Saturday June 29, 2024 - Blood donation organized by our Church for American Red Cross

 A gift of life, a gift for someone you don't even know. A precious gift for a suffering soul, a gift that perhaps his life would depend on. Our blood is precious, so it is for the one who needs it desperately. 

When it came to my attention that our dear friend was fighting for his life, received blood, and now feels much livelier, much better, my heart went out to him, and I was moved to do something about it. With the cooperation and help of others, we organized a blood drive at our church. I signed up first, and when the time came, I lay down and offered my arm to save someone’s life with my blood. One pint, 10 minutes later, and with a friendly nurse at my side, I smiled and whispered to myself, “I did it.” - Eva Matte.

We collected 16 pints of blood during the blood drive from 16 participants, which will hopefully serve 38 patients. Thank you, nurses. Thank you, donors. Thank you to all the participants who made this event possible.

Thanks to all who participated in the Red Cross Blood Drive and Health Workshops!  We enjoyed guest speakers Rev. Dr. Hosea Collins  (Baptist Church Hawthorne) and Pastor Celia Garcia (Celebration Church). Followed by a presentation by Kati Seress on Balance and Fall Prevention. We enjoyed a lunch of chicken salad, fruit and cupcakes. Followed by a presentation by Harrelson Notah (Diné) from LA County Mental Health Dept on Self Care, Coping and Community Resources. Thank you Eva M. and others for organizing the Program.

MORNING PROGRAM:
9:00 – 9:15 AM in the Sanctuary – Peace and Grace
Pastor Zoltán Bátori, First Hungarian Reformed Church of L.A.
9:15 – 9:45 AM in the Sanctuary – God Requires a Vessel (Exodus 3:7-10)
Dr. Hosea Collins, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Hawthorne
9:45 – 10:15 AM  in the Sanctuary – Don’t Give Up (Psalm. 27:13)
Rev. Celia Garcia, Pastor Celebration Church Hawthorne
10:15 AM – BREAK in the Social Hall – coffee, juice, snacks, fellowship.

WORKSHOPS:
10:45 – 11:30 AM in the Social Hall - Ways to Improve Balance and Stability
Kathy Seress shares tips and exercises for better balance and fall prevention.
11:30 – 1:00 PM – LIGHT LUNCH in the Social Hall
Food, refreshments and friendly conversation.
1:00 – 1:45 PM – in the Sanctuary - Mental Health, Self-care, Coping Skills
Community Resources. Harrelson Notah (Diné) L.A. County Dept. Mental Health
1:45 – 2:00 PM - in the Sanctuary - Peace And Blessings
Pastor Zoltan Bátori.