Honorees who have made outstanding efforts in social ministry on behalf of the church will receive awards at the second annual Celebrate Social Ministry event.

The dinner and presentation will be held Sunday, October 23, at the Holiday Inn in Fogelsville at the intersection of Route 100 and 78. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. The dinner and program will end about 7 p.m.

Barbara Lieberman, a member of St. James, Coopersburg, is the recipient of the Bishop Wilson Touhsaent Award. This award is given in honor of the Rev. Dr. Wilson Touhsaent to recognize persons who have made outstanding contributions in social ministry.

Barbara has been an active member and leader of social ministry activities in her home congregation. She has worked on multiple refugee resettlements and the pastoral care team. She has been a tutor and a significant part of a variety of outreach programs to the community. In big projects and small acts of kindness, Barbara has reflected the love of Christ to everyone she encounters.

The honorees for the “Love in Action” awards represent a diversity of age and kind of service to the church. The honorees from the Witness and Service Ministry Team are Doris Branson, parish nurse at St. Paul, Coopersburg; Dani Doll, Matt Houck, and John Sandt, prison ministry through St. Paul, Easton, to Northampton County Maximum Security Prison (males); the Disaster Response Team from Zion United, Brodheadsville, and a service group of youth called the Raising Hope Committee of Trinity, Hecktown.

The Presidents’ Awards lift up those who have provided outstanding service to the social ministry organizations on our territory and Muhlenberg College.

The award from Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries goes to Thomas Handwerk, a member of Atonement, Wyomissing. Tom provided leadership in the building of the facilities of the Lutheran Home at Topton and on their board of directors.

Good Shepherd Home is giving their award to Bishop Harold Weiss, a member of Redeemer, Allentown. Bishop Weiss has been a dedicated worker and board member and president for this facility.

Lutheran Congregational Services recognizes Sue Weber, a member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield. Sue has served as chair of the board and provided program services for the organization.

The President’s Award from Muhlenberg College cites the work of SHARE, a group of students that is dedicated to making a difference in the community.

The dinner will consist of tri-color cheese tortellini w/garlic oil and fresh basil, garden salad, stuffed chicken breast with vegetable medley and chocolate mousse for dessert. Vegetarian meals are available. The cost of the meal is $22.50. The deadline for reservations is October 5. Call Carol Moyer at the synod office (610-395-6891) to make your reservation.

Last year this event was well attended and was a marvelous opportunity to see all the wonderful ministries in which people in our synod are involved everyday.

Join your friends at the Holiday Inn in Fogelsville on October 23. Be inspired by people who view service to their Lord and those around them as the natural extension of their faith. Learn how we can do similar kinds of ministry in our own congregations. Invite youth so that they can see how other young people live out their faith. There is something for everyone. It is an event you will not forget.