Funds raised through September 2008 - $5,397.47
Projects funded – 2
A Project of the
The South King County Cluster
The Northwest Washington Synod, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(The idea and name of "Living Water" comes from Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood, WA)
Water, water – everywhere! Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with the amount of rain in Washington! It’s hard to believe that many people in our world are desperate for water every day. We are so fortunate to have clean water available from a tap to wash our clothes, to take hot showers and to drink. Water reminds us of God’s abundant love for us – in baptism we receive new life in Christ, when Jesus speaks to the woman at the well about living water and never thirsting again, in Revelation the scene of God’s Restored Kingdom has a River of Life flowing through it.
Some facts about water in our world today:
- More than 1 billion people still lack access to clean water
- Each day women and girls walk an average of 3 miles to find water for their families
- Over 4,000 children die daily from diseases and parasites from dirty water
These statistics can be overwhelming. They can also call us to action.
Living Water – what is it?
Living Water – Small Change for Big Change is an opportunity for all people to work toward solutions of clean water for others. By collecting coins we can include everyone’s gifts and begin to help one community at a time. While a pocket of change doesn’t seem like much – it can quickly add up to something worthwhile.
Watch it multiply:
If each family brought $1 in small change a week
– in a month our congregation could raise enough to build a latreen at a school
– in 6 months a rainwater collection system could be installed in a community
– in a year a well could be drilled for a village
By combining with Nativity, Cross & Crown, Kent, Lakeridge and St Matthew’s Lutheran Churches our opportunity to provide clean water exponentially increases!
How can I participate?
Set a small jar, bowl or basket in your house for your family to begin saving coins. Bring your change each week and leave your offering in the watering can. You can bring it forward as you enter church and prepare for worship, as you walk to or from communion or as you are ready to leave the sanctuary after worship.