Wrapping love and security in a cozy blanket
by Debra Meyer-Myrum
As all inspiring ideas begin, this one was set in motion by Pastor Allan Mortenson and Tammy Riedel of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa as they were planning for the children’s Jesus and Me (JAM) program, which meets on Wednesday nights.
The JAM program consists of a children’s prayer service followed by integrated hands-on learning activities that help the children connect to a faith message. The message for the program was going to be “The Good Samaritan”.
Tammy had worked with Lutheran Social Services Camp NOAH, a camp for children who have experienced trauma through disasters, so they discussed making blankets as a JAM program activity and giving them to the camp. But that option didn’t work out.
Pastor Allan and Tammy then discussed the California wildfires and the amount of trauma the children of the area must be experiencing such as losing their homes and possessions. Through further research, they made a connection with Sharon Harris from Eagle Bend.
Sharon’s daughter-in-law, Christina, and son, Scott, live in Duarte, California. They were all set to evacuate, but fortunately their home ended up being safe....