Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hickory, wanted to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of God’s Work Our Hands (GWOH) in a big way. After reading the 2023 NC Synod Assembly’s approved Resolution Regarding Access to Abortion in North Carolina, our congregation was encouraged by the statements about enacting programs that support those who choose to carry pregnancies to term and ensure new parents/children have the resources necessary to lead prosperous lives. Several ideas were discussed with Zion’s Council and congregation member Kim Walters asked to be the GWOH project point person. Embracing Psalm 139:13-14—For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.—we adopted the Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley as the focal point for this year’s project.

The Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) is a 501c (3) organization that offers free and confidential services to support women and their families facing pregnancy and pregnancy-related issues. They share the gospel of Jesus with every client that comes through their door, offer Abortion Recovery Bible Studies, offer counseling to women who have been abused, host a monthly pregnancy loss support group for our area, provide necessary resources to clients for their babies (diapers, wipes, clothing, car seats, cribs, etc.), and assist with rent, utilities, and gas cards for families when needed.

Kim gave a Temple Talk in late August with details of the project and, given PCC’s needs, Zion held a gift card drive for the month of September. We included bulletin inserts each Sunday highlighting the Pregnancy Care Center’s services.

Zion members donated over $1200 in gift cards and money. On October 5, congregation members delivered lunch to PCC’s staff and presented the gift cards collected. A meet and greet with the staff and a tour of their facilities, including the Ultrasound Room, where parents can see their baby’s heartbeat at seven weeks gestation, and the Mommy Store, where parents who attend PCC educational classes can shop for baby clothes and other necessities free of charge. Zion is excited and humbled by the knowledge that our gifts to the Pregnancy Care Center of Cawatwa Valley will be used to serve God’s people by assisting pregnant women and their families with the much-needed resources necessary to lead prosperous lives.