Archive for November, 2011

Gleaning Opportunity

Monday, November 28th, 2011


Gleaning Turnips

There are still plenty of turnips to be picked and bagged. If you want to have make a difference in just a few hours, considering coming out for all or part of the time from 9-12 THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3. This is a good activity for children.

The address of the farm is 1540 Creekside Lane, Riner, VA.–Enter that into google maps and you should have no trouble getting there. Then just follow the driveway until you see the folks gleaning.

Helping at the Christmas Store

Sunday, November 27th, 2011


Helping at the Montgomery County Christmas Store

The Lutheran Men in Mission will be working at the Montgomery County Christmas Store on Tuesday, December 6 and Saturday, December 10. On Dec. 6, help is needed from 12:30 PM until 4:30 PM and from 4:30 PM until 8:30 PM. On December 10, help is needed from 8:30 AM until 3 PM. If you can help on either day, please email Jeff Birch: jbbirch@vt.edu or Sandy Birch:birch@vt.edu . Anyone who has finished high school is eligible to help.

Party with a Purpose

Thursday, November 24th, 2011


Party with a Purpose








Over 60 folks came to the Party with a Purpose to prepare 318 Christmas Shoe Boxes for shipping to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Thank you to everyone who donated boxes and to everyone who participated in the party.

Birthday Dinner 2011

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Birthday Dinner







A wonderful crowd gathered on October 2 for the Birthday Dinner as we celebrated the 43rd Birthday of St. Michael, the birthdays of the folks in the congregation and our charter members.

2012 Proposed Investments in Ministry

Monday, November 21st, 2011

2012 Proposed Investments in Ministry

On Sunday, December 11 at 10 AM, the Congregation is invited to the Thank You Brunch and Congregational Meeting. We will enjoy a catered breakfast, vote on the 2012 Proposed Investments in Ministry and elect new members to the Congregational Council. You can download the 2012 Investments in Ministry plan proposed by the Council or pick up a copy in the front hallway at the church.

IRA Rollover Gifts

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011


IRA Rollover Gifting Opportunity expires December 31

Tax legislation which includes the extension of the IRA Rollover was signed into law December 17, 2010, returning an opportunity for individuals to make a charitable gift by directing a transfer from a regular IRA to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations of their choice. The extension expires December 31, 2011. All gifts must be completed by that date.

Here are some common questions and answers that might be helpful to if you are interested in making a gift to St. Michael:

Who qualifies? Persons who are 70½ or older may direct an amount up to $100,000 per individual or $200,000 per couple (with separate annuities) without incurring a taxable event. The gift would qualify for the annual required minimum distribution.

How does it work? The IRA owner makes a written request to the IRA administrator to make a gift to an organization of his/her choice including his/her congregation or other 501(C)(3) ministry/charity. The donor would also notify the receiving organization of the forthcoming gift.

What are the benefits of a donor’s gift from an IRA? Donor avoids taxes when gift is completed prior to December 31, 2011. Donor may fulfill a pledge with a transfer from an IRA. Donor’s gift qualifies for required minimum distribution. Donor takes advantage of legislation that encourages gifts and makes a difference in the lives of others.

Should I be aware of other information or restrictions? Yes. The donor pays no taxes on the gift amount; at the same time, however, the donor may not claim a charitable deduction for a gift made through an IRA rollover since it is not received as income. Additionally, distributions from an IRA may not be used to fund a life income agreement, such as a Charitable Gift Annuity; nor transferred to a Donor Advised Fund.

Women’s Basketball

Thursday, November 10th, 2011


VT Women’s Basketball Church Night

You are invited to the 2011-12 Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Faith Night on Monday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. vs. William & Mary. Admission is free by showing a church bulletin at Cassell Coliseum (2 people admitted free per bulletin). The evening will also serve as the Montgomery County Christmas Store night in which fans are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to help underprivileged families have a memorable Christmas season.

Prayer Vigil

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011


Weekly Prayer Vigil

The Blacksburg Ministerial Association is sponsoring a weekly interfaith prayer vigil for our nation on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in front of Blacksburg Baptist Church beginning this Wednesday, November 16. Each week one faith community will be responsible for spoken prayer. We will also have a time of silent prayer. The prayers will be non-partisan, praying that our leaders will work together to make laws and create a budget that are just for all people. The Ministerial Association hopes that people of all denominations and faiths will participate in prayer together.

Virginia Lutheran

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011


The Virginia Lutheran

The Virginia Lutheran contains stories about the ministry of the Virginia Synod and our sister congregations. Here is the link so you can read the November issue: Virginia Lutheran.

Micah’s Backpack

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011


Sharing the Story of Micah’s Backpack

In October, Micah’s Backpack delivered 714 backpacks of food representing 4,308 meals to 181 students in our community. For a full report on the ministry being accomplished by Micah’s Backpack, you can download the October 2011 Sharing the Story report.