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It's hard to believe that we're already into the second half of 2016. How does that happen??? (We won't even mention how many days until Christmas!) For all of its "vacation time" feel, this Middle-of-the-Summer month stays plenty full. The Sower office has been busy getting the August/September Sowergram ready to go to the printer, so I thought I'd give you just a little preview of what to look for! First there will be the announcement of the newly elected board members (but there's a sneak preview in this newsletter as well!). It will also have the listing of the lottery selections so all projects will once again be back to a first-come-first-served basis. (No sneak preview here for that, but those results should be on-line after July 22). You will also find the 2017 Registration Form (formerly known as the Skill Sheet) tucked inside. Yes, it's ALREADY that time again! Although there is plenty of time to get it in (they need to be back to the office by October 1st) we highly recommend doing it sooner rather than later! Even if you do not anticipate being able to work any projects in 2017, it is still important to fill out and return the form if you want to continue to be part of the ministry. Feel free to change your status to Alumni if you won't be working - it's easy to return to Active status at any time by calling the office and filling in the "skill level" portion of the form. Choosing not to return your Registration form will remove you from the membership list and you will no longer be eligible to work projects in the future. And we'd hate to say good-bye!
So stay cool, drink plenty of liquids, and hug a baby! Oh, and sign up for a project - the Lord has great things ahead!
Resting in His Faithfulness,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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The votes have been counted!
Congratulations to our 2016 Trustees
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Bill Cairns
2373
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Jim Swanner
2885
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Kim Trivilino
3094
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A note from the office -
Having worked relief for a month 2 years in a row, I realize the volume of emails and other items which come into the front office. Here are a few suggestions that would help the office and help decrease errors.
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Include Full name (Both 1st names), Sower #, Project Name, Project state & # in all requests.
- If you are having the office send you something (i.e. merchandise, brochures, SOWER Blessing Book) please confirm the full address of where you want the items shipped.
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Put requests for non lottery months in a separate email from lottery request. The non lottery requests need to be addressed 1st unless close to deadline for lottery.
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The lottery is for January, February, & March only. Make sure project is a lottery project and that you are not putting duplicates for 1st & 2nd choice or duplicates for 2nd and 3rd choice. Read the PLS carefully to be sure it is a project the month you are requesting and that it is a lottery project.
- The GL report does not have to be on the form provided. You may put it in a regular email using just the number without the questions. For example: #1 yes, #2 Yes, #3 no or comment if needed etc. Be sure to put the project state, project # and name along with first and last names of all Sowers working. It also helps to put month worked.
- The Sower office does not accept credit cards but we readily accept checks, cash and ECCU.
- Late assignments. Host packets are emailed 6 weeks prior to the project. If you ask to be assigned after this time it requires the office to make sure the host still wants Sowers. I have had several host say NO. Some will fill the RV spots with independents, others will reallocate the funds that were for materials, others just say no. Be aware you may not get the request.
- When asking to be assigned late or when cancelling it is helpful to give a reason for this request. We do realize health, family issues and other things can contribute to these request.
- When sending project request and GL reports please send them to sowers@sowerministry.org as this goes to the front office. Many are sending them to the back office address. The back office deals with host and the front office deals with Sower request.
Thank you for this opportunity to share with you -
Toni Howard (#2527)
*****And Thank YOU, Dick and Toni for your faithful service to the ministry by giving the Arthurs a much deserved break!*****
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Housing available!!
Thinking about doing our SOWER project on beautiful Vancouver Island, but concerned about the cost of getting your RV to and from the Island? Nanoose Bay Camp (BC-445) is now offering housing for volunteers coming to serve, so there is no need to be concerned about an expensive ferry crossing. This fall the camp has plans to demolish two small cabins and build a 4-plex dorm and they can use all the help they can get. The camp will have three cabins available for SOWERs during October. Check it out - there is still plenty of time to sign up and they'd love to see you!
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Here's an article from a recent mailing about the impact that SOWERS has been having at
This ministry is working hard to refurbish their main boys residence hall and really appreciate SOWER help! They have several openings through November of this year, so there's plenty of time to sign up!
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INSPECTIONS!
Sometimes we never know just how important our work is. Here's an excerpt of a note from the director of Lighthouse Christian Camp (NY-379):
A Niagara County inspector paid us an unannounced visit today. I dislike these type of visits. While he was here, he also decided to conduct the inspection for the annual Food Service Permit. We were fortunate that the team of SOWER wives just completed a thorough cleaning of the entire kitchen! Two minor points in the kitchen were an inoperative light bulb in the walk-in freezer and an empty paper towel dispenser. A new roll of paper towels was inserted onto the dispenser so that item was corrected while inspector was onsite. Light bulb will be replaced at a later date as bulb should also have a cover over it We were not dinged for the missing cover, but it is a safety measure to avoid having someone hit and break the exposed bulb.
Although time consuming, the inspector was very pleased with the fine overall condition of our facilities. Kudos to the housekeeping and maintenance staffs [including SOWERS!] for having the facilities in great shape!
We are good for another year...
Jim Schumacher
General Manager
Lighthouse Christian Camp
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You want me to do WHAT?
We were between sewing projects at Ironwood Camp (CA-464), just relaxing during break time in the coffee room with the gang during break. Our host came in with a box that had recently come in the mail. All the colored beads had sprung their compartments and overflowed into neighboring compartments. "Would you be able to sort these?" she asked apologetically. "No problem!" I replied. "I love doing stuff like this!" An hour later the job which had seemed so tedious to her was done. Another example of "fun" SOWER challenges! Alice Burnett (3071)
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
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Thank you, Richard, for sharing the work you were doing and the good news about the improved RV sites at New Hope Christian School (OR-246). The school asks for 2 SOWER couple in June, July, August, October, and November and there are still plenty of open spaces!
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 Have you stopped by lately? Make sure you've "checked" the Notification box to receive current posts, and PLEASE post pictures and stories from YOUR projects!
And if you're a member of Facebook, but haven't joined the SOWER Group, click on the icon to join the family!
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While you're on Facebook, don't forget to check out your favorite projects. Many of our project locations have a Facebook page and it's a great way to stay up to date on the places you love to serve!
If you haven't "LIKED" the SOWER Facebook Page head over there too! It's a great way to spread the word about our ministry.
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Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam & Sally,
I've been wondering about this for a while, and now it's about to actually happen! When there are two weeks between projects(like between July and August this year), what are the responsibilities of the camp and the SOWER during the two weeks? Are SOWERS allowed to stay in the second week? This happens a couple time a year and especially at Christmas (when it's usually three weeks!).
Signed,
Wondering
Dear Wondering,
That's a great question! And very timely! As you know, our SOWER agreement with our partner ministries allows for us to stay for one week following the project as their guest. When there is a second (or third) week between project "months", it's up to each SOWER to work out arrangements with the individual ministry host. If it's convenient for the host for you to stay (and if that is what you choose to do), then it would be appropriate to either work additional days or leave a generous donation. I hope that helps!
Blessings,
Sam & Sally
Do you have a question about a SOWER policy or etiquette? Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! Contact them at -samandsally@sowerministry.org.
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Quick Links
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
Submissions for the SOWER TIPS go to
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It's really true -
I can't do this without you!
This newsletter is always looking for God Stories, project highlights, group pictures, and more! And Bill Myers is always on the look-out for some great tips!
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Rally Information
Whether you're an Alumni, a Seasoned Sower or New to the Family, there's nothing like a Sower gathering to connect with friends old and new and get recharged about the ministry. If you live in close proximity to a SOWER project, let them know you're around! There are often impromptu gatherings of SOWERS happening all around the country all year long! Whether you're camping together or just meeting for a meal at a local restaurant, a SOWER Gathering is always a blessing!
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Sept 19 - 22
Minnesota SOWER Rally
Lake Beauty Camp (MN-523)
RV Camping - $25/night
Loon Lodge - $50/night
Free Camping on the 21st if you stay to work on the 22nd!
CONTACT
Dorothy Larson
for more information!
651-636-8049
612-710-3490
(Click on the name to send an email)
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SOWING TIPS
Painting Tips from a
Non-Painter
I don't like to paint. Never have. But as a SOWER lady, one thing I've learned over the years is that Painting Happens. (Let's face it - a fresh coat of paint IS about the easiest way to freshen up almost anything!). So over the years, my skill sheet painting 'number' has moved from 1 to 2, and I'm almost ready to move it up to a 2.5. Yikes! All that being said, here are a couple of tips I've found that have helped me "not like painting" less.
- Invest in a couple of good brushes and take good care of them. Having a familiar tool to work with can make all the difference in how easily a paint job is accomplished. Relying on the project to supply quality brushes is a bit risky, so bring your own if you can. (I'll let a real painter give tips on the best way to clean your brushes.)
- Never underestimate the value of the Blue Tape. Along with your favorite brushes, always carry a roll of painters tape. Go blue (3M) or green (Frog)- whatever works for you. Just not masking tape. Tape away on all those critical edges, but I have found that when doing windows, it's just as easy to scrap off the over paint as it is to tape beforehand. Plus it's good practice for keeping a steady hand when painting trim.
- Keep a damp rag (or 2) handy. It's amazing how a quick wipe can fix that oops!
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| Some of my favorite things (painting things, that is).
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Be thankful for the more expert painters in your team, and learn from them. And remember - it's only three weeks, not a life choice!
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Do you have a great SOWER Tip? Submissions for this feature can be sent to Bill Myers for consideration - rvmyers@reagan.com
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Attention
SOWERS in the New England Area
Got any free time the last week in July?
Dale and Cheryl Curtis will be manning a SOWER Ministry Information Booth at the Escapee Escapade in Essex Junction, VT July 24-29. They could use a little more help in staffing their booth. Not only is this a great opportunity to share your love for our ministry, but it's also a lot of fun!!!! Contact Dale & Cheryl Curtis (#3253) 620-653-4703 if you can lend a hand or have any questions! It's right around the corner, so don't miss this opportunity to join in the excitement!
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Have you ordered your copy(s) yet?
SOWER Reapings, a compilation of SOWER God stories and testimonies, is now available through the SOWER office. It's filled with God stories, funny stories, and remembrances of that time when.... Your copy can be ordered from the office for a minimum donation of $10.00.
Contact them today!
903-882-8070
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Clicking on the
St. Johns Wort above will take you to the Members Only Page, the June/July Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
The August/September Sowergram in the mail by 25th and will have the lottery results for winter sign-up. Watch for the lottery results on-line after July 22nd!
Don't forget the password changed on JUNE 15. Check the June/July Sowergram or your email from the office (if you are web only) for the correct password.
Still stumped?
Call the office - they'll be happy to help!
903-882-8070
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Just the Facts
for July 2016
(July 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
489 (507)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
135 (134)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
101 (99)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
30 (34)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
388 (430)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
61 (62)
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
Jeff and Mary Peace
Don & Jenny Rasmussen
Ed & Patty Soltes
Bob & Billie Wakeman
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
Paul and Juanita Alton
Terry & Alice Burnett
Glenn and Jane Kellenbenz
Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? Send me the link, and we'll add it to the "Blog Roll".
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Photo Info/Credits
Header location -
Mount St. Helens, WA
Header Group Shot -
April 2016 Standing Stones (AZ-520)
Dale & Cheryl Curtis (3253),
Lloyd & Pat Buckner (3247), & Ralph & Julie Spratt (2929)
Opening Paragraph Fireworks - 4th of July celebration at New Life Camp (OK-230)
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Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6,7 (ESV)
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