Technical Troubles Plague DIAL 452-PRAY

The past few months have been very frustrating for those who are actively involved in Dial 452-PRAY. Messages that "cut out" or distort and missing messages have been some of our recurring problems. In addition, we lost our ability to count calls for a time. Board members consulted with a number of people who had expertise. A professional technician was called in. Finally, after replacing an essential cord more than once, our problems seem to be over for the present. We are grateful for the patience of those who record messages, those who transfer messages, and those who call in. Please keep Dial 452-PRAY in your prayers.

Thanks to Rob and Trish Fischer

After 20 years of faithfully transferring week-day messages, Rob and Trish Fischer, long-time custodians at Bethlehem Church and School, are stepping down as message transferrers. We sincerely thank them for their long and faithful service.

New Message-Transfer Team Being Formed

Bev Steffen, retired Bethlehem School teacher and active church volunteer, has kindly agreed to transfer the DIAL 452-PRAY message week days during school year. Plans for a summer-time schedule are currently under development. Weekends continue to be handled by long-time volunteer Donald Braatz with occasional help from Mark Cyr and Luther Bajus.

Great Financial News

The Leadership Board of East Sheboygan County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has approved $1600 total funding for the Dial 452-PRAY telephone ministry. This is a Care Abounds in Communities funding project. Pre-funding in the amount of $800 has been received with final documentation due in December. Funding is based on need and hours of hands-on service contributed by Thrivent Financial members. This includes time spent preparing and recording Christ-centered messages, coordination and delivery of digital recorders, and transferring messages onto the phone equipment. These monies will help maintain and purchase equipment.

Meet Our Current Recording Coordinator

Hi! My name is Debra Kelm and I moved to Sheboygan in 1997 when my husband, Jeff, accepted a job in the insurance business. He now works at Acuity. We became members of Trinity Church, Sheboygan and sent our son, Andrew, to Trinity School. I have another son, Curtis, who is married to Kristin and they reside in Fairfax, VA.

Jeff and I have been short-term missionaries to Latvia at various times since 2001. I enjoy singing and belong to the Milwaukee Choristers. I also enjoy gardening and reading. I'm a volunteer teacher of art appreciation at Trinity, very active in LWML, and have served Dial 452-PRAY as recording coordinator since July, 2006.

ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 12th!