the story behind the name & how you can bring sunshine too
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The Hope Lutheran Card Ministry has a new name, inspired by a person whose cards and letters brought smiles to many of our faces over the years.
I received information that Harold and Joan, members of this congregation, were now living in Defiance, Ohio and would appreciate a card.
I used one of the many beautiful cards donated for this purpose by members of our congregation. I made sure I updated the McPhersons on the goings on at Hope, including what each age group was studying during Sunday School and I included a Bible verse.
Just a week or so later, I received a beautiful letter from Harold, which is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so. He begins by saying the card brought “sunshine” to their “dark day,” then provides an update on their health and describes the facility where they live.
I decided, in honor of Harold, to name Hope’s Card Ministry, “The Sunshine Ministry at Hope Lutheran Church.” Harold not only brought sunshine through the letters he sent to many of us while he attended Hope, but his God-given talent of writing put into words the reason behind our current efforts. We hope very soon to have return-address labels on all cards mailed that say “Sunshine Card Ministry-Hope Lutheran Church.”
Just a few weeks later, I noticed Joan’s obituary posted on the bulletin board. Harold’s days have, I’m sure, gotten darker. We mourn his loss, but rejoice that Joan how rests in the arms of her Lord.
As you prepare to mail your Christmas cards, remember the “Sunshine” one card brought and how much impact a few minutes of your time could have on a person, not just at Christmastime, but throughout the year. I invite you to make use of the cards in the Fellowship area to send to friends and family members who could use some “Sunshine.”
- Glenda