"Do Whatever Needs Done"

As an only child often left alone, Anita Hlava played records, sang to herself, enjoyed the quietness of being still, curiously observed, and learned from artists working on their crafts about ways to use her talents to serve others. Anita's mother often reinforced this guiding concept by telling her daughter, "To do whatever needs done."

Reflecting on all, Anita witnesses, "God put this within me."

Anita's faith, gifts, and skills were further refined through being welcomed to practice daily worship and retreats that allowed time to "be still." "Church was the best place to be. I felt at home." As a nine-year-old, Anita confirmed her faith and consciously began her "walk with Jesus."

The church continued to be essential to Anita as an adult, but she felt disconnected when her community church's Oratorio Chorus disbanded. She missed singing in the church choir, and shared her sadness with her caring neighbor, telling her how much she missed it. Her neighbor then did an extraordinary thing! She invited Anita to join her in singing in her church choir. Anita accepted the invitation and joined the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church choir, where they welcomed her.

In addition to the choir, Anita also found a list of many opportunities to use her talents and skills "to do whatever needs to be done" with one of the women's groups, the Anna Circle. It seemed like a good match for her, so she attended a meeting, was warmly welcomed, and served the group well.

Anita soon received a request to be on the Women of the Church board. But she was not a member of the church! That soon changed. Anita's promise "to walk with Jesus" continued. She did what she felt called to do at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, encouraged and supported by our synod. As a member of the women's board, an elder, a choir member, the choir's director, a cantor, and as an assisting minister, she continues to serve as one who will "do whatever needs done."

Your generosity enables our Northeastern Ohio Synod to support organizations such as WELCA -which encourages women to serve in mission, the Kaufman Resource Center – which aids musicians and other workers in the church; and Hopewood Outdoors/LOMO -which provides the place and means to "be still" and hear God, so that like Anita, we all might "do whatever needs done" as we walk with Jesus. Thank you for your generous gifts!