If You’re Eligible, Consider Giving Blood to Help Solve the Blood Shortage Crisis
This article, by Paul Batura was originally published from The Daily Citizen.
The Red Cross is warning of “life or death consequences” of a decreasing national blood supply – yet another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is upending donation patterns and canceling drives at churches, businesses and schools.
Community blood centers traditionally have a three-to-four-day supply on hand, but in recent months, that’s dropped to between just one and two. In some areas, hospitals are cancelling procedures. For a few hours on January 10th at the UCLA Medical Center, administrators stopped receiving patients altogether.
Blood donations are also facing a demographic challenge. Approximately 45% of donors are over the age of 50 – and older givers have pulled back in light of the pandemic out of fear of contracting the virus.
The first nationwide blood program for civilians dates back to 1948, though it wasn’t until 1970 that the donor system became all-volunteer.
Due to many reasons, not everyone is in a position to give blood – but those who can and do enjoy numerous physical benefits beyond the psychological altruistic boost it provides.
According to medical professionals, giving blood can reduce harmful iron stores, lower the risk of a heart attack, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. One recent study even found you lose upwards of 650 calories per donation. (So go ahead and have that dessert after you give!) Just going to give blood provides the donor with something of a minor physical, which can alert them to issues with blood pressure or an iron deficiency.
Assuming there are no medical or other justifiable reasons not to, every Christian should prayerfully consider becoming a blood donor. While just under 40% of the population are eligible to give blood, just 10% actually do. Why? As a people committed to loving and serving others, selflessly giving a small part of ourselves is a very loving act that’s consistent with our Christian witness.
If you or a loved one have undergone open heart surgery, been in a severe accident or had any number of other medical procedures, you’ve benefited from the 6.8 million donations made each year.
Is being squeamish or not liking needles reason enough not to give? I don’t think so. Even those of us who regularly donate don’t like needles. Get tough. Look away and think about the individuals you’re helping. Plus, facing a fear or sacrificing a little comfort can be good for you.
Too busy? Giving blood doesn’t take much time at all. The actual donation takes between just eight and ten minutes.
There’s a problem – there’s a blood shortage crisis.
As Christians, we can be part of the solution.
And good news! FPC is hosting it’s next blood drive on Friday, March 18 from noon to 5 pm. Click here to make an appointment and then add it to your calendar.
Per Capita Donations
As a member of John Knox Presbytery, and of PC(USA), FPC-Waunakee is connected to a large network of Presbyterian churches around the area and country. The Presbytery supports FPC-Waunakee and the other member churches. As we head into our first Senior Pastor search in over three decades, we are already leaning on the expertise of the Presbytery to guide us through that process. Each year, the Presbytery determines the amount it expects to need from each member in order to support the important work that they do. Our annual per capita payments help support PCUSA work at the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly levels. For 2022, $8.98 goes to General Assembly, $5.50 to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, and $19.22 to John Knox Presbytery, to total $33.70. I invite you to support the Presbytery by clicking Donate Here on the FPC Donation Site and giving $33.70 per member on the Per Capita Line. https://www.myfpc.org/give/treasure/donate/
Please reach out if you have any questions, and below are a couple of links if you’re interested in learning more about Per Capita.
With Session,
Brett Cable, Stewardship Elder
PC(USA) Per Capita FAQ: https://oga.pcusa.org/section/ecclesial-and-ecumenical-ministries/per-capita/frequently-asked-questions/John Knox article on a Committee supported by Per Capita: https://jknox.org/wp-content/uploads/GTF-JKP-January-2022-article.pdf
Pat’s Quilt Project
Our talented seamstress, Pat Ronspiez, displays her recently completed quint. She calls it the Plaid Challenge! Nicely done, Pat!
Network 56 on STRIKE!
On February 6, FPC 5th and 6th graders used their SPARE time to enjoy some fun that was right up their ALLEY. Everyone had the right FRAME of mind. And not one attitude was in the GUTTER because no PINS were left standing. 😀
Get your Daily Bread!
New regular-sized Daily Bread for March/April/May are ready for pick up outside in the tote by the front door, and also inside by the front door and south door in the education wing. Large print versions will be available soon.
Video Devotional: This is the Way, Walk In It
Rev. Jeff Quinto, FPC member and Executive Director of The Bethel Series, shares this devotion based on Isaiah 30:21.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | February 13, 2022
NEW!
Connect with the Connector!
In an effort to streamline the process for submitting requests for event announcements in the Connector or spoken during the worship service, Communications has developed this easy-to-use online form to share all of your important information.
Click the link below to check out the form and if you have any feedback or questions, please send an email to communications@myfpc.org. Thanks!
Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed
Worship Elder, Erik Cushman, has created a sign up for individuals and familes to volunteer to pass out bulletins or be an usher at Sunday Morning Worship. Click the link below to choose a Sunday that fits in your schedule.
Stuffed Animal Day
February 27
FPC Children’s Ministry Theme Day–February 27 Stuffed Animal Day–Bring your favorite stuffed animal to Sunday School. We look forward to meeting and learning with our stuffed friends!
On March 20 & 27 our children’s ministry teachers will enjoy time off to spend Sunday with their families. We’ll be back to our regular schedule on April 3.
FPC is looking for someone to help in the nursery. We have one person ready to help, but we need two people to run the nursery. If interested, please contact the church office.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
