Normandale House

Check out the first edition of The Normandale House Log!

Judy Henderson—Serving Normandale House and Serving Christ!

You may have seen her at church when she is making quilts to give to needy families. She loves to sew and she loves to use her skills to serve others for Christ.

Judy Henderson is now serving Christ at Normandale House. She meets once a week with one of our residents to teach her how to sew. Judy taught her how to sew pillows for her kids and her dad. There were tears of joy on our resident’s face as she exclaimed, “This is the first time that I have made a present to give to my kids!”

We all have skills, that when shared, can change a life!

Church Volunteer

At our shelter, Our Saviour’s… Home for everyone, with out, anything at all…
But, dreams, deep, sleepless, longings, dwindling hope.
Then comes the moment, we are always waiting for.
The speakers sing a song, dinner, dinner, turn the TV off.
We run, we jump, a moment, always on time, something we can count on, like our past lives, sweet love, joy, home.
The volunteers, although different every day look always exactly the same.
Beautiful angels.
Flesh and blood, huge wings folded neatly on their backs, light glowing, all around them, serving utensils in hand, smiling at us all.
They come from different churches, mothers, fathers, and their children too.
They ask for nothing, but give all.
Their hearts, are visible, they share what they made, what they have, plus more.
Good food, fills the belly, warms the soul. . . . . Amen.

S.Z. (Our Saviour’s Shelter Guest)

Greetings from Normandale House!

I am truly thankful for the support our Housing Ministry has received over the years. We have been able to support and minister to 42 families who have come through Normandale House. Families who were homeless and without shelter, families we sought and welcomed into our church family and a community rebirth in the Phillips neighborhood.

The past five years have been particularly gracious because you, the members and friends, had the vision and wisdom to create Marching off the Maps (MOM).

Through MOM we have been able to actually address the issues of poverty and homelessness by assembling a ministry staff to assist families through transitional housing at Normandale House. The Housing Ministry staff has also helped to facilitate church member involvement in living out the gospel through more direct relationship with families.

In 2007, we took a leap of faith, acquiring affordable housing with our Elliot Avenue homes. Elliot Avenue has provided 16 additional families with affordable housing, allowing them an opportunity to continue building a life of self-sufficiency. To date, no one has returned to homelessness.

So, to continue the work, this year the Give Hope campaign has been launched.

Look for campaign information at the Welcome center. Or click here to print the Give Hope pledge card.

You may also contract Rod Wooten @ 952-693-8303 or rod@normluth.org for information on the Give Hope campaign.

What is Give Hope?

• A call to volunteer.
• An opportunity to build relationships between church and community.
• A celebration of success when the mission of helping the poor is an expression of our blessing.
• Funding to support housing ministry staff and programs.

We need your help!

I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I tell you the truth, when you did to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! Matthew 25: 35, 40 NLT

"Without Normandale I would not have been able to do it alone, going from homeless to 'homeness,' from jobless to having three Minnesota teaching certificates and a stable job."
Henriette, past Normandale resident

"It is worthwhile because I believe service to humanity is the best work of life and an expression of God’s love. Working at Normandale is graphic evidence of the truth of this belief. God’s peace."
John Burkholder, Normandale church member

Rod Wooten, Executive Director
Phil Larson, Volunteer Coordinator
Val Pruitt, Case Manager

Normandale House Support Team needed: a couple or two individuals

We need a support team who will meet regularly with our new family at Normandale House. This support team, with the Case Manager, helps the family reach their goals. If you feel called to serve in this ministry or would like more information, please contact Phil Larson at 952-929-1697 or phil@normluth.org. Please prayerfully consider this call to service. Thank you!

Reading Buddies

Each of us Reading Buddies has developed a special friendship with our buddy. It is an amazing feeling, looking at your buddy grow during the year. Some start out shy and quiet, and by the end of the year have developed a confidence in themselves. My buddy, KC, is one of the sweetest kids I have ever known. He started out shy, and not talking. I vowed that I would get him to talk, and by the end of the year, he did! He has shown me that maybe you don’t have to talk a lot, but you can still have more to say then anyone else.

Another fond memory is when we took the kids to get Christmas presents for their parents. The things they bought them were hilarious. Two of the little girls, Cyna and Ajia, insisted that their mom would love a Barbie doll, until we finally convinced them to put it back. Instead, they picked out a two foot giant nutcracker, purple puff-ball scarf, and chocolate. Those two girls could always make me laugh.

On the last day of Reading Buddies, we took the kids and their families to Snuffy’s Malt Shop. Twenty some kids, countless milkshakes, and only one spill. Not bad. I think that that one spill represents the improvement everyone has made throughout the year, the kids, and the Reading Buddies.

One of my greatest moments at Reading Buddies was at the end, with my buddy KC. The kids were allowed to pick two books to bring home with them, and KC picked the one we always read together. At that moment, I realized how much we have both influenced and helped each other. I can’t wait until next year! Anna Schmiel, 9th grade

What do you like about Reading Buddies ?
“Jill!!” (his reading buddy), Akeem, age 8
“The buddies!” K.C., age 3

What was your favorite book this year?
“Goodnight Moon” Keeshan, age 3
“Firetruck” Ajia, age 4

What is the most rewarding part of being a Reading Buddy?
“ Reading Buddies is the best part of my week!” Jill, 9th grade
“It’s a fun way to connect with the kids.” Reilly, 8th grade
“Hanging out with the kids and sharing my childhood books with them.” Maitland, 12th grade
“Teaching the kids music.” Sun Bin, 9th grade

Reading Buddies work with the children; Family Friends and Support Teams assist the residents. Other opportunities range from helping with the house to teaching special skills.

Reading Buddies will continue to be a weekly service opportunity for 10-12th grade students who want to help Normandale House youth with their homework, but with a few extras.

What we will do is: help with homework, eat dinner and play a game.

What we want: 10-12th grade students willing to give 2, 3 or 4 Mondays a month to this awesome program. We will meet at the church at 5:30 pm and ride together down to Normandale House. We will be with our new friends until 7:30 pm when we head back to Normandale Church.

Total time commitment: 2.5 hours, between 5:30-8:00 pm.

Look for an informational letter in the mail soon and come join the fun.

Blessings,

Rod Wooten                             .
Executive Director                  
rod@normluth.org                 
952-693-8303                         

Valerie Pruitt, M.A
Resident Case Manager
valerie@normluth.org
612-872-4021 x 32/31

Steve Hanson, Youth Director - For more information on Reading Buddies
steve@normluth.org
952-929-1697 ext 28