CHURCH PARTNERSHIP PACKET

helping churches help people

Table of Contents Welcome to Love INC………………………………………………………. 2

Meet the Staff..……………………………………………………………….. 3

Who We Are………………………………………………………………….. 4

How We Work…………………………………………………………………. 5

Love Stories ……………..……………………………………………………. 6

Core Values …………..……………………………………………………… 7

What Can You Expect? …….………………………………………………. 8

Elements of a Church Partnership………………………………………... 9

Church Ministry Coordinator………………………………………………. 10

Financially Supporting Churches ……………………..………………….. 11

Talent Tithe Intake……………………………………………………………. 12

From a Board Member……………………………………………………… 13

From a Partner ……………………………………………………………….. 14

1

Welcome to Love INC

EMAIL

execdir@loveincpiercecounty.com

WEBSITE

loveincpierceounty.org

MAILING ADDRESS

P.M.B #286

10611 Canyon Rd. East

Puyallup, WA 98373

LOVE’S TREASURY

253.256.4087

10213 139th St Ct E #B1

Puyallup, WA 98374

CLIENT REFERRAL HELPLINE

253.531.2366

CHURCH INFORMATION

253.531.2365

Welcome to Love INC! We are so glad you are considering a partnership with us. All of the information you need to understand and begin a church relation-ship with Love INC is within the following pages of this packet. We hope to answer all your questions, while revealing our hearts for the lost in the process. Because you are the lifeblood of Love INC, we want to be available to answer any questions regarding a new partnership with us. At any point in your prayerful consideration, feel free to contact us at the informa-tion below. We look forward to hearing from you!

God Bless,

Sherry Phinisey Executive Director

CONTACT US

2

Meet the Staff

3

Sherry Executive Director

Serving Since 2002

Kari Executive Assistant

Serving Since 2011

Judy Clearinghouse Office Manager

Serving Since 2002

Lisa Intake Advisor

Serving Since 2007

Sarah Intake Advisor

Serving Since 2006

Joan Intake Advisor

Serving Since 2006

Brandy Receptionist/Intake Advisor

Serving Since 2011

Kate Bookstore Staff Serving Since 2010

The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly

I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Who We Are

What is Love INC?

The mission of Love INC is to mobilize the Church to

transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.

A network of churches in Pierce County working to-

gether to help our neighbors in need.

Helping congregations organize to serve people in

need.

Central clearinghouse for requests and we resource

them out to those who can help.

LOVE INC CONNECTION

You are the center of all we do!

4

How We Work

When resources are not connected, needs go unmet

Love INC brings resources together

so more needs can be met

5

Who We Are

Love Stories There has been some amazing op-

portunities, “divine appointments” I

like to call them in the past two

weeks at the bookstore. I’d like to share them with you periodically. The names will be

changed of course to protect the people who shared their day and a little of their

lives with us.

(Mary) came in the other day. There is a way somehow to read people, and I could

see Mary has had a rough life. She walked around with walls up, was very critical of a

lot of things and just seemed to find it easier to shut people out, then to let them in.

We were the only ones in the store so we struck up a conversation and she shared

how she had this terminal illness, there was no treatment for it but she was going

through some experimental treatments anyway. Maybe if it can’t help me, someday

someone can get something out of this. She said she’d been going through treat-

ments for over five years I think and never once had her daughter in her 40′s been to

visit her. She even mentioned someone told her they’d seen her daughter living in her

car. Mary’s response, “Why should I care, she does-

n’t care about me?” Mary was looking for a bible.

She said she had been raised Catholic, but hadn’t

gone to church for a long time. She’d tried her

daughters church but they weren’t to her liking, I

can’t recall why… she said she was going to start

taking a bible study class and needed this bible. We

found her one. I asked if she could wait a minute, I

had something I wanted to give her.

I got one of the “Holding Crosses” that our volunteers

make and I took it out of the bag as I was next to her

and put it in her hand, then read the card to her. It

said, “We have prayed for you, that the holder of this cross will feel God’s Love and

that you know God would never leave you, nor forsake you. May He give you His

peace in your life and calm your storm”. As I read this, my hand on her shoulder, you

could just see her whole demeanor soften and that wall I saw before, gone. It was so

real, though no picture could have seen the wall, I did. For a moment, Mary felt

God’s love. I felt it too. I asked her if she’d sign my guest book and leave her email

address for me to keep in touch. “Only if you don’t sell the addresses”, she had that

hardness about her again, her protective coating up. I don’t share them with anyone

I told her, it’s just for me.

I was so excited too, that Mary was going to be involved in a bible study. Pray for

her, that God would make himself so real to her that she knows even if others aban-

don her, He will never leave, nor forsake her. He loves her with an everlasting love. He

brought her to our bookstore and put me there for such a time, to be able to get His

message to her. I pray we all recognize those divine appointments as we go through

the course of our day.

From Sherry Phinisey:

For a moment, Mary felt

God’s love. I felt it too.

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Core Values We are Christian. Everything we think, say, and do is in the

name of Christ.

Prayer is an integral part of who we are.

We follow Christ’s example of valuing the poor and

needy.

We value unity of the Body of Christ.

We value transformation in the lives of people and com-

munities.

We value churches living out the two great command-

ments to love God and love their neighbors.

We value building Christ-like relationships.

We value the connectedness of the Love INC movement.

We model excellence.

We value continually maturing in our capacity to meet

people’s needs.

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What Can You Expect? We have written policies in place to address client emer-

gency assistance and financial assistance situations.

An intake is conducted and requests are reviewed as to

their nature, extent, and legitimacy.

All client interactions are conducted with respect the inher-

ent dignity and worth of every person.

Clients receive a timely determination as to the type of refer-

ral and resources they will receive.

Clients are connected to agencies, church ministries, and/or

church volunteers to help meet their needs.

Clearinghouse services and church resources are available

to all people, without discrimination.

Client matters are not shared or discussed with those who

are not involved in the helping process.

Clearinghouse volunteers receive an orientation to Love INC,

appropriate training for their position and are placed in ap-

propriate positions.

Clearinghouse volunteers are recognized for their service.

The board, staff, and volunteers are committed to the con-

tinuous improvement of Clearinghouse operations.

We will recruit partner church from a broad spectrum of

Christian denominations.

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Elements of a Church Partnership

Church partnerships are essential to Love INC. Without church

partners, there is no Love INC. Each Love INC partner church

commits to joining with other churches to provide volunteer and

financial support for the operation of Love INC. Most often, in a

comprehensive partnership, a church will demonstrate their

commitment by:

In addition, a church may also:

Create a church or joint church ministry to fill a gap in com-

munity services

Follow-up with a visit to people who have received help

through the Love INC Clearinghouse

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Church Ministry Coordinator

Position Description The church ministry coordinator in each Love INC church is indispensable. He/

she is a vital link between needs referred by Love INC and the appropriate

church volunteer. Church ministry coordinators do not respond to requests

themselves, nor do they overload one or two willing people. Instead, they in-

volve as many church members as possible in the Love INC ministry.

Qualification Lay person or paid church staff

Committed to Christian ministry

Familiar with church membership and part of the church’s leadership

Available to serve for at least one year

Accessible during Love INC office hours (as a rule)

Responsibilities Help the pastor plan an outreach for the church by:

-Planning an outreach Sunday

-Identifying existing outreach sing the Church Resource

Inventory (CRI) worksheet

-Identifying individual resource inventories.

Share volunteer best practices with church volunteers

Receive referrals from Love iNC and link them with the most appro-

priate church resource

Keep the church and Love INC informed about the ministry

Refer needs to the Love INC Clearinghouse

Encourage prayer support

Assist with church-Love INC relationships

Be the Love INC presence in the church

Training Love INC will equip you to serve as church ministry coordinator and serve as

a support to you.

Guarantees Love INC referrals to you will be:

Manageable

Specific

Located in the zip code where your church is located or the area

you tell us

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Financially Supporting Churches

Bethany Baptist

Bethany Lutheran Church

Bonney Lake 7th Day Adventist

Bonney Lake Community Church

Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Community Church

Celebration Center

Celebration Christian Fellowship

CenterPoint Christian Fellowship

Christ Community Baptist Church

Christian Missionary Alliance

Christian Reformed Community Church

Community Cares Ministries

Creator Lutheran Church

El Shaddai Ministries

Evangelical Reformed Church

Faith Community Church

Fellowship Christian Church

First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Puyallup

First Presbyterian Church of Puyallup

First Presbyterian Church of Tacoma

Grace Lutheran Church

Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church

Graham Evangelical Covenant Church

Harbor Christian Center

Hilltop Christian Center

Immanuel Celebration Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Jovita Baptist Church

Lake Tapps Community Church

Life Center

Lighthouse Christian Center

Living Word Lutheran Church

Myers Road Baptist Church

New Hope Community Church

New Horizon's Christian Center

New Life Fellowship

Olympic View Baptist Church

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Our Savior Lutheran Church

Peninsula Baptist Church

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Portland Ave. Evangelical Free Church

Praise Covenant Church

Puyallup Church of The Nazarene

Puyallup Community Baptist Church

Puyallup Foursquare Church

Puyallup South Hill Christian Church

Rainier View Christian Church

Shepherd of the Hill Church

Sixth Avenue Baptist

Skyline Presbyterian Church

South Hill Baptist Church

South Lakeshore Christian Church

Spanaway Christian Center

Spanaway United Methodist

Summit Christian Fellowship

Sumner Presbyterian Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

2010-2011

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Talent Tithe Intake Note: This is a sample form. Upon partnership with Love INC, we will

provide you with a form specified for your church in a printer friendly format.

Please check all areas of service that you are willing or able to supply!

Love INC Office Volunteer copying, data processing, bulletins, newsletters

Love INC Phone Volunteer

intake advisor, verifiers, follow up callers

Appliance Repair Licensed Counseling Services we are looking for a trained professional

Attorney/Legal Services Painter

Auto Maintenance Physician/Nursing Medical Services

Bible Study Facilitator Plumbing

Budget Planning Dinner Preparation for Relational Ministry program

Carpentry building wheelchair ramps/other minor projects

Respite Care single parents or those with handicapped children

Dentist/Dental Services Provide Room: Emergency Overnight Needs

Donations Driver pick up food donations from our church network

Transportation to Local Appointments

Electrical Work Sunday School Volunteer

Financial Aid (toward utility bills and rent: cur-

rently our most requested needs) Teacher/Educational Services

Freezing Nights Volunteer Translation help

Language:

Home Maintenance Landscaping for Elderly Clients

Other (please specify)

What is your passion in service?

BEST CONTACT

TIME AVAILABLE

FULL

ADDRESS

EMAIL PHONE

NAME

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From a Board Member Dear Co-Workers for Christ,

As we work to share God’s love, care, grace, and mercy with those who come into

our churches for assistance – whether with a spirital need, or with needs for assis-

tance with food, rent, or other bills – we have a great privilege that we share. Ac-

cording to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, whenever we help those that society may

deem to be “the least of thse,” we are actually extending ourselves to Jesus.

There are times when the needs that come our way are pretty overwhelming… when

we would truly like to do more, but know that we – practically speaking – cannot.

That is where the Body of Christ in Pierce County comes in, and that’s where Love INC

gives such great help.

Love INC has been an important partner in RVCC’s benevolence ministries for the

past couple of years. Love INC’s clearinghouse style of ministry has been a great

benefit, not only to me and our congregation, but – most importantly – to those who

come in or call from the community for assistance. As Love INC works with those who

call them for help, they work to unite the Church – the Body of Christ – in practical,

helpful, and life changing ways on behalf of “the least of these.”

There have been many times when we as a congregation could not possibly help a

person with all of their need. But, through the work of Love INC, we were able to join

with other Churches (and even secular agencies) in Pierce County to meet the per-

son’s need. What a wonderfully practical and tangible demonstration of God’s deep

love and care to those who come to us for help!

Another practical help that Love INC provides is their research into the needs that

people ask help for. There have always been those who would seek to take advan-

tage of the Church’s compassion with false, or at least exaggerated, stories of need.

Love INC’s volunteers follow up on all requests that come their way to make sure that

the needs truly exist. They also ask the “tough questions” about why this need has

come about, how often it comes about and what can be done to turn things

around. It’s a practical living out of the “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day – Teach

him to fish, and he eats for a lifetime” philosophy.

I cannot recommend the ministry of Love INC more highly. I encourage you to con-

sider partnering with Love INC and joining in this movement of God in Pierce County.

Because of Jesus,

Paul Paul C. Dawson

Pastor of Member Care and Counseling

Rainier View Christian Church

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From a Partner February 5, 2008

Re: Thank you and your staff for much appreciated assistance

Dear Sherry,

I hope this letter finds you well. As you know, our two organizations always work well

together. I write this letter to you because it serves as yet another illustration of your

agency’s dedication to those less fortunate.

I conducted home visits with two clients in a row who had no furniture. I have been at

my present job for eighteen months and never even met one client who had a com-

pletely empty apartment. I was at a loss, to say the least.. I remembered that Love

INC had furniture contacts in Puyallup and thought I would at least ask if there was

help available, even though these clients were in Tacoma. I called Lisa Schimer who I

had worked with in the past. Lisa stated that she could help and put me in contact

with Paul Ronko. Paul was a sheer delight to work with and he delivered furniture to

both clients within a few days. I was fortunate to meet Paul at the second delivery

point.

Both clients had severe deficits. One is a gentleman who recently moved here from

California. He left his furniture and most of his belongings behind. He suffers from some

vision and hearing loss; he has a slight developmental disability.

The other client is a sixty-five year old woman who has severe degenerative arthritis.

She had no bed and was sleeping on the floor. It was heartbreaking to see her condi-

tion. After the furniture was delivered, she called me on the phone. She was in tears

and stated that, “I am sitting on my new couch and it feels good. I have not had

anything to sit on for six months.”

I was at the Love INC fundraiser this past Friday and was proud that clients we have

worked with together were talked about. I realize that in the job that I do, I am only

as good as the organizations that I develop relationships with. I truthfully say that yours

is one of the best. Your staff is second to none and they are a staff to be truly proud

of. I am fortunate to get to partner with Love INC and its staff. It has become a part-

nership of mutual respect, cemented by the tough cases we work together. That you

and God Bless.

Warmest Regards,

Paul J. Calta

Pierce County ADRC

Case Manager

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PMB #286

10611 Canyon Road East

Puyallup, WA 98373

of pierce county