Brotherly Love Ministry
Barrel of Love A barrel was shipped to Liberia in June. It contained 55 children’s books, 60 pairs of flip flops, 12 pairs of slipper socks, coloring books, crayons, pencils, and 550 empty pill bottles. In addition to the barrel, 9 boxes of medical supplies, 3 canes, 2 pairs of crutches and 5 walkers were also shipped to Liberia.
Empty Bill Bottle Collection A box to collect empty pill bottles will be at the front ramp entrance until mid-November. Another Barrel of Love will be shipped to Liberia in late November.
New Project We will be sewing young girls’ dresses to ship to Africa. More details to come in the near future. In the meantime, we are looking for any interested sewers and/or pattern cutters! If you have these talents and are willing to help, please contact Kim Vaupel, Sandy Schantz or Kathy Soska.
History: The “Barrels of Love” ministry was founded in 2001, a time when the end of the civil war in Liberia was in sight and Dr. Chris Hena (who was stationed in Kazakhstan at that time) requested children’s books to replace those destroyed during the war. Several thousand books were collected in that first Barrels of Love shipment. Today, “Barrels of Love” sends shipments of clothing, medical supplies, books, and more to our friends in rural Liberia. See more: Barrels of Love
OCTOBER UPDATE - HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Most trick or treating and Halloween activities occur in the evening when it is dark outside which increases the risk for injury. It is a fact that children are 4 times more likely to be involved in a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween than any other day of the year. Children, adults, and drivers need to be extra cautious to keep everyone safe when having Halloween fun outside. By following some simple Halloween safety tips, children and adults can have a fun , safe and Happy Halloween!
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
1.Trick or treaters need to be seen, so use make-up instead of masks, carry a flashlight, add reflective tape to costumes and bags, and wear light-colored clothing.
2. Costumes should be flame-resistant, fit well and not be too long to prevent trip and falls.
3. Walk, don’t run! Stay on the sidewalks, not the street. If a sidewalk is not available, walk at the edge of the road facing traffic.
4. Look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at the corner. Be alert for cars driving in the neighborhood!
5. Don’t cut across yards, go between parked cars, or use alleys.
6. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Older children should use the buddy system or travel in a group if an adult is not present. Adults should be familiar with the neighborhood their children are using for trick or treat. Older children should have a cell phone available to call an adult or 911 for assistance if needed.
7. Be cautious around animals (especially dogs) when walking in the neighborhood or when a neighbor opens the door to hand out a treat-even the friendliest dog can bite when placed under stress like being around new people or from the noise of the doorbell.
8. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats only at the door - never go inside a stranger’s home.
9. An adult should check the candy and treats before a child starts eating – adults should remove loose candy, open packages, or any choking hazards. Watch treats for any allergies (like peanuts) a child may have.
10. If you are planning to welcome trick or treaters to your home, turn on your porch light and light the area by your door well so children can see any obstacles on your property. Remove any debris from your driveway, sidewalk, and steps to prevent falls.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS
1. Slow down! Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit in residential areas to give yourself more time to react.
2. Eliminate distractions. Put away the cell phone and avoid loud music or passengers acting as distraction.
3. Turn on headlights at dusk to spot children from farther away.
4. Watch driveways, sidewalks, and corner intersections for children walking. Watch for children running into the street!
5. Do not pass vehicles stopped in the road - the driver may be dropping off or picking up children.
6. If possible, take an alternate route to get to your destination in order to avoid high-traffic neighborhoods during trick-or-treat hours.
Halloween is a fun time of the year, and children, adults and drivers need to remember that safety is the number one priority as you celebrate!
Happy Halloween! May peace and good health be with you all!
Kim Vaupel, RN
OFFICE HOURS:
Office hours are from 9 am to 10:15 am every Sunday, September through May. Please feel free to stop by during this time to talk, or I am available by phone call or text as needed. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 484-223-7324.
WHERE TO FIND:
AED (defibrillator) is mounted on the wall by the AED sign. There is an emergency supply kit and a diabetic emergency supply kit on the table next to the pew in the Chapel. If you enter the Chapel from the doorway in the hallway by the sanctuary, the table with the emergency care kits will be on your right. This is a more central location than the previous one in the event of an emergency. When you are next at church, please take a minute to locate the emergency equipment.
First Aid kits are in all restrooms and the Sunday School classroom. There is also a first aid kit in the rear of the sanctuary on a table below the bulletin board, and in the kitchen on the counter in Fellowship Hall (downstairs). Feminine hygiene products are available in all restrooms except for the Men’s restroom in the Sunday School wing.
The Brotherly Love Ministry bulletin board is by the front ramp entrance to the church.
