Our Love INC Logo is Changing!

Tribute

Don Phelps, Past Executive Director (Pictured above with his wife Saralyn)

Love INC Juneau

By Dave Eley

Founded on a notion from a pastor who asked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if Juneau churches could give a person asking for help more than a Band-Aid?”, Love Inc. was a fledgling, struggling organization when we first started in the early 2000s.

We were working out of a room provided through the grace of Faith Lutheran. There was no warehouse. Donations were stored and spread amongst the garages of volunteers, making pickup and delivery a challenge. Ann Lockhart and her team were doing an amazing job building and enhancing outreach programs, but we had no infrastructure, and our finances were, like many of our clients, precarious.  At this point, Don Phelps stepped on board as Executive Director. His quiet confidence, administrative expertise, and enthusiasm was just the balm that I, the board chair, needed to take the next big step: building a home facility that would set Love INC up for the long-haul. In fact, through the years, I’ve been amazed, but not surprised, that God raised up just the right executive directors with the right talent and interest for that moment in the growth of the organization. 

With land donated by Valley Chapel, he set about getting the architectural design and permits for offices and warehouse. Together, we solicited volunteers: general contractor, master carpenters and finishers, and dozens of ordinary, Church member ‘nail beaters.’  And we built the facility. I was often faint of heart but Don never wavered, at least in my presence. In the end, we had exactly the building we needed and owed not a dime of debt.  And he continued to work on our finances. I’ll never forget one of our early, successful Christmas fundraisers where he showed up in an immaculate tuxedo, likely the only tux in Alaska outside a senior prom. Man, he looked good!

It is a wonderful thing to work shoulder-to-shoulder with a person who loved to love his neighbor in the name of Christ.  Thank you, Don. 

Pictures of Concert have been posted to the website front page.

We wish to extend special thanks to Michael W. Smith, choir and staff. Thank you also to Centennial Hall and to all the Volunteers who made the concert a success. We are compiling the photos from the concert and we will post them for all to see as soon as we have them all together. 

Were you unable to get a custom made, Tie-Died shirt at the concert?

The shirts are $15 if you would like to purchase one.

The sizes that are available are:

S/M – 17             2XL – 9 
M/L – 15             3XL – 2 
L/XL – 1       

Don’t Forget to Pick Click Give when filing for your PFD

In December we hosted our first TEA partner appreciation get together.

We have been doing a Teen Gift Drive for the last couple of years due to Covid. Our goal this year was 150 gifts. When we were done we had 174 teen gifts and 23 gifts for Children that were taken to the Salvation Army. We donated several bags of clothing and shoes and boots to St. Vincent de Paul that they were thrilled to get.

All in all we had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our warehouse is full to the brim with furniture and at this time we will be unable to fit one more thing inside.

Our thanks go out to everyone who has participated by collecting, volunteering, and donating. You are all greatly appreciated and loved. 

Survivors of Suicide Loss
Luncheon

Saturday, Nov. 20th,11:00-2:00pm
Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Hall
3235 Hospital Drive, Juneau, AK 99801

• Film & Discussion “Pathways to
  Healing: Hope after Suicide Loss”
• Optional Commemoration Craft

Registration & Masks Required,
Seating Limited, Register Early!

To register, please visit TheJSPC Facebook page or contact Tina at Tdeasiswright@namijuneau.org

Volunteer turns 80!

Myrlene began by helping out with our newsletter mailings by attaching postage stamps. After getting comfortable with the office and hearing other volunteers answer the phone and do intakes, she said “I could do that!” She’s been an intake volunteer for many years now and knows just what questions to ask to draw out more information to help validate needs. At Chapel by the Lake she is the GAP: Linen Ministry Coordinator. When she’s not hauling donations and fulfilling linen orders, she can be seen helping clients shop during Christmas at Loving Locals, or at manning the Love INC booth at Project Homeless connect. She also picks up excess items from our warehouse that we don’t resource to clients and she puts them outside at the end of her driveway for free. She keeps a lot of stuff out of the trash and available for those who could use them.

From the Desk of The Executive Director         

            
Greetings friends and partners, brothers and sisters!  We’ve been experiencing both blessings and challenges in recent days.Blessings because of faithful friends, donors, prayer warriors and volunteers like those of you at Chapel and our other partner churches, and new members that have revitalized our Board of Directors.
I am thankful for God’s provision, and excited about the ministry opportunities that God has planned. The TEA Partners program (Transformation through Encouragement and Accountability) is taking off, connections with Churches and partner agencies are being strengthened, new volunteers are joining us, client’s lives are being impacted by the love of God, and we are rejoicing in what God is doing.

Challenges because of continuing staff health issues and some recent painful transactions with clients.  
While the overwhelming majority of our clients are polite and thankful, occasionally we experience outright dishonesty and/or a lack of respect from a client. One client left very unkind voice mails on a staff member’s phone.  
Another falsified some information in an attempt to receive additional benefits. Still another used a little trickery and distraction to receive more items than they would have been given.
Each client was confronted about their behavior, and we hope and pray they found a place of repentance in their hearts. Such interactions are never easy or joyful, but necessary to keep the clients accountable so that they may grow, which is part of who we are at Love INC.
In one incident, the client apologized for their behavior and we accepted their apology. They later prayed with a staff member who was able to help them understand why their behavior was not helpful, and would not be acceptable in any future transactions.

We all need correction at one time or another, since we have all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Romans 2:4 tells us it is the “..goodness of the God that leads us to repentance”.
I Timothy 2:1-4 says “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Please join us in praying for our clients, Board, staff, volunteers and donors, and for staff health issues as we seek to be salt and light in our community.

Thank you for helping us help others in Jesus’ name!
Love in Christ,
Guy Crockroft                                                                                         
Executive Director                                                                                 
Love in the Name of Christ Juneau

Love INC’s Transitional Backpack Ministry

The Transitional Backpack GAP Ministry assists individuals leaving incarceration at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center by providing essential clothing, toiletries, and resource information for the day of their release.  Circumstances often lead to an individual not having either family or friends present for that big day, especially when the person’s home community isn’t Juneau.  Chaplin Chris identifies individuals slated for release who need assistance from the Backpack Ministry and facilitates their referral.

The program is staffed by volunteers at the Holy Trinity Episcopal church who maintain an inventory of multiple sizes of underclothing, socks, shirts, pants, coats, shoes and boots, hat and gloves, as well as duffle bags and backpacks.   Youth at the church periodically assemble toiletry kits of personal care supplies for both men and women. An extra facemask is now also provided.   If the individual is transitioning into the Juneau community, additional items include bus tokens and bus schedule; gift cards to Subway; a resource sheet of twelve-step meetings, food programs, and housing assistance; and the business cards of Love Inc. and the Salvation Army. Every backpack contains a small new testament and a personal note of encouragement.

Since Holy Trinity began working with this program in August 2015, 143 individuals have been served.  Recently, a man released after 33 years of incarceration was very moved to receive new khaki pants, a button down shirt, jacket and shoes to wear for his flight to Anchorage where he was reunited with his adult daughter.

Written by:

Patricia Hull – CMC and GAP Leader

Sarah Isto – Volunteer

Anyone who would like to contribute to the Love INC Transitional Backpack GAP Ministry can make donations at Love INC., 907-780-4090.

From the Desk of the Resource Coordinator

My name is Anne Edwards, and I am the Resource Coordinator at Love in the Name of Christ.  I run the G.A.P.  Ministries, which coordinates volunteers from various churches and throughout the community, to serve clients in need who have reached out to Love Inc.  Love Inc. has G.A.P. ministries which means “God Always Provides” at:
 Chapel by the Lake (food, personal care, linens)
 Northern Lights church (cleaning)
Holy Trinity church (Backpack ministry for folks leaving prison)
Pregnancy Resource center
Mommy and Me
AEL&P (donation sponsored)
Soon to be back up and running, United Pentecostal church (clothing).

We cannot thank the volunteers and organizations enough for all their time and energy that is put into resources for our clients.

I see God through the self-less act of people stocking our ministries from various churches and the community.  I get to be a part of people volunteering to deliver food, furniture, or to help organize and clean our warehouse. God is in the midst of all the ministries as I get to hear of the people served by our volunteers and who are so thankful for all that we do for them.  When I am donated five couches in the warehouse and wonder how am I going to store and keep these in the warehouse? -The next five clients will need couches. It seems that when I have an excess of any item, that item will be the most requested item.  The warehouse ebbs and flows so amazingly that it is obvious that God knows what we have and who needs each item. 

Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love.
– Roland Allen

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Meet Our New Board Member
Julie Neyhart – Resurrection Lutheran 

Julie says:
Love INC has been of interest to me for many years because of its commitment to transform lives. That is only possible when interested parties work together, unified in the desire to assist others with compassion, recognizing and building on the strength of each individual seeking help. It would be gratifying to be part of an organization that has time to hear problems, to guide and encourage, to pray with and to actually know those who seek help. I would like to help forward the mission of Love INC to “mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the Name of Christ.”

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Can you cut fabric in a straight line?

Do you own a sewing machine?     

We are in need of volunteers for a special GAP Ministry project!

WE WILL BE MAKING HUGS!!!!

Interested? Email Susan at tmc@alaska.net

Volunteers needed to do some data entery.

Email Marilyn at prc@alaska.net

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We are begining our “Love INC Sundays” with our Partner churches!

If you are interested in learning more about Love INC. or in being a volunteer, keep an eye out and I will be posting the churches that will be hosting us as we set up the dates.

Notes from Guy Crockcroft Executive Director Love INC National Virtual Gathering: This year’s theme was “Together”. Karen, Anne, Marilyn and I joined the online event on Wednesday morning, October 14. Featured speaker was Bob Goff, author of several inspirational books, such as Love Does. Later Bruce, Susan and Myrlene came in to join us and we had a great discussion about Love INC Juneau and some prayer time.Partner Church Visit  Marilyn and I visited Faith Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 18. Pastor Aaron Spratt and the congregation were very supportive.  Marilyn and I spoke for a few minutes after the service and then enjoyed fellowship with them.  KINY Capital Chat:  Matt Walker from KINY sent us an email asking if we would like to be on Capital Chat. He interviewed Marilyn and I on Friday October 16 and it aired Monday morning October 19. It went well and Matt later told us he moved to Juneau to start a Vineyard Church.

Hebrews 12:26-28 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

FROM OUR DIRECTOR

As fear spreads along with the Covid 19 virus, the stock market downturn, closures and cancelations left and right, we may be reminded of the words of Job, who said “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”  (Job 14:1)

While what Job said is generally true, let’s also remember Jesus’ words in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Similarly, Paul in his second letter to Timothy said ”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Psalmist shared with us great words of hope as well: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3) 

And “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

As Paul wrote to the church at Colossae “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”   (Colossians 3:15)

As we allow these reassuring scriptures to calm us in the midst of the emotional storms going on, and we encounter those who have no peace, let’s remember Peter’s encouragement to share the good news in his first letter: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”   (I Peter 3:15)   

God is firmly in control, and we can trust Him all circumstances. Thank you for your prayers, donations and volunteer service.                                                 

Guy Crockroft

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For information and resources on the Covid 19 pandemic go to our Need Help page for links containing information on local and national resources.

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TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRIES

As we embark on Transformational Ministries, we need people who are looking for a way to help out with the many different aspects of getting this ministry up and running. These areas are:   Board of Directors                                                Transportation Clearinghouse                                                       Teachers GAPS                                                                      Childcare Prayer Warriors                                                     Mentors Meals                                                                       Churches

Images from Homeless Connect

AFTER HOURS DROP

If you would like to make a donation to the Love INC Wearhouse but are unable to come during office hours, we do have an afterhours drop off available. All you have to do is call ahead to arrange for a staff member to meet with you. 

Call Monday, Wednesday or Friday between the hours of 11am – 3pm.

The Warehouse number is 907-780-4090

Fred Meyer Community Rewards

YOU CAN HELP LOVE INC OF JUNEAU EARN DONATIONS BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER REWARDS CARD!

Support Love INC of Juneau just by shopping at Fred Meyer with your Rewards Card. Fred Meyer is donating over $2 million each year – up to $550,000 each quarter – to the local schools, community organizations and nonprofits of your choice. All you have to do is link your Rewards Card and scan it every time you shop at Fred Meyer.

Here’s how the program works:

• Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Love INC of Juneau at: www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name.
• Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping Love INC of Juneau earn a donation!
• You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.
• If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.

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The following is our goal and mission for the Transformational Ministries:
Love INC is seeking God’s guidance in developing an ongoing ministry
that would help people with reaching goals, learning new skills and
sustaining self-sufficiency by connecting people to existing
classes/training in our community and partner churches.

As we come alongside people on this journey, we pray that they will
know the plans God has for them to give them a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11