MAY 11, 2008 GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER GATHERING: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” – Habakkuk 2:14. The largest prayer gathering in the history of the world will be on Pentecost Sunday, May 11. With nearly every nation on the globe joining in prayer over a 24-hour period, this prayer meeting will invite the glory of the Lord to fill the earth. Churches and believers will gather at Grace Church in Eden Prairie from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church is hosting a seminar for men on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. The presenter will be author and speaker Bill Perkins. Men can register online at www.holycross-church.org. The cost is $25 which includes the book, refreshments and breakfast on Saturday morning. Payment is due at the time of registration.

Save the date for the Camp Kingswood 2nd Annual Silent Auction and Open House on Sunday, May 18 from 2:30-7:00. The bidding begins are 3:00 p.m. Entertainment and food served throughout the event. The auction winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. More information at www.CampKinsgswood.bunk1.com or contact Jill Anderson.

Have you ever considered being a blood donor? Thought it would involve too much time and effort? Thought you would never need the benefits the program offers? Think again. Bethany has been in partnership with Mayo Clinic’s Blood Donor program for many years. Many of our members have been recipients of a unit of blood for a variety of reasons. The program is quick and easy. There is a brochure on the table under the mission bulletin board with all the details. Pick up one and consider becoming a part of this worthwhile program for yourself, your family, your church and others who need blood replacement.

Children in our community need you! The Family Access Center, providing safe parenting visits and exchanges of children needs your help. New and gently used toys are needed for five playrooms. Volunteers are also needed to monitor and supervise visits. Toys may be delivered to Family Service Rochester, 1110 6th Street NW. Feel free to contact Family Service with questions, 287-2010.

Bethesda Upscale Resale, located at 1550 3rd Avenue SE, is in critical need of regular volunteers to help out in all aspects of store operation. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to make a difference. All funds raised go to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, a ministry that serves the physical and spiritual needs of people with developmental disabilities. For more information, please call Marni Kramer at 1-800-783-8926.

Dodge, Fillmore and Olmsted County Community Corrections is in need of volunteers to become mentors to both adult and juvenile offenders currently on supervised probation in the community. Fore more information contact, Gretchen Quisberg at 287-2174 or quisberg.gretchen@co.olmsted.mn.us.

The Senior Net Computer Lab is a learning center located in the Rochester Senior Center on 121 North Broadway. You may contact the Recreation Director at 287-1469 for more information on the Center and the lab.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home and gives support to families seeking medical care for their children in our community. They are looking for individuals, friends, or couples interested in volunteering at the House. Right now, opportunities for new volunteers are on weekends. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment to the RMH. Shifts are three hours in length and we ask for a commitment of two shifts per month Please contact Sue Weber at 252-2161 if you would like more information or stop by the House for an application.

The Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, provides specialized telephone equipment free of charge for eligible Minnesotans who are hard of hearing, have difficulty with their speech and/or have a physical disability. Call 1-800-657-3663 or online www.tedprogram.org.

Rochester Network for Re-Entry has been sharing Christ’s love to a very needy southeast neighborhood in Rochester in very tangible ways. There is a tremendous openness to this ministry. But they need more help! Individuals, couples, families, youth groups, Sunday school classes are needed to develop relationships, play sports, tutor, do crafts, art and more. You can be involved after school, evenings, and weekends, a couple days a week, once a week, once a month or whatever. Call 529-5799.

Child Care Resource and Referral is reaching out to people who are caring for the children of a family member, friend, or neighbor. Caring for a child is a big job and we would like to offer support, assistance and resources that can make the job easier and give the parents peace of mind! For more information, contact Sheila Peloquin at 287-2020, ext. 157.

Whether you need help installing a grab bar in your shower, changing that hard to get light bulb, or maintaining your yard, help is available for persons 60 and over. Services are provided on a contribution basis, which in turn ensures the program’s future availability. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, call the Home Services Coordinator at 287-2010.

Exercise, sing, dance, learn and socialize! Celebrate life at the Rochester Senior Center, located at 121 North Broadway, where they provide a number of programs and services to keep you active, healthy and independent. Sign up for computer classes where you can learn the basics or more advance skills, Discover a new hobby like woodcarving or scrapbooking. For a complete listing of activities or more information, please visit their website at www.rochesterseniorcenter.org or call 287-1404. Age well to live well.

The Macular Degeneration Support Group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:45 a.m. This program varies between guest speakers, product information, round table discussion, and support. Ed Letcher from State Services for the Blind will be the guest speaker on September 11.

The Health and Nutrition Group meets the last Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. This group is led by Jacalyn See from the Mayo Clinic, providing group topics and leadership. You may call 287-1404 for more information about groups.

Castle Café: Looking for something new to try for lunch during the week? Stop by Castle Café, located on the first floor of the Senior Center to try the Soup/Sandwich/Salad Bar. A different sandwich and soup are offered each day. The café is open Mondays from 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Tuesdays through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No reservations needed. Prices range from 25 cents/oz. of salad to $4.00 for a soup and sandwich combo.

The Restoration Center, 322 1st Avenue SW, is a place for you and your family to share, to heal, to rest, to love each other and to sit by the fire and warm your heart. It is open from 12:00 -10:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12-4:30 p.m.

By calling one statewide number, 1-866-333-2466, those needing information and referrals can get connected to community services and supports for people with disabilities, chronic illness, families, friends and service providers. No question is too big or small – call 1-866-333-2466.

Shalom Estates offers a professional, safe, and caring environment for seniors that enhances their quality of life, freedom, and dignity. It is a place to socialize with others and enjoy stimulating activities designed to promote independence and growth. They are in need of volunteers interested in playing games: cards, bingo, Yahtzee, dominoes, table-top pool and tennis; going for walks, reading, visiting, playing piano, or bringing an instrument, or doing crafts. If you would like more information, please call Alice Syverson at 271-9909.

What if you had a medical appointment but no transportation? This is a dilemma that many area senior citizens face. The Senior Assistance Transportation Program provides transportation to and from medical appointments for area senior citizens. Family Service is in urgent need of volunteer drivers. Volunteers are needed on an on-call basis, as rides are scheduled around client appointments. Volunteer drivers must have a reliable vehicle and a valid drivers’ license; volunteers are reimbursed mileage. If you are interested in helping area senior citizens, please call 287-2010.

Caring for an elderly parent can be very demanding and overwhelming. We at Elder Network want to help you. We offer free respite care for short periods of time, to relieve the caregiver to take care of themselves while confidently leaving their loved one. The Caregiver Respite Program is professionals and volunteers working together to provide education, support groups, information and referral services. Galations 6:2 says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens…” Allow Elder Network to help you carry your burdens. Call us today to receive respite care, 285-5272.

Are you struggling to pay for your prescription medications? Catholic Charities was awarded a grant through United Way of Olmsted County to assist individuals in obtaining free or discounted prescription medications through our MediAppS program. If you would like more information, contact Bridget Berkland at 287-2047.

Family Service Rochester and Olmsted County Social Services are pleased to announce the opening of the Family Access Center. It exists to offer children a safe and secure setting to maintain relationships with both parents. The center is strongly committed to children’s needs and rights to develop relationships with parent(s) they no longer reside with, without being placed in the middle of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect.

Volunteer monitors are needed at the Center to help children feel safe and secure while with they are with their parent(s). They are also looking for donations of toys and games for children, ages infant through age 16. Call Lori at 287-2014.

Meals on Wheels of Rochester has a need for additional volunteer drivers. Whether you are available once a week or once a month, we could use your help! Individuals, groups, families, retired persons or employees who are available to volunteer over their lunch hour are encouraged to call! Routes are available 7 days a week and can be assigned to meet your schedule/availability. Please call Family Services at 287-2010 if you have an hour to serve.