Thrivent Action Teams
If you are a Thrivent member you MAY have up to TWO Thrivent Action Teams available to you EACH YEAR. Each action team is designed to bring volunteers together and provides $250 in seed money to complete each project (plus awesome t-shirts).
Consider using one or both of your Thrivent Action Teams to benefit LOMC!
Take a look below at our current needs and fill out the simple form below to let us know you can help. You will need to log into your Thrivent account to see if your profile/account has Action Teams available.
This Is Not the Official THRIVENT Web Page
To help organizations OTHER THAN LOMC, please visit Thrivent directly.
From Thrivent’s Website:
Thrivent Action Teams make it easy to live generously. It starts with a simple question: “Who can I help and how?”
Next, identify a community need and grab friends and family to form a volunteer team and brainstorm ways to address it. Thrivent provides a customized kit of resources to kick-start your fundraiser, educational event or service project. Your team provides the people power to bring it to life.
How To Help Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
- Pick a Thrivent Action Team idea from below or come up with a new idea.
- Fill out LOMC’s form so we know who is creating which Thrivent Action Team.
- Sometimes we have more than one person submitting the same Action Team and one will get rejected.
- We will get back to you promptly to let you know if everything is a GO on our end.
- Go to Thrivent’s website, login and submit your Action Team.
- Thrivent wants Action Team leaders to be involved in the project.
- Thrivent prefers the Action Team kit be sent to the Team Leader.
- Feel free to add t-shirts and other items as a part of the Action Team. LOMC will use them.
Cider Press
…This Action Team is needed for fall 2023…
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center will be holding a bake sale (Oct. 14, 2023) to raise money for the outdoor ministry. We are encouraging people to make and bring baked good to sell at LOMC.
The seed money will help volunteers make and package baked goods.
Volunteers will be organizing the activity including baking items, packaging baked goods and selling the items.
…This Action Team is needed for fall 2023…
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center will be holding a fall event with a main activity of cider pressing. The activity will show participants how cider is made through a special apple press and straining process.
The seed money will help purchase the apples to make apple cider.
The team will be maintaining the cider press, purchasing apples and leading others in pressing apples into cider.
Health and Safety
LOMC needs help getting a group together to make first aid kits for summer staff and volunteers. As an active outdoor ministry Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center leads people through many events where the possibility of a wound is possible. Having first aid kits ready and handy is really important.
The seed money will help us to purchase first aid supplies.
The volunteer team will be purchasing supplies and assembling the kits that staff and volunteers can use when they are leading groups around LOMC.
Technology
LOMC has a handful of buildings that could use some security features. The retreat center already has the equipment to handle more cameras (in part thanks to a prior Action Team) and the addition of a few more cameras will help keep things safer.
The seed money will be used to help purchase a camera to be installed on a building at the retreat center.
Volunteers will be ordering and installing the cameras at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center.
LOMC has many buildings that have wifi internet but there are a few outdoor areas that could benefit from having wifi. Some groups (churches, youth groups, etc.) often meet at LOMC’s pole barn or campground pavilion and ask if there is internet. This project will help us provide internet for groups to show presentations, stream video and more.
The seed money will be used to purchase outdoor wifi access points for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center’s Pole Barn and Tent & Trailer Pavilion.
Volunteers will be helping purchase the items and then installing them onsite.
LOMC has a good computer network and a few pieces of equipment are older and needing to be upgraded to make technology flow in outdoor ministry.
The seed money will be used to purchase a new Ethernet switch to help keep information moving along.
Volunteers will be helping purchase the items and then installing them onsite.
Retreat Cabins
LOMC has two wonderful meeting buildings adjacent to the cabins but it needs some decorative improvements. LOMC would like to hang photos that have been taken around the property to brighten their Perch and Roost buildings.
The seed money will help purchase canvas prints to hang in both buildings.
Volunteers will be ordering the prints and hanging them in the buildings.
Program Needs
What type of project?: Service Activity
Which cause?: Camps/outdoor ministries/retreat centers
Tell us how you will be involved in leading your project?: Check all that apply.
Actions and Outcomes: LOMC is wanting to hold crafting retreats at its ministry location. Volunteers will be setting up and leading retreat for those wanting to find a peaceful place of community and working on their favorite crafting projects. The team will be helping promote the event(s), hosting groups and finding new ways to make participants feel equipped and comfortable.
Associated with a church?: No
Associated with a specific organization?: Yes – Search for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
Community Action Card?: Yes – select $250
Promotion, Supplies
The seed money will be used for publicity and to purchase equipment to help participants with their crafting such as power outlets and desk lamps.
T- Shirts: LOMC has quite a few already but feel free to select a few sizes to keep or give to LOMC.
Other Items: We love the small notepads!
Shipping: The easiest method is to have the box shipped directly to LOMC.
1834 S IL Route 2
Oregon IL 61061
We are looking to create a Thrivent Action Team that helps LOMC (Oregon, IL) rebuild its fishing program. LOMC has a large pond stocked with fish and many guests enjoy the sport of fishing. A team is needed to repair old fishing equipment and set up new equipment as well as teach guests the basics of fishing.
The seed money will be used to purchase supplies to repair old rods and reels, purchase new poles and lures as well as seed money for creating a program to teach newcomers on how to fish.
The plan is for volunteers to help with the fixing and setting up of equipment and teaching guests on how to use the equipment.
This project involves gathering creating a geocache program at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (Oregon, IL) so that guests can hike the property to learn more about LOMC and discover special items in the hidden caches.
The seed money will be used to purchase waterproof container and small prizes to be put into the cache containers. Special handouts will also be created to share with LOMC guests that they will use to help them find the various geocaches.
The plan is for volunteers to purchase the supplies for each geocache, map the locations, create the handout and hide the geocaches around the LOMC property.
What type of project?: Education
Which cause?: Camps/outdoor ministries/retreat centers
Tell us how you will be involved in leading your project?: Check all that apply.
Actions and Outcomes: LOMC is gathering a team to create an interpretive nature trail for visitors and guests to learn more about God’s creation all around the camp’s site. We are working to have a trail with various stations/kiosks where people of all ages can learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the immediate area. Volunteers will be creating nature and scripture resources that will be housed in the trail kiosks that hikers can take advantage of.
Associated with a church?: No
Associated with a specific organization?: Yes – Search for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center
Community Action Card?: Yes – select $250
Supplies
The seed money will be used to help purchase the kiosks and producing materials that hikers can use to learn more about birds, animals, plants and more.
T- Shirts: LOMC has quite a few already but feel free to select a few sizes to keep or give to LOMC.
Other Items: We love the small notepads!
Shipping: The easiest method is to have the box shipped directly to LOMC.
1834 S IL Route 2
Oregon IL 61061
The Nelson Program Center is a year-round building at LOMC primarily used by children and youth. The multi-purpose building could use some new resources to teach everyone about God’s natural world. We want to add books and other resources to help us in teaching about the environment.
The seed money will go towards purchasing books, kits and other educational resources.
Volunteers will be sorting older resources and helping lead environmental activities with groups.
Property
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL needs help in directing guests. Some existing signs are too weathered to read and additional signs are needed to direct guests.
The seed money would be used to purchase both permanently installed and lawn signs that will greatly help visitors know where to go.
Volunteers will taking down old signs and assembling and installing new signs around the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center property.
Current and Recently Completed Action Teams
Resident House Painting
Linda Patterson is leading an Action Team to repaint the resident house at the entrance to LOMC. The house will get a new coat of paint both improving the looks and protecting the wood siding.
(Spring 2023)
Marander Rooms Painting
Margi Ficken is leading an Action Team to re-paint guest rooms in our Marander Lodge.
(Spring 2023)
Landscaping
Audrey Adams is leading an Action Team to purchase and plant flowers and other plants around LOMC.
(Spring 2023)
Macro Invertebrate Study
Rob Gieraltowski is leading an Action Team that will help guests and campers learn about the world of insects living in our pond and creek.
(Spring 2023)
LOMC Board Retreat
Rob Gieraltowski led an Action Team for a LOMC board of directors retreat. The board met to discuss current changes in outdoor ministry, current LOMC context and future while looking at mission and core values.
(Spring 2023)
CRE Event
Michelle Wandersee led an Action Team for Northern Illinois Synod’s Congregational Resourcing Event. The LOMC presentation engaged participants with their own hand-crafted, palm-sized labyrinths.
(Spring 2023)
Archived Action Teams
Dan Dilbeck is lead an Action Team that let people of all ages learn how apply cider is made. The action team bought apples and readied the press Oct. 8, 2022. A great experience and a delicious activity!!! (September 2022)
Archived Action Teams
Michelle Wandersee headed up an Action Team for our annual Fun 5K Benefit that involves donuts! We made donuts, served goodness and cheered on our 5K participants on Oct. 8, 2022.
Archived Action Teams
David Adams is lead an Action Team for our annual pumpkin carving fun! On Oct. 8 we invited any and all to select a pumpkin and create your own fall gourd decoration. (September 2022)
Archived Action Teams
Dan Dilbeck led an Action Team to further develop a birding program at LOMC. This Action Team helped summer campers learn about the birds of the Rock River Valley area (and beyond). The team was able to purchase binoculars and campers have enjoyed using them to observe our feathered friends.
(June 2022)
Thank you to Margi and Mike Ficken for organizing a COVID-prep Action Team. The Action Team will help with training meetings for staff and volunteers. The Action Team helped purchase COVID test kits, hand-washing signs, KN95 masks and more! (January 2022)
Dan Dilbeck came through for LOMC once again and organized an awesome Thrivent Action Team to help with emergency needs. The Action Team allowed LOMC to purchase first aid kits and LED lanterns to be used around LOMC in case of emergency. (December 2021)
Margi and Mike Ficken created an Action Team to repair and repaint our Timbers Village Perch building. The Perch is a meeting room building that compliments our guest groups experience by providing an open space to meet in. This Action Team will allow us to repair walls and repaint the room to make the space cleaner and looking fantastic. (April 2021)
Rob Gieraltowski led an Action Team to help with the Autumn Fest Craft Fair. Various supplies will be purchased to accommodate our craft fair booths. The fees collected from the booths will help support LOMC. (October 2021)
Audrey Adams led an Action Team to support our all-ages pumpkin carving activity this fall. Pumpkins will be purchased locally and volunteers will be helping setup and run this very popular activity at LOMC. (October 2021)
Linda Patterson led an Action Team to head-up a very unique and tasty activity at LOMC! Volunteers will be operating the cider press helping make fresh cider for visitors this fall. The wonderful funds from Thrivent will help purchase apples, cider straining bags, cups and more. (October 2021)
Archived Action Teams
Carol Walter set up an Action Team to improve the John Califf Memorial Garden that is located near the Moline Dining Hall. The seed money helped purchase supplies to fix an eroded drainage ditch and make other improvements to the garden. (August 2021)
Margi Ficken created an Action Team to help LOMC add needed signs to our trails and buildings. This Action Team will place a new “Meadows/Timbers” trailhead sign behind the Moline Dining Hall and an additional “Levi’s Cave” sign to help with directing hikers to the awesome sandstone formation. (April 2021)
Rob Gieraltowski organized a Thrivent Action Team to help with our “Sundae on Saturday” and Hike-A-Thon events. Funds from the Action Team will help enhanced our fundraiser and provided a new geocache course at LOMC! (February 2021)
Becky Hayden has created an Action Team for a group to remove old CO2 and smoke detectors at Marander Lodge and replace them with new ones. Batteries were also purchased to ensure safety in other working detectors. (April 2021)
Pr. Carla Thompson Powell organized a Thrivent Action Team to update artwork in our Hawkins Hospitality Center. In late January we hung new canvas-wrapped photo artwork in the Hospitality Center! (January 2021)
Dan Dilbeck organized a Thrivent Action Team to have our Hospitality Center painted. The entryway needed some repairs and paint and the main room will get a fresh treatment soon. (December 2020)
Bob and Sue Gingras organized a Thrivent Action Team to upgrade our Tim Geissler Memorial Archery Range with a new target and additional supplies. (November 2020)
Michelle Heinrich organized a Thrivent Action Team to create bird houses. A family attending a Household Getaway at LOMC helped get the bird houses ready for new occupants. (November 2020)
Audrey Adams was able to organize a Thrivent Action Team to help add to our October Outings. Pumpkins and other gourds decorate the LOMC Office and Dining Hall. In addition, each household will be able to take a pumpkin home. (October 2020)
Joyce Elliott led a special Action Team with members of Geneva Lutheran Church. The two decks at LOMC’s Health Center are in need of repainting and the group will prep and paint the decks to match our LOMC Office kiosk, nearby bridge and Drama Drum.
(August 2022)
Archived Action Teams
Sue Gingras organized a Thrivent Action Team to protect and display our nature posters in poster frames. (January 2021)
Pr. Carla Thompson Powell organized an Action Team to clean-up and improve the Prayer Labyrinth. (May 2021)
Audrey Adams was able to organize a Thrivent Action Team to help add to our October Outings. Pumpkins and other gourds decorate the LOMC Office and Dining Hall. In addition, each household will be able to take a pumpkin home. (October 2020)
An Action Team was created by David Adams to add signage to our trails. Wonderful trail direction signs and posts were added to our Meadows and Timbers Villages. Additional signs related to COVID-19 safety will also be placed around LOMC. (August 2020)
An Action Team was created by Dan Dilbeck to change out all our old flood lamp bulbs in Dody House with new and efficient LED indoor flood lamps. In addition, we were able to get regular LED bulbs to use to replace around LOMC. (July 2020)
Thanks to Margi and Mike Ficken for applying and receiving a number of Action Teams for LOMC. This is the first completed Action Team they led… new entrance signs out on Route 2. They came out awesome!!! (6/8/2020)
Thanks to Margi and Mike Ficken for applying and receiving an Action Team to replace our outdated vertical blinds in Freedom Tree with curtains. They look great and much improved! (7/9/2020)
An Action Team was created by Margi and Mike Ficken to repaint hallways in our Retreat Cabins. There is nothing like a fresh cost of paint to make an area look fantastic! (Summer 2020)
Thanks to Audrey Adams (LOMC registrar/bookkeeper) for leading this Action Team to make cookout kits for our Family Getaway experience. New cooking grills, cooking gear and place settings were bought! Awesome!!! (5/20/2020)
Thanks to Michelle Heinrich (LOMC Program Director) for applying and receiving an Action Team to add some nature artwork to the Norman Nelson Program Center. Michelle used Mr. Rob’s photos from around LOMC to create canvas prints that were hung in the Program Center. Looks great!!! (6/9/2020)
An Action Team was received to help raise money on Tuesday, May 5 2020 for LOMC’s spring Giving Day. The fundraiser helped purchase needed cleaning equipment and general funds to help LOMC. Over $9,000 was raised!
