the day.

Unequal treatment

My front wheels were damaged last week during the snow storm in the Greater Seattle area. One was clipped by a snowplow the other just dinged on a curb. An expense I didn’t need three days before Christmas.

So to make sure I have a car during this season (given that the replacement wheels would take a week), I decided to get all new wheels at a national tire chain. (You know the one that invites you to return your tires if ever you’re not satisfied.) At their nearest location, they didn’t have the wheels and they offered no solutions. I asked for other locations. Grudgingly, they provided me with phone numbers for two nearby locations. (I had to call them myself.)

Before I called I prayed (I tend to pray about most everything) and asked God to lead me to the right place and provide the wheels at a good price. The first number was busy. I tried the second. A courteous manager listened to my situation and offered a solution. He could get the wheels from another location in about an hour. The four wheels were about the same price as the two replacement wheels I had already ordered. So I canceled the first order and purchased the four new wheels. They had an employee drive (about 30 minutes each way) to get the wheels.

The manager told me what time to be at the store - they were staying open till all their customers were helped. Once I arrived, I learned that they had put me in the system at the time of my call – reducing my wait from four hours to two hours. What amazing service. They apologized on behalf of the other location. I thanked them for the excellent service – and told them they were an answer to prayer.

Preferential treatment: You can help kids and teens

So why write about wheels on the Semper Vita blog? Not just because it's a great story about a person who went out of his way to help someone in need but also because it's a great analogy about the plight of struggling kids and teens. Some people see them as necessary inconveniences while other people go out of their way to help them - making a difference in their lives.

I'm including three Seattle-area organizations that are serving homeless or at risk kids. (Not in Seattle, check out your local organizations. Want help? Contact us and we'll help you find the organizations in your area).

Here's three ways we can help kids in need:

• Vision House

Since 1990 Vision House has provided transitional housing with integrated support services to homeless single mothers and their children. Their premise:

1. Kids shouldn't be homeless.
2. Every child deserves a home free from anxiety and fear.
3. Only $26 dollars per night provides housing and services to a homeless child.

There are several ways to help. You can donate to help house a homeless child, help them raise $500 by January 10, donate furniture for new apartments or help out in one of the many volunteer opportunities.

HT: Colleen Nordlund via Facebook Causes.

• Friends of Youth

Friends of Youth delivers a broad range of services to youth and their families to improve their emotional stability and self-sufficiency. "Friends of Youth envisions all youth having every opportunity to succeed."

You can help by donating your time, providing needed items or giving to the great work.

1. Volunteer opportunities include:

• being a parent mentor
• providing childcare at one of the homes
• making dinners
• offering administrative support
• working as a special event or seasonal volunteer
• serving in development positions

2. Want to provide needed items? Here are some things on their wish list:

• personal care items
• bedding
• teen clothing

3. Of course you can always give toward their work through cash donations.

• New Horizons Ministries

"New Horizons Ministries has been serving Seattle's street youth population since 1978. The faces have changed over the years but the nature, heart and extraordinary resilience of these kids remains. That's how we see these youth – as people who are quite extraordinary."

As a multi-cultural organization, they see their mission as follows: "to be in relationship with homeless and street involved young people, serving and loving in the way of Jesus, equipping them to leave street life."

You can help financially, by volunteering or both. To give to the work visit their Ways to Give page on the website. Looking for volunteer opportunities at New Horizons? They range from putting together a building work group, to serving in a food group, providing office help, or working directly with the youth.

Just three more ways to make Christmas special and continue the spirit well into the new year.

As for my car? It was ready after about two hours. Guess what? The wheels look great. Thanks to some great customer service and a caring manager.

Spread Christmas Cheer

It's the season to spread cheer...

It's cold outside. The new snow on my deck measures 10 inches tall. I'm glad I have a home with insulated walls, a heater, warm clothes, electricity and food. I can't imagine being cold, hungry and homeless. This time of cheer is so much harder for our friends and neighbors in need. Everyone of us can make a difference. That's what I believe - it's the Semper Vita premise. Check out these suggestions for making Christmas better for people in need.

Ideas 33 through 37 (out of 46) to make it Christmas every day

        Donate the following to a local food bank, charity or church:

• gift cards to a supermarket for food and/or toiletries
  
• donate clothing with the gift receipt for easy size exchanges

        Call a charity or church (or maybe you know someone personally):

• make a week’s worth of meals for a family in need
• adopt a family for the season and make their Christmas bright
• invite people to your home for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meals

HT: K. Jason and Kelli Krafsky

Give The 12 Days

Show someone you care, lift their spirits, make their day. Start 12 days before Christmas.

What and how much to give?

It's the season of giving and Christmas is only 13 days away. Most of us would agree that giving gifts to people in our life is important. Who doesn't love getting gifts - especially those that you know were especially selected for you? It doesn't have to be expensive but it should be a gift that fits the person.

I value both the giving and receiving. Yet selecting the right gift is stressful. I want it to be just right and I want it to be different. A friend sent me these gift-giving suggestions, which fit both categories - it's different and just right for some on your list.

Two ways to give the 12 days of Christmas

1. A group of friends collaborated one year to bring Christmas cheer to a single parent, a neighbor struggling with the loss of a job and another dealing with mental illness. They provided 12 days of hope through simple acts of kindness.

Here's how it worked. They put together 12 days of bought or created small wrapped gifts - things like:

• a spiced cider package or bottle of cider
• a poem
• a bubble bath packet
• some Christmas cookies
• an ornament
• a bookmark
• a cup with special teas or hot cocoa
• a small candle
• a starbucks card
• some candy canes
• special soaps
• hand cream

They wrapped each gift and numbered them, then put all the gifts in a larger gift bag and delivered them with instructions to open one each day. One each on the 12 days before Christmas. Each gift had a note of encouragement.
 
 2. Pick a deserving or struggling neighbor and give them 12 days of encouragement.

One year my friend was the neighbor who received this special treatment. Here's her account of what a neighbor did anonymously:

The door bell would ring sometime after dinner on the 12 days before Christmas.
We would check and and there would be a package by the door. It was such a treat and something we looked forward to. Each package had a note which read like the Twelve Days of Christmas. (On the Twelfth day of Christmas, your neighbor gave to you 12 bags of caramel corn). Each day something new and a new line was added to the list. On the twelfth day it ended with "and one jar of candy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Needless to say, this family felt loved and cared for by their neighbor.

What great ways to say you care. It's inexpensive and relatively easy. It's a great way to show you care and spread the love of Jesus as we approach his birthday.

HT: Meta L.

Kids Deserve Clothes, Protection and Birthday Parties

With a little time, attention and effort we can change a child's life and future.

Birthdays matter to me

My mother gladly takes the blame for my view on birthdays. She created the situation. Birthdays mattered to her. My sister and I never spent a birthday just getting cake and ice cream with some presents at the end of the day. No way. Birthdays were an event - always. I remember the birthday when the Sound of Music first came out  in the Netherlands (I know this dates me.) My parents allowed me to bring 7 friends to the theater which was a big deal then. We went in our Volkswagen bus and had dinner and a special birthday cake afterward. Another birthday we piled about 20 kids in the bus and other vehicles and went to the dunes in Holland to play the equivalent of "Cowboys and Indians." Afterward we went to a Dutch Pancake house to eat dinner plate-sized pancakes. Yum. Of course before those there were the birthdays at home with games, magic (my dad would do magic tricks), a puppet show (the same dad would put on the performance) and more. After the fun we had dinner and cake. And, we always were allowed to select our favorite dinner. Mine: cooked spinach, mashed potatoes and meatballs. It still is my birthday dinner. (Weird, I know.)

Of course, birthdays are just the icing on the cake. The basics include food, clothes, school supplies, books, and toys. My parents provided those too of course.

Today, I'm writing about three ways to help children and extend Christmas to everyday.

1. All children need clothes, books and toys

Imagine that there are many kids that don't even have the basics. Many foster kids don't have enough for clothes, books and toys. In Washington State, my state, the government pays a maximum of $300 per year for a foster child's clothes. It costs about twice that to clothe them.

If you live in the greater Seattle area you can join Icon Church to help foster kids. On Saturday, December 6, they're going to Seattle to volunteer in the Tree House Wearhouse.  Be part of a team that organizes and distributes books, clothes, and toys to needy foster kids.

They're meeting in Issaquah at 9:00 am and carpooling to Seattle.  RSVP to info@iconchurch.com.

2. Receive Amber Alert texts

Sadly, many children still get abducted each year. The Amber Alert system, named after an abducted child Amber whose parents fought to improve the search process, has helped to locate at least 250 children. The notifications have gone out through radio and television alerts as well as on freeway signs.

Now you can help more quickly and easily. The Amber Alert now uses texts to alert people wirelessly.

"This program is put into place to send text messages to people who sign up in their specific geographic areas when an amber alert is made."

It's easy. Sign up for Wireless Amber Alerts and participate when an alert goes up in your area. Help save more children's lives through receiving a free text message with info of the local Amber Alert.

3. Make birthday gift bags to give a child a birthday

Everyone can do this one. It's a great event for a family, group, church, neighborhood, birthday party or company. I've mentioned Cheerful Givers on this blog before. They provide toy-filled birthday gift bags to food pantries and shelters "so that parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift." What a great idea.

Here's how you can help:

• Hold a Birthday Bag Blitz - It's an intense (and fun) campaign. You and your group of volunteers get together to create birthday gift bags, filling each bag with an assortment of ten new toys which include items like books, plush toys, balls, puzzles, stickers, crayons, etc.
  
  If you're in the Minnesota area, Cheerful Givers has a list of local food shelves or shelters. Outside of the Twin Cities it will take one extra step. Find your local food bank and drop off the bags.
  
  Want to plan a Blitz or need more information? Contact Karen@cheerfulgivers.org.
• No time for your personal Blitz? Donate online.
• Let them know what you did. Send photos or a your story to Karen.

Thanks for spreading the cheer. Want to give to Semper Vita? We would love your help. We're working to connect people and organizations to do more good together.

Gratitude and Generosity on World Aids Day

Learning to be generous as part of gratitude.

This past week and weekend was all about Thanksgiving and contemplating the meaning of gratitude. A friend recently connected the concepts of generosity and gratitude. It's amazing how some of the most generous people are also the least well off. I'm finding that as finances get tighter, it's a bigger choice to give and be generous. However, generosity and gratitude are healthy for the heart, soul and pocket book, right? After all, God loves a cheerful giver.

What is generosity?

It's not all about money. For many of us the easiest thing to give is money. The hardest thing to give is time or genuine attention. Sometimes just caring is tough. So, how do we prepare for Christmas by making extending it to a daily lifestyle? Here are some more ideas:

1. Today is World's Aids Day.

"The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Whilst we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done."

I am going to do my part by visiting a Starbucks today - in honor of World's Aids Day. The event this season is - "Buy (RED)™. Help save lives." They're giving 5 cents to the Global Fund for every "hand-crafted Starbucks beverage" sold on December 1, 2008 from 7 am to 7 pm at participating US and Canada locations. (Every time you purchase a Red Exclusive beverage between Nov. 27 and Jan. 2, they will give 5 cents to the Global Fund so you can keep visiting them, enjoy your coffee and do good all at the same time.)

2. Make a coffee or lunch date with someone you know who might feel isolated. You can combine buying Red to give to the Global Fund and being kind to someone you know.

3. Let someone go in front of you - in line at the grocery store, in traffic or any where. If you're a praying person, pray for them as you let them go ahead. You may be the only one praying for them that day.

That's three more ways to extend Christmas - globally and locally, low cost and no cost (financially). Keep spreading the cheer!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a great day with the hope of extending the practice of giving thanks.

Today most of us will gather with family or friends to celebrate this Holiday - here in the United States at least. (Other countries have days of thanksgiving but they're celebrated on different dates and in different ways.)

I look forward to a great meal and gathering with family and friends. My mom will make her annual Thanksgiving feast. Lots of food. Lots of left overs.

Extend Thanksgiving

Today, as we give thanks for all that's good in our lives, think about who we should thank. I advocate thanking God because I believe he's the source of all good things in our lives. Beyond that I suggest thanking those who've contributed to this day of thanks.

• Thank a veteran for ensuring our continued freedom
• Thank a teacher for investing in you so you can enjoy these freedoms
• Thank an elderly person for laying the foundation

Who else should we say "thanks!" to? Let's do more than eat a meal. Let's continue to give thanks.

Tough Times Tougher For The Needy

Seattle Times reports: "As times get tougher, helping is harder." November 23, 2008

Circle the wagons...or couches

Lately we've dealt with mono and strep at my house. No fun I assure you. When I don't feel well, I circle the wagons - or couches more accurately. We hang out, rest, drink fluids, watch movies, and try to sick out. (That's what my mother calls it.) Even when you're not sick but just a bit under the weather, it's hard to do the normal stuff. Chores seem that much more daunting. Errands become more easily postponed. Even fun things require effort that's not readily available. Ever feel that way?

When things get tougher physically, it's just harder to do what needs to be done. It's like that with helping others too. When things get tougher financially, physically or emotionally, it's harder to extend a helping hand. The effort seems greater than the available resources.

Charities are feeling our pain

This past Sunday (Nov. 23, 2008), the Seattle Times published an article about this issue as part of the launch for their annual fund raising campaign, Fund For The Needy. Staff reported, Jack Broom, reported that charities struggle to help more people in need with fewer donations. Those visiting food banks or looking help now include families not normally in need of these services. The Salvation Army reported a 58% increase in services used over the same period last year. People look for help with bills, utilities and food. This makes it tougher for helping agencies too - locally and nationally.

They all face a common dilemma: "Hard times bring hard choices."

Some statistics:

• Homelessness - increased 15% in King County since last year.
• Food-bank use in Wash. State - 6 million visits made by 1.2 million people (June '06-July '07). 
• Unemployment - 6.3% in October, up from 5.7% in September.
• Children in need - about 50,000 children under 18 lived below the poverty line in King County, Wash. in 2007.
  

          Source: Seattle Times.

Another way to help

Semper Vita exists to facilitate ways of helping others that fit according to personal wiring. Giving money and helping the local food banks are some of the more "typical" ways to volunteer time and money. However, that makes these no less valuable. Is it how you're wired? Is it your way to extend Christmas?

Want to help people in need and help out during these tough times? Donate online to the Fund For The Needy. Not a Washington State resident? Donate to your local food bank or The Salvation Army directly. Rather give time? Donate your services to your local food bank.

Thanks for helping!

Do Good 46 Days 46 Ways

46 reasons to make Christmas last.

It's 46 for me

What's all this about 46? Well, last Friday I turned 46. So knowing that this was coming, I started this campaign of extending Christmas and thinking of ways to contribute to neighbors, local communities and global causes on November 10...46 days before Christmas.

11 down, 35 to go

Well, I skipped two days so will have to double up some. I've suggested and highlighted 11 ways to contribute. Did you catch them all?

1. 50,000 shoes to those who need them.
2. Benefit for Nickelsville.
3. Shopping smart for local food banks.
4. Call to make someone's day.
5. Become a daily do gooder.
6. Give a Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Provide a meal and shelter for a pet.
8. Notice people around you and act.
9. Donate air miles to charity.
10. Thank a fire fighter.
11. Invest in someone today.

Today's suggestions to make a difference - #12

Arriving in the second half of my forties, the fight to cure breast cancer becomes more real. Dear friends of mine are breast cancer survivors. Teree and Kathy are doing very well. Another friend has participated in the breast cancer 3-Day two years in a row. Happy Birthday Marina! I'm proud of you. You can make a difference by giving a woman in need a free mammogram. A free click might save a life.

I need your help!

I'd like to come up with 34 more ways to make it Christmas everyday. What's your suggestion? Any ideas for volunteer opportunities? Click on "comments" and send me your way to spread cheer.

Thank A Firefighter Today

Remembering how firefighters make a difference daily.

We count on them

It's been about 20 years since I rode in the back of an ambulance. Yep, I was the patient. By the time I was in the ambulance the worst was over and actually enjoyed the ride. My only regret was that I couldn't see well (I didn't have my contact lenses in)...so, I couldn't see everything in the back of the aid car.

Why was I on a stretcher? A few hours earlier, I had suffered a strange attack.  I couldn't breathe and my chest hurt - a radiating pain. At first, I wanted my husband to take me to the hospital. But as the pain increased and the breathing became more difficult, we decided to call 911. I felt assured when we heard the sirens approaching a few minutes later. Strapping firefighters in full gear soon entered my bedroom. They talked calmly and firmly, handled the situation swiftly, and had me on oxygen in no time. In minutes the breathing became easier and the pain started to subside. They still insisted that I go to the hospital. The trip in the ambulance consisted of me asking questions about everything in the back. (That's just like me to ask a million auestions.)

I was fine. After hours in the E.R. the official diagnosis was inflammation of the plural lining. Most likely a cold caused the condition. Whatever the case, my local firefighters came to save my day (well, technically night).

Celebrate a firefighter today

Today is my cousin's birthday. He's a fire captain in Orange County. "Happy Birthday, Hiddo!" He's just one of two family members who are part of this elite group of heroes who take care of us during fires, medical emergencies, accidents and more. The other one is my brother-in-law, Harold Schapelhouman, who serves as Fire Chief in Menlo Park, California. Great guys. I'm proud to be part of their family.

Today's suggestion for extending Christmas is to do something nice for a local firefighter. Maybe you can drop off a "thank you" card to your local fire station. Do you know a firefighter personally? Call  or send him or her an email to say "You're doing a great job. We appreciate you." Of course there's the old standby - bring your local fire team some homemade (or store bought if you must) cookies. Just say "thanks" some how!

Give A Thanksgiving Dinner

Partnering to treat local families to dinner.

Last Sunday, I visited Life At The Ridge (LATR), a start-up church that meets at Rosa Parks Elementary school in Redmond Ridge (hence Life at the Ridge). I enjoyed the music, worship and the message by Pastor Josh Hebert, and the general friendliness of the people. Normally, I attend Timberlake but chose to visit LATR just to check it out.

Helping families locally

I loved the focus on local giving to the community.(It fits with what Semper Vita is all about) LATR plans to provide Thanksgiving baskets to the 20 families who currently live at the Redmond Family Village YWCA. Some people are buying flats of one of the items, others are purchasing a complete meal kit. Here's their web announcement:

November Food Drive. During the month of November we will be doing a community food drive. Please bring your favorite boxed and canned food.

They need all items at LATR no later than Sunday, November 23.  Contact Tanya (tanya@latr.org) if you want to help.

How else can you help feed a family?

• Maybe your church is feeding families too. Choose to find out more; it's great way to help.
• Maybe you don't go to church. I was at QFC earlier and purchased a 'meal-in-a-bag' for $10. It's another way to help a local family.
• Maybe you'd rather invite a family for dinner.

Whatever you're thinking of doing...it's a great time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. 

Do Good Daily

Give the gift of doing good or being kind.

Yesterday, I read on my Facebook news feed that Eastlake High School (in Sammamish, WA) was holding a "Random Acts of Kindness Day." Thanks Sarah for posting it. I was glad that my challenge on this blog tied in so well...My suggestion for a random act of kindness was to call someone who impacted you for good. (Did you do it?)

Extend Christmas Through Daily Good Deeds

Random acts are nice of course, but I think we can be more intentional. How about planned and purposeful acts of kindness? 

Stumped for ideas? Visit DailyChallenge.org. This social network challenges its members to suggests acts that they can "take into the real world to positively impact themselves and their communities."

Their concept is simple: "Do one good, daily." To become a Do Gooder, you can sign up for free - start now.

More ideas for spreading cheer tomorrow.

Live Music, Coffee and Tea Served for Nickelsville

Christmas everyday continued...more ideas for ways you can spread cheer.

When my son was little he saw a homeless man in Seattle and just burst out in tears. My reaction had been to walk by while considering whether to give the guy my spare change or not. I really didn't think it would be put to good use so I would have kept walking. However, my son could not move on. He wanted to stop and help. So, I grabbed some dollars out of my wallet and let him give it to the man.  Though I might have felt satisfied with my response, my son remained sad for a long time. His response revealed my callousness. How could I as a Christian walk past someone in need without concern? Hmmm.

A Quest For More

This past Sunday, Shane Claiborne spoke at Quest Church in Seattle. Eugene Cho, pastor of Quest, had invited him for a learning conversation. The attendees in the packed room eagerly listened to Shane discussing concepts from his book, Jesus for President. He spoke about our political response as Christians. He challenged us to look at homelessness, the poor and disadvantaged, those without health insurance and other issues in a new way. Rather than dismissing the issues or judging the people, Shane, founder of the simple way, invited us to respond with love, compassion and as community.

Listen, Sip and Bring A Blanket and Change 

Eugene Cho added a plug for an upcoming event at Q Cafe, a non-profit neighborhood cafe in Seattle featuring direct trade espresso and tea, art, live music, and community events.  This coming Saturday at 7:30 pm, Jeff Green, Tim Harris, and The Raging Grannies will hold a live music benefit show for Nickelsville. The cost is $10 or $5 when you bring a coat or blanket.These are the kinds of things we can all do. At Semper Vita, we want to help each person find their way to volunteer, give back, live and give in community. Maybe this is one way to help the homeless.

Stay tuned for more ideas for things you can do to make it Christmas everyday.

Trick-or-Treat and Help Orphans

Spend no extra time, have fun on Halloween and give back to orphans.

My first Halloween was when I was 16-years-old. I remember dressing up as Spiderman and had a great time answering the door and giving the kids of our neighborhood candy. Why wait until age 16? Well, we just moved to the United States that year and I had never been in a country that celebrated it before. The whole experience was fun and exciting.

Since then, I've viewed Halloween from many different perspectives. As a young adult going to some fun (and clean) parties, as a new mom going out with our young son, and now as a mom of a teenager wondering about the parties going on around us. I used to decorate but don't anymore because we don't get any trick-or-treaters.

More than candy

Throughout these past years I never considered using this day to do more than give or receive candy. Until I read about the Orphan Foundation. It challenges us to do more. It's simple: go out trick-or-treating and bring a can for some donations to help orphans around the world.

Specifically, they hope to raise nearly $1,000,000 to help with the foundation's grant programs for adopting families and for their service tours to orphanages around the world. All it takes is 100,000 kids that raise $10 each. With the money the foundation will continue to pursue its primary mission is to eliminate barriers to adoption, by providing financial support and information to adopting families, as well as services to institutionalized orphans and foster care children worldwide.

An orphan crisis

Apparently the orphan situation around the world has reached epic proportions according to co-founder Joe DiDonato.

"The number of orphans and displaced children in the world exceeds 163 million, creating a population that would make them the 7th largest nation on the planet. In Eastern Europe, less than 50% will see their 20th birthdays, and of those that do, 50% will turn to crime, drugs, and prostitution to survive. In other parts of the world, children are being used to fight wars or commit terrorist actions."

Why do adoptive parents need help?

According to the Orphan Foundation the cost of adoption has skyrocketed out of the reach of most families, averaging nearly $20,000 domestically, and $25,000 to $40,000 internationally. Many orphans go un-adopted because families can't afford it.

"Faced with a large and growing list of families trying to adopt children, The Orphan Foundation is asking children across the nation to help out by carrying a coin canister with them on their trick-or-treat rounds."

What can you do?

Families and kids can download and print canister wrappers. The wrapper will go around any size can, and includes instructions for mounting and sending in the donations.

It sounds like a great and easy way to help out. Kids helping kids while doing something they love. I'm sure that I would have found a dollar to give to the kids that came to our door with one of those cans when I was dressed up as Spiderman. In fact, I hope someone comes to our door again so I can do more than give candy.

Pillow Fight Connects People

Last week about a thousand people participated in a pillow fight in Grand Rapids. How did this happen? Rob Bliss posted the idea on Facebook to gather about 100 of his friends for a pillow fight at a local plaza. Well, one connection led to another and at the appointed time 1000 people showed up-pillows in hand. And they went at it-Red team against Blue team. Feathers flew, people wacked and a good time was had by all.

Connecting: A Core Need

When asked why they showed up people answered that they thought it was a fun idea. Total strangers connecting for a pillow fight. New friends were made as they smacked each other.

"If nothing else, this pillow fight battle proved how powerful Facebook and other social websites can be at unifying people under a coming cause." (See the complete story at WZZM13.com.)

Connect To Make A Difference

At Semper Vita we believe that people have a core need to connect. Especially with people who share our interests, passions, hobbies or likes. If a post about a pillow fight can bring people out, what could a post about something significant and meaningful do? Can you imagine if people connected with others via social networking or real time "on the street" for a good cause? Can you imagine how we might make a difference? Can you imagine creating a movement of friends doing life and doing good together?

What would make you show up? Pillow fight? Good cause? Common passion? Send us your suggestions.

Connecting Neighbors Through Service In Community?

Tent City and Mercer Island churches discover that volunteering can mean connecting with neighbors or division in a community according to Christianity Today.

In Mercer Island, Washington, churches are volunteering to help those who are among the poor and needy by hosting Tent City. It's a traveling camp of homeless people who are trying to turn their lives around and are drug free. Tent City has been around for a few years - I wrote about it last year. The camp stays at the host church for about three months. Sounds like a wonderful endeavor to help those in need, right?

Is Everyone A Happy Camper?

Well, not everyone is happy. Some Mercer Island residents filed a lawsuit to try to stop the camp being hosted by Mercer Island United Methodist Church. Trying to connect and volunteering to help the poor can mean division and opposition. Luckily, a judge denied the request for a restraining order.

The church's pastor, Leslie Ann Knight, was surprised at the animosity from the local community against the church and Tent City. Christianity Today commented:

Though the encampment has continued to divide the community, it has unified churches on the island, as they have chipped in to provide meals and other supplies to the 100 or so occupants of the encampment.

Not all Mercer Island residents oppose their churches' good deeds. Many have supported the effort to host Tent City and lots of people have been generous. Nonetheless, Tent City on Mercer Island presents challenges.

Love Your Neighbor

This situation poses a real dilemma. The Bible clearly states that true religion is caring for the poor and needy. Yet Jesus also told us to love our neighbor. What if the neighbor doesn't like the poor - at least not when the neighbor lives right next door to them? What should we do? Should churches connect with their local community or should they provide a cup of cold water, clothes for the unclad, and food for the hungry? How do we determine the priorities when we want to reach our neighbor?

At Semper Vita, our mission is to have everyone experience life through serving in community. How would that work on Mercer Island with Tent City? Click on Comments and weigh in on the issue.

HT: Tamara Dull.

Live Well. Spread The Light.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."                         

Edith Wharton

Semper Vita wants everyone to experience life through service in community. Volunteering is just one practical way to be the mirror that reflects light. Won't you join us?