Friday, December 17, 2010

Love INC News Clip



Catch a glimpse of Love INC in action.  If you missed it, here's a video of Love INC in the news (12/14/10), as featured on our local NBC Channel, KTVM 6 & 42.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

KTVM News Tonight!

Filming the Intake Office in operation.
Gallatin County Love INC will be featured on the news tonight, December 14, on KTVM Channel 6 & 42.  The news program will run at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.  Additionally, the Love INC feature will run on the regional broadcast out of Missoula at 5 p.m.  So, tune in to KTVM, Channel 6 & 42 tonight to see Love INC in action!

News reporter Jessica Debbas has been working on the Love INC feature.  News footage was shot of the Personal Care Pantry, the Clothes Closet and the Love INC Client Intake Office in operation.  Several volunteers and Executive Director Nancy VanDyken were interviewed.  A young couple whom Love INC has helped is planned to be a part of the feature.  

The news feature also is expected to be available later on the tv station's website:  http://www.ktvm.com/

Monday, December 6, 2010

This Weekend: Last Chance!

This coming weekend is the final two days of Love INC's 2010 Christmas Village Tour.  Wander at your own pace through a grand home completely transformed into a Christmas wonderland! Every room decorated from ceiling to floor, with a different theme in each room! Complete Collections of Christmas Villages ~ Dozens of Scenes ~ 1,000 Lighted Buildings ~ Animations! All brought to life with characters, vehicles, landscaping and more!

Spread the word! Tours will be held on Dec. 11 & 12, Noon - 5 pm at 6931 S. 19th Ave. (North & Across from Nash Rd.). Tickets: $10/individual or $25/family, available at Bozeman Hallmark Stores, Van’s IGA, Heeb’s Grocery, Lee & Dad’s (Belgrade) and at the door. Parking is limited; please carpool if possible.

This is an fun and interesting event for everyone!  All proceeds go to support Love INC's ministry to the needy of Gallatin County.

(The Tour involves several stairways and is not handicap accessible. No strollers allowed. Children must be supervised by an adult.)

Friday, December 3, 2010

Shelley Spady Concert to Benefit Love INC

Join Shelley Spady in concert at Grace Bible Church, Tuesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m., to hear songs from her latest CD title "The Best Part of December". The evening is sure to warm hearts in preparation for the holiday season!

The concert is free.  A love offering will be taken and proceeds will be donated to Love INC.   You can also bring personal care items to support Love INC's Personal Care Pantry. If you need information on what type of items to bring, please call Love INC at 406-587-3008 or email loveincoffice@yahoo.com

In January 2009, Shelley released, "The Business of Living", with Big Splash Records, which is a compilation of songs about the joys and struggles of everyday life.

This December, she has new project called, "The Best Part of December". The new CD contains original songs she wrote as well as old standards that we all know and love. It is sure to be a heartwarming experience for this holiday season.

Shelley Spady is a native Californian, who attended Long Beach State University.  After graduation, she realized that there was a calling upon her life.  She was to share God's comfort and encouragement through music.  Although she had no formal musical training, she soon learned that through God, all things are possible.  She joined a worship team at Calvary Chapel in West Covina, California, and was encouraged  to do an album of her own.  Within months, Shelley was offered a record deal with Daywind Music Group in Nashville, Tennessee.  She completed two projects with Daywind Music before leaving and joining Big Splash Records, an independent label, also located in Nashville.  Shelley has travelled extensively across the United States and Canada. To sample her music, go to Shelleyspady.com, cdbaby.com or itunes.
Please come and enjoy some wonderful music while benefiting Love INC’s ministry to our neighbors in need.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Handel's Messiah Community Sing

First Presbyterian Church in Bozeman, a Love INC Partner Church, will present a choral rendition of "Handel's Messiah" on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. at the church (26 W. Babcock).  Come and listen to this glorious musical proclamation of the Savior's birth!  This is a wonderful Christmas tradition for the entire family to enjoy.

If you would like to sing in the choir, you are warmly invited to join in!  Soloists have already been selected; the choir will sing the chorus of the Christmas section. 

Lead choir rehearsal will be Saturday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. at the church.  If you need a score or have questions, please call Kathy @ 539-3491.  Share your talents, lifting your voice to proclaim Christ as "King of kings, and Lord of lords... hallelujah!"  (Everyone is welcome to sing along from the pews on Sunday afternoon.). 

There is no admission charge.  A free will offering will be taken to benefit First Presbyterian Church Music Ministry and Gallatin County Love INC. 

Please join First Presbyterian Church in their 9th year of offering this very special community event.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Christmas Village Helpers Needed

Love INC's Christmas Village Tour is coming! 

Tour grand home completely transformed into a Christmas wonderland!  Every room decorated from ceiling to floor, with a different theme in each room!  Complete Collections of Christmas Villages ~ Dozens of Scenes ~ 1,000 Lighted Buildings ~ Animations!  All brought to life with characters, vehicles, landscaping and more!

Now calling for volunteers!  Helpers are needed to make the tour possible!  Donate 2 1/2 hours of your time to take one shift.  Volunteer jobs each shift: either direct tour-goers into the house from the entry area, or guide/watch in a room, or work the parking lot.  Your service will help raise needed funds - 100% of the funds raised from the Tour go to support the mission and operations of Love INC. 

All Christmas Village Tour helpers will receive an orientation and private viewing of the entire Christmas Village home.  Call Love INC (587-3008) or email loveincoffice@yahoo.com if you can help; you'll receive a personal phone call back to answer questions and provide you with needed details.  (All Love INC volunteers are members of Christian churches in Gallatin County.)

Spread the word!  Tours will be held on Dec. 4, 11 & 12, Noon - 5 pm at 6931 S. 19th Ave. (North & Across from Nash Rd.).  Tickets: $10/individual or $25/family, available at Bozeman Hallmark Stores, Van’s IGA, Heeb’s Grocery, Lee & Dad’s (Belgrade) and at the door.  Parking is limited; please carpool if possible. 

Please note: the Tour involves several stairways and is not handicap accessible.  No strollers allowed.  Children must be supervised by an adult.   

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Thanks-4-Giving

Thanks-4-Giving: what started three years ago as a small Hawthorne School project, has now turned into an annual Bozeman community event that redistributes literally tons of clothing.   Schools throughout the area collect gently worn clothing, infant through adult, each November. The clothes are then made available to everyone during the two-day "Thanks-4-Giving" event.

This is a good opportunity to look at your closets and see what clothes and shoes you and your family no longer use.  Items should be sorted and labeled according to gender and size.  Donated clothing will be accepted at individual schools and at Willson School November 18 and 19 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Clothing will be available for people to acquire (like a "free garage sale") on Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sunday, November 21 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Willson School Gymnasium(404 W. Main in Bozeman). Everyone is invited to come and take items that their family can use.  No donation needed.  Thanks-4-Giving is a collaboration of area school volunteers and students.  

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Relational Ministry & YOU!


Lots of Christians, lots of pieces of the puzzle,
to surround & transform the lives of our neighbors
who are struggling to navigate life.
Relational Ministry! Have you heard about it involving interested Gallatin County churches of the Love INC network?  Find out what's going on and what it means to YOUR church at the informational meetings: Oct. 30 at noon (sack lunch), Nov. 4 at noon (sack lunch), and Nov. 9 at 7 pm. Love INC is holding these meetings in Christ the King Lutheran Church's fellowship hall (4383 Durston Road, Bozeman).

Relational Ministry is all about transformation, accountability, and moving out of neediness. Every Christian has a role in this kind of helping ministry (perhaps even without leaving your home).  It's a workable way, using a proven model, to put faith into action, help your neighbors and transform lives.

Instructors, mentors, drivers (transportation), reading to a preschooler, helpers for setup/cleanup, "tool time" teachers, greeters, records/administrative helpers, teaching a craft, delivery persons, snacks providers, helpers to mail and make copies, childcare, suppliers of coffee and tea, trainers, event organizers, team captains, and much more! What would YOU like to do? Love INC needs YOU and YOUR skills/ideas for Relational Ministry!

Come find out what it's all about. Informational meetings will be held Oct. 30 at noon (sack lunch), Nov. 4 at noon (sack lunch), and Nov. 9 at 7 pm. Love INC is holding these meetings in Christ the King Lutheran Church's fellowship hall (4383 Durston Road, Bozeman). Get in on the ground floor of this invigorating way of serving others! Offer your ideas! Catch the vision! Come to a meeting or call Lee at 587-6395 ext. 110 for more info.

Eagle Scout Gives to Love INC

Love INC recently benefited by the work of a young Eagle Scout candidate!

For his Eagle Scout project, Warden Maggard of Bozeman approached Love INC to see what he could do to enhance the service Love INC provides and to help support the staff and volunteers. 

Warden worked with staff to select two projects: planning for and landscaping the front of Love INC's office with flowering bushes, and building a hexagonal picnic table for staff and volunteers to use for breaks or outdoor meetings.  Warden asked area businesses to donate the shrubs and building supplies and to help him plan the project. 

Earlier this summer, Warden planted the shrubs and they have beautified our entrance.  The picnic table was finished and delivered in late September. 

Warden has a few more administrative steps to complete with the Scouts to earn his Eagle Scout badge.  We wish him the best and thank him for making Love INC an even more inviting place at which volunteers can joyfully serve!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Business Meeting Oct. 8

Love INC's Annual Business Meeting will be held this Friday, October 8, at 7 a.m., at Christ the King Lutheran Church (4383 Durston Rd. in Bozeman).

At least one representative from each Love INC partner church should attend.  The slate for the 2011 Board of Directors will be voted upon by official representatives (usually Church Ministry Coordinators) from Love INC partner churches. Updates on the ministry and an overview of Relational Ministry development will be presented. 

Pastors, church leaders, and Love INC volunteers are invited as well.   The meeting usually lasts about an hour. A continental breakfast will be served.  The Annual Business Meeting is held in accord with the Love INC by-laws.   See you soon!

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Inside View

Put your computer skills to use for the Lord in the Love INC Ministry Center!  If you like working alone on a computer, are a detail-oriented person with clear thinking skills, and can type accurately to enter data from a paper form, Love INC has a key volunteer position awaiting you.

Work from the inside and see the client needs and volunteer response through this highly confidential position.  Provide quality assurance through review of client cases during data entry.  Few positions at Love INC provide a more thorough "inside look" at hurting lives and the wonderful Christian response than this position. 

You can pick your day(s) and time (weekday, any time between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.), with a shift of at least 2 hours/week.  Flexible scheduling, if needed.  Love INC is seeking one dedicated individual who will take this on as his/her own ministry of outreach, serving through Love INC behind the scenes.

Please contact the office via email: loveincoffice@yahoo.com before October 1.  You can have a meaningful and significant ministry doing just what you like to do. 

Note: All Love INC volunteers are members of local Christian Churches who can agree with the faith outlined in the Apostles' Creed.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Taize Service

Christ the King Lutheran Church (4383 Durston Road), a Love INC partner church, will hold an evening Taize service on Sunday, September 19 at 7:00pm.  The church invites the public to come and worship in a meditative, non-denominational service that incorporates passages from Scripture and beautiful chants to create a peaceful worship experience. 

All are welcome to attend/participate in this unique service. Please call Christa Sheasby at 581-3996 for further details.

Monday, September 13, 2010

It's A Girl!

Congratulations to Chiara Schober and her husband, Tim, on the birth of their first child, a daughter.  Chiara is the Administrative Assistant to the Director at Love INC.

Baby Lillian Carol was born at 9:05 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 7, weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz.   We thank God for this new life and pray for God's blessings on the parents.

Chiara plans to take two months off for maternity leave and will return to work at Love INC in November.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A Winner!

Congratulations to Love INC Partner Church, Mt. Ellis Seventh Day Adventist!  Its day school, Mt. Ellis Academy, finished in 10th place in the recent "Kohl's Cares" contest!   Schools needing funds for major projects were in competition to receive the most votes from supporters in a contest conducted on Facebook.  The voting closed on Sept. 3.

By finishing as one of the top 20 vote-receiving schools, Mt. Ellis will be awarded a $500,000 grant for much needed work:  the school plans to use the grant money to replace its sewer system which dates back to the early 1950's.

Kohl's is verifying all the contest data and voting right now, so these are unofficial results.  (We hope and pray the results hold.)

Many thanks to everyone who voted to support this Christian day school!

Upcoming Annual Business Meeting

Advance Notice!  The Love INC Annual Business Meeting will be held on October 8, at 7 a.m., at Christ the King Lutheran Church (4383 Durston Rd. in Bozeman).  The meeting usually lasts about an hour.  A continental breakfast will be served.  Please mark your calendars!

At the Business Meeting, the slate for the 2011 Board of Directors will be voted upon by official representatives (usually Church Ministry Coordinators) from Love INC partner churches.  Updates on the ministry and an overview of Relational Ministry development will be presented.  It's important for some members from each partner church to attend the business meeting, as required by our by-laws.

Pastors, church leaders, and Love INC volunteers especially are encouraged to attend.  Church Ministry Coordinators (CMCs) need to be present in order to vote on the Board nominees.   See you in October!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Youth Issues

On Sept. 18, Belgrade Alliance Church, a partner church of Love INC, will offer a showing of the movie, "To Save a Life," which deals with teenage suicide, depression, cutting, drugs, pregnancy, partying and social status, as well as being a real Christian.  The movie, released but not shown in Bozeman, is rated PG-13 (anyone under 13 will not be admitted without a parent).  The church is inviting the community, especially youth, to come and see the movie.  A free dinner is included!

Belgrade Alliance says, "We know that each church impacts various kids.  We would love for pastors and leaders of other churches to be at the showing to be ready to help any kids that they already interact and have a relationship with.  We welcome them to bring their youth group."

The LA Times calls this movie, "Appealing, poignant and inspiring."  It is having a significant impact on youth.  Some info, including a trailer and stories of youth affected, can be found at http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/.  

Please call Belgrade Alliance Church, 388-6030, for more details.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Mt Ellis Needs Your Vote

Mt Ellis Academy, a school associated with three Love INC partner churches (Mt. Ellis, Bozeman and Belgrade Seventh Day Adventist Churches) is in the running to receive a large grant from Kohl's.  Kohl's will award the top 20 vote-receiving schools with a grant for an important project.  As of today, it is ranked 17th in number of votes nationwide.

The school needs your on-line vote!  Voting closes Sept. 3.  Each person can vote up to 5 times for the school of their choice.  Mt. Ellis is the only school in Montana to receive so many votes, and, with your help, could win much-needed funds to repair, fix and upgrade its water and sewer system.

To vote, you must log in to Facebook.  Here is the link on Facebook to actually vote: http://apps.facebook.com/KohlsCares/search

Mt. Ellis Academy is located in the Bear Canyon area east of Bozeman.   Let's help this Bozeman area school, an education ministry of three Love INC partner churches, to acquire its much-needed infrastructure funding.  Please vote today!  (It only takes a couple of minutes on-line.)

DC4K

Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) helps children (ages 5-12) heal from the hurt caused by the separation or divorce of their parents, or abandonment by a parent.  One of Love INC's partner churches, Grace Bible Church, will once again offer this healing, caring program this fall. 

DC4K meets once a week for 13 weeks.  It will run Oct. 7-Jan. 20 (no classes on Nov. 25, Dec. 23, 30).  The program will be held at Grace Bible Church on South 19th Ave. in Bozeman.  The cost for workbooks is $12 per child or $20 per family; however, scholarships are available, if needed. 

DC4K is an interdenominational program developed by Church Initiative.  It uses DVD dramas, music, stories, activities and an understanding, compassionate relationship with the class leader to help children work through different feelings and issues experienced by parental separation and divorce, or abandonment by a parent.  Go to http://www.dc4k.org/ for a look at this Christian program. 

Registration is required by Oct. 4.  For more info, contact Grace Bible Church: 586-9782.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Easy Ways to Help

You can help a Gallatin County resident in a pinch! Love INC currently needs twin sheet sets (in good condition), especially for needy children.  Also needed: meat for emergency food situations.  Hunters: your game meat is most welcome. Call 587-6395 for donation information, or email loveincoffice@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Picnic Pics

The Love INC Luau - a picnic to thank and celebrate our volunteers - was held on August 10 at the River Rock Community Center in Belgrade.  A great group of faithful servants came together to visit, relax, and have a fun meal! 

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a plaque as the group thanked Bob DeYoung who recently retired as the Car Clinic lead mechanic and ministry coordinator.  Bob had served faithfully in this capacity for well over 12 years. 
 
About 70 people - wonderful volunteers and their families - attended the picnic.






 
















Friday, July 30, 2010

Relational Ministry Coordinator

With thanks to God, Gallatin County Love INC announces the hiring of Lee Ellingson as our Relational Ministry Coordinator.  In this position, Lee will work closely with the Executive Director, Nancy VanDyken, to help oversee the newly forming Relational Ministry program.  He brings with him a wealth of combined managerial and ministry experience.  Lee's work with Love INC begins Aug. 3, 2010.

Relational Ministry provides people in need with opportunities for life change through godly relationships with caring Christians who provide support, encouragement, and the love of Christ. The members of the Love INC partnership of churches create and operate an on-going, shared ministry of life transformation. Relational Ministry is a structured program with training for volunteers, regular classes and accountability for clients, and a place for a wide range of volunteer talents.

Through Relational Ministry, Love INC churches work together to address the deeper issues fueling the crisis of people in need.  Soon partner churches will be approached for an initial presentation of the concept of Relational Ministry, and to obtain insights into their outreach ministry priorities.  The Relational Ministry model has been used effectively in Love INC affiliates around the nation since 1991.  Churches embrace this outreach ministry as their volunteers mentor, train, and support individuals and families as they move toward the goal of self-sufficiency.  

Watch for more details about Relational Ministry in the weeks and months ahead as Love INC moves forward in presenting this significant ministry opportunity to partner churches.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Course Registration Opens

Love INC's Finding Financial Freedom course is now accepting applications for its autumn class.  The class runs Sept. 21 through Nov. 16, meeting each Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.  Childcare is provided.  Space is limited to 12 students, so early registration is advised.

Finding Financial Freedom course uses the best of money management principles, Biblical principles and Christian support.  It includes classroom instruction led by an experienced teacher, one-on-one mentoring, real life homework and activities to better one's financial situation, and more.  Each week a special surprise awaits students who arrive on time.

The class is open to any resident of Gallatin County, regardless of income level, including church members, who would like to improve their money management skills.  Contact Love INC at loveincoffice@yahoo.com to register.

Receptionists Needed

Have you ever wondered how you can serve Christ and help your neighbors?  Have you wanted to make a difference in our community?  The Love INC phone lines are ringing and you can be the "voice of Christ" to answer a call for help.

If you can answer a phone, take messages and serve two hours per week (or more) in the office, you can have a ministry in a key Love INC position as a phone receptionist -- the front lines of Love INC.   All Love INC ministry begins with a phone call.  You can serve Christ behind the scenes, surrounded by caring Christians.

Please contact the office today via email:  loveincoffice@yahoo.com  for information or to volunteer.  You will receive training and assistance in the position.  Several receptionist shifts are open during each week, which means the phones are ringing with no one to answer them.

A resident of Gallatin County with a need is calling Christians for help and hope.  Can you take a shift and answer the phone?

(Note: All Love In the Name of Christ volunteers are practicing Christians who regularly attend a local Christian church and can subscribe to the faith outlined in the Apostles' Creed.)

Friday, July 16, 2010

Love INC Luau!

Calling all Love INC Volunteers!  Mark your August calendars! The 2nd Annual Love INC Volunteer Appreciation Picnic will begin at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 10, at the River Rock Community Center (101 River Rock Road, Belgrade).

Again this year, all current Love INC volunteers (who have completed a Talent Tithe) are invited to a lively and informal evening of food, fellowship and fun - a celebration with a tropical flare! Bring your family along!  No program, no responsibilities - just a good time together with your fellow servants in Christ. 

Love INC will provide hot dogs, brats, and beverages (and a great luau atmosphere).  Please bring a salad and/or dessert to share.  Love INC Board Members and staff will serve YOU!  See you there!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Comfort & Hope Life Group

Eat, share, pray...  Evangelical Free Church of Bozeman invites you!   You are warmly invited to come to a small group where people will encourage each other respectfully in fellowship and prayer, seeking God's comfort, hope and strength in the challenges of serious illness. 

The group will meet weekly on Wednesdays at noon at the church (1701 S. 19th Ave.) in classroom #102.  Refreshments will be provided, or bring your own lunch if you'd like.  Questions and info: call Marie 556-0201.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Change for... Life Change

Coming soon!  Keep an eye out for the new "Change for... Life Change" banks!  Pocket change deposited in the banks will be used to support Love INC's ministries, including Finding Financial Freedom and Relational Ministry development -- programs designed to make positive changes in the lives of our neighbors in need.

The banks will soon appear in partner churches and local businesses as Love INC Church Ministry Coordinators and volunteers place them in strategic locations.  

You can help!  Not only is this a good place to put your pocket change, you can encourage others to use the banks.  Even kids' pennies and nickels can help bring hope and change in another person's life.  Everyone can experience the joy of giving.  If you do not see the bank appear in your church, or if you know of a business that would be willing to put a bank on its counter, please call Lawlee at 587-6395.   

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

News from Nicaragua

Vital & Kelty Pierre, missionaries to Nicaragua, will speak at First Baptist Church in Bozeman, a Love INC Partner Church, on Sunday, June 20, at 4 p.m.  The Pierre's will share about their missionary work and their recent work in Haiti after the earthquake.  Everyone is invited.

First Baptist Church is located at 120 S. Grand in Bozeman.  For more info: call 586-6179.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Love INC at Vietnam Vets Stand Down Event

Gallatin County Love INC will be a part of the upcoming Vietnam Veterans of America Stand Down Event. 

Stand Down is an event where veterans and their families, can "stand down" (rest) and receive free services, assistance, information, provisions and hot meals.   It will be held on Saturday, June 19, 9am-3pm, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.  All veterans (not only Vietnam veterans) and their families are welcome; it is also open to any person in need or homeless individual.

Love INC is supplying 100 towels for the event, which will be given to people who receive free shampoos and haircuts.  Fifteen barbers and beauticians will be on hand to serve. The towels from Love INC will be a gift to keep.

In addition, Love INC will have a display table in Building 3, offering information about our available services.  For more information about this event, contact George Morales of Vietnam Veterans of America at 580-8253.

Monday, June 14, 2010

International Author & Speaker at Partner Church

Renowned author and speaker, Fr. Meletios Webber, will be in Bozeman June 18-20 to speak on the ancient Christian practice of "The Prayer of the Heart." Everyone is invited to come and hear his talks at 5 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

The free presentations are sponsored by St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church (corner of Shedhorn and Spanish Peak Dr., Four Corners area). The donation of an item for Love INC's Personal Care Pantry would be welcome. 

Counselor, psychotherapist, teacher, priest, monk and spiritual director, Fr. Meletios examines personal transformation through spiritual means. His first book, Steps of Transformation, studied the program of Alcoholics Anonymous from an Orthodox Christian point of view.  Fr. Meletios was educated at Oxford and holds a doctorate in Psychological Counseling. He currently serves as the abbot of a monastery in California. For more info: call 581-5339.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Position Opening: Relational Ministry Coordinator

Gallatin County Love In the Name of Christ is committed to developing Relational Ministry.  Therefore, Love INC is seeking to hire a committed Christian with organization development and managerial experience to help coordinate and oversee this newly forming program.  

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated track record of building teams, ministries or organizations, and will possess strong listening skills, excellent public speaking abilities, detailed administrative and multi-tasking skills, and familiarity with recruiting and managing volunteers.

He or she must be able to work independently and cooperatively in a disciplined and highly organized manner.  Experience in counseling or ministering directly with persons in need a plus.  Bachelor's degree (or higher) preferred. 

This is a paid position reporting to the Executive Director.  Position will remain open until filled.  20 hours/week; one year contract (to be renewed, depending upon formation of Relational Ministry).   If Relational Ministry forms in Love INC's network of churches, this position likely will become a full-time, permanent position.

As a ministry partnership of, by and for local Christian churches and their members, all staff positions at Love In the Name of Christ are filled by practicing Christians who subscribe to the faith outlined in the Apostles' Creed.

Email requests for position description and application form to lawleeloveinc @ yahoo .  com  (with no spaces, of course; we publish the email address in this manner in order to avoid becoming the target of automatically generated spam).  Or, call Love INC at 587-6395.

Please pray for God to guide and direct Love INC's search for a Relational Ministry Coordinator.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

New Partner Church in West Yellowstone

The Community Protestant Church (PCUSA) in West Yellowstone became a Full Partner Church of Love In the Name of Christ at the Love INC board meeting on May 4.  What a blessing to have a partner church strategically poised and ready to respond to needs in their unique community, located at the gateway of our nation's oldest national park!

Resources from the other Love INC partner churches to the north (in and around Bozeman) and individual Christians around Gallatin County will be connected through Love INC to supply the Community Protestant Church with goods and products to serve their neighbors.  Likewise, Love INC will provide ministry/service opportunities to the church, connecting them with people with verified needs in the own community. 

Four members of the West Yellowstone congregation traveled the 90 miles to Bozeman to attend Love INC's Plant the Seed Dinner in early May.  Love INC staff and representative board members will visit the church for a Love INC Awareness Day on June 13.

Welcome, CPC of West Yellowstone!

If your church is not yet a Full Partner of Love INC, or if you are unsure whether your church is, please email us: loveincoffice@yahoo.com. All Full Partner churches of Love INC are Christian congregations that subscribe to the faith described by the Apostles' Creed.  For more information, visit http://www.loveincgc.org/.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

PTS Dinner Thank You

Thank you to everyone who worked hard and contributed to Love INC's fundraising banquet on May 4! The auctions (silent and live auctions) raised more than $16,000 to support Love INC’s service to transform the lives of our neighbors in need.

Many people express interest in knowing how the dinner went.  The attendance, with 61 hosted tables, was the second highest in our 15-year history!  The Plant the Seed event as a whole raised more than $50,000 for Love INC.  Here is the breakdown (these are rounded, preliminary numbers of gross receipts):

  • Table Hosts: $11,600
  • Business Sponsorships: $12,000
  • Auctions (live and silent): $16,200
  • Offering: $14,800
  • Total PTS Dinner:   $54,600
Thank you!  The commitment and gracious support of God's people are wonderful blessings!  We trust God will use these gifts to further His purposes as we seek to follow His will. 

The funds raised will be used to serve local residents who suffer a variety of needs.  During 2010, we will offer a program called "Relational Ministry" to local churches, designed to equip congregations to work with and move people with chronic needs into a new place of wholeness and ability (to move them out of chronic need).  Please pray for Love INC as we seek church involvement to build this significant program during the coming year.

Again, many thanks to everyone who has "planted the seed" for Love INC to serve and grow during 2010!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Plant the Seed Dinner Reservations

The 2010 Plant the Seed Dinner will be held on May 4 at the MSU Strand Union Ballroom.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a silent auction; the dinner program begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Partner churches are submitting fantastic Theme Packages that will be auctioned either at the silent auction or in a live auction.  A full, served meal will be provided.  Ministry booths will be available for viewing Love INC activities.  Don't miss out on hearing the plans for 2010 as Relational Ministry is introduced.  Join your friends, meet the Board of Directors, find out what remarkable things God is doing through Love In the Name of Christ.

To reserve your table and gather with 500 Christians from across Gallatin County, call Love INC today or email loveincoffice @ yahoo.com (with no spaces).  This is a table hosted event - a person, couple or group serve as a table host by purchasing a table of 8 meals or a table of 10 meals, and then inviting others to join them.  A table of 8 is $200; a table of 10 is $250.  Reservations are required.   Deadline: April 26.  Call and reserve your table today!

Iowa College Loves Bozeman

Putting Love Into Action – ten students from Dordt College in Iowa came to Bozeman to serve Love INC in March.  This service group, PLIA, spent their spring break painting, cleaning, building shelves, collecting Personal Care Pantry items from the community, sorting, stocking, delivering items to clients and rearranging our office space for us.  They ministered to the elderly at Mountain View Care Center. 

They processed donated items and they delivered "thank you" gifts (shamrocks) to Love INC partner churches.  They put together and donated a Theme Basket for Love INC's upcoming Plant the Seed Dinner.  The students even purchased building materials and paint from their own funds!  So much was accomplished to enhance the ministry of Love INC! 

The students were housed at First Presbyterian Church in Bozeman where they also helped with a library book sale and prepared and served a Wednesday Lenten meal.  Dean Garbenis (Christian Center) supervised and coordinated the student outreach for Love INC. 

Love INC thanks these students: Amy Parish, Bekah Van Maanen, Bryan Visser, Derek Brumfield, Hannah Hart, Jason Stuhrenberg, Karisa Vander Groef, Kelsey Reitsma, Rachel Endicott, Stephen Pederson for all the help!  And thanks to everyone who serves in the Name of Christ! With God’s blessing, amazing things can be accomplished with willing hands and the gift of donated time and effort!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Auto Mechanic: A Ministry Leader

Love INC is looking for an experienced auto mechanic to serve as the lead volunteer in our Car Clinic ministry.  After serving since Love INC's beginnings, Bob DeYoung, our Car Clinic master mechanic, is seeking to retire.

This is a volunteer position. The Car Clinic operates one Saturday per month, usually for about a half day.  Clients are screened and make their appointments in advance through the Love INC office.  Car repairs are limited to a number of specified, manageable types. 

The Car Clinic leader needs to be a dedicated person with appropriate experience and skills, who will work with a team of volunteer mechanics, as well as serve as the main information resource for the Car Clinic.  He/she must be a member of a local Christian church. 

Car repair can be a killer for our neighbors in need.  Car clinic mechanics have a great time together, spending one Saturday morning a month making a difference in people's lives. Please contact Love INC and use your skills to lead a ministry!  loveincoffice@yahoo.com

Friday, March 12, 2010

Board-Staff Planning Retreat

The Board of Directors and staff met on March 5-6 for Love INC's annual planning retreat.

This year's agenda was jam-packed as the group worked hard over the two days to focus on the development of Relational Ministry. Much prayer had preceded the retreat for God to guide and direct the plans and discussions.

Relational Ministry is a higher level of operation for Love INC. It seeks to involve many churches and volunteers in the education and mentoring of neighbors in need. The purpose of Relational Ministry is to "teach a person to fish" (transformation) rather than merely to "give a person a fish" (emergency relief).

Pastor Brian Empie (River Valley Christian Fellowship) used his expertise and giftedness to facilitate the discussions and brainstorming.

As invited guests, Ginny Ferre' (Coordinator of Love INC's Finding Financial Freedom program) and Pastor Bryan Clark (Gallatin Valley Presbyterian Church) contributed input and insights with their presentations on Friday.

With thanks to God, Love INC now has a plan in place to begin the hard work of moving to a deeper level of involvement in clients' lives -- all for the purpose of mobilizing Christian churches and transforming lives in the Name of Christ.

After the intense work, the Board and staff left on Saturday afternoon with agreed goals and steps to follow for the year. Pastor Bill Kern (Gallatin Valley Christian Church) and Executive Director Nancy VanDyken celebrated with a ride om Pastor Bill's motorcycle.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Now Hiring: Position Opening at Love INC

Gallatin County Love In the Name of Christ is seeking a skilled and experienced Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director.  This is a new position with responsibility solely to providing administrative support to the Director.  It is a part-time, paid position.  Candidates must agree with Love INC's statement of faith and core values.  A position description, core values and application form are available by emailing loveincoffice@yahoo.com.   Join Love INC today and put your skills to use in this vibrant and growing Christian ministry!  Deadline for applying is March 31, 2010.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Save the Date

Mark you calendars now and plan to join the fun at the 15th Annual Plant the Seed Dinner on Tuesday, May 4.  Lively auction, creative theme packages from churches, friends and fellowship, news and updates, plus special surprises... and a served meal.  Doors open for a silent auction at 5:30 pm.  The dinner will be held at the MSU Strand Union ballroom.  Will YOU be the lucky winner and go home with a beautiful, live floral centerpiece?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Welcome, Partner!

Belgrade Alliance Church officially became a Full Partner of Love In the Name of Christ at a recent Love INC board meeting.  As a full partner, the church has signed a covenant agreement with Love INC and assumes responsibility for this ministry; has committed to support Love INC financially; has a Church Ministry Coordinator in place; has volunteers signed up; will hold an annual Love INC Awareness Day; will pray for Love INC; and will participate in Love INC events.

In turn, Love INC will work to supply the members of Belgrade Alliance with good ministry/service opportunities to help Gallatin County residents in need; will promote the church; will refer clients who are searching for a church or specific ministry to the church; will work to help develop new outreach ministries in the church if desired; and will provide material support for the church's outreach ministries.

Pastor Gary Atwood and members of Belgrade Alliance have been supportive of Love INC for years.  Now, officially as a full partner, Love INC ministry in Belgrade will be significantly strengthened.  The church is located at 205 W. Cameron. 

If your church is not yet a Full Partner of Love INC, or if you are unsure whether your church is, please email us: loveincoffice@yahoo.com.  All Full Partner churches of Love INC are Christian congregations that subscribe to the faith described by the Apostles' Creed.  For more information, visit http://www.loveincgc.org/.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ancient Christianity Discussion Group

Love INC's Biblio-tek library, next to the Love INC office, is the site of a new weekly discussion group hosted by a partner church! The discussion group will meet on an on-going basis every Friday, 5:15-6:15 pm, to explore the beliefs, practices and worship of the ancient Christian Church, and how the early Christians' faith and wisdom can impact us today.

Everyone is invited who would like to get to know the ancient Church better.  This on-going event is hosted by St. Anthony Orthodox Church and led by ordained graduates of St. Vladimir Orthodox seminary.  Come and see what early Christianity really looked like!  Drop-in's are welcome.  Call 581-5339 for more info, if desired.

Love INC's Biblio-tek library is available to all full partner churches to reserve and use for small groups, classes and gatherings.  Contact Love INC for details.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Child Abuse Awareness

At a Special Friday Session, Detective Mary Ann Rangitsch will make a presentation at the Evangelical Free Church in Bozeman on Child Abuse Awareness.  The presentation will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, 7-9 pm;  1701 S. 19th Ave. in Bozeman.

Being aware of potential dangers for children is vital in today's society.  Become aware and prepared by attending this session.  Detective Rangitsch deals with child abuse on a daily basis here locally.  She will offer statistics, methods of detection and ways to prevent this hideous and often hidden crime against children.

The session is open to church and ministry staff persons, parents and everyone interested in helping to prevent child abuse.

Money Management Course to Begin

Love INC's money management course, Finding Financial Freedom, is set to begin its winter session on Feb. 2 at 6:30 pm.   The class will meet every Tuesday night for 8-9 weeks.  Each class consists of lecture and instruction by an experienced teacher.  Each student is assigned a mentor who will work one-on-one with the student throughout the course, providing guidance, encouragement, accountability and prayer. 

Finding Financial Freedom is especially designed for Love INC and offers unique opportunities for students and mentors.  Students are required to complete real-life homework.  Attendance each week is required.  Love INC provides support for students during the duration of the class. 

If you or someone you know can benefit from Finding Financial Freedom, please call Love INC at 587-3008.  Registration is required (deadline: Jan. 22).  All potential students will be interviewed; acceptance into the class is not guaranteed.  Space is limited, so don't delay.

If you are interested in mentoring a student, please contact Love INC.  

Partner Churches Plan Theme Packages


Love INC Partner Churches are beginning to work on creating Theme Packages which will be auctioned off at the Plant the Seed Dinner on May 4.

Love INC Church Ministry Coordinators received information about the Theme Packages late last week.  The Ministry Coordinators of each church need lots of creative ideas and help from others in their churches to put together a winning package.  Packages will be judged on an array of criteria to make this not only a fundraiser for Love INC, but a wonderful, friendly competition.  Bozeman Christian Reformed Church was the champion last year.  Who will win in 2010?

A Theme Package is a group of products or services centered upon a common idea or theme.  For example, a bassinet full of baby products.  Or, a gardening package consisting of a wheel barrow, gardening tools, plants and seeds.  What kind of creative ideas are waiting to erupt?  Theme packages can be formed by businesses, too.

Many hands make light work; please join with others in your church to put together a fantastic Theme Package!  Deadline to enter your completed package:  March 31.  Contact Love INC for details.