November 12, 2024
Dear Friends of John Lothrop and the Doane University Community,
I’m writing to you today with a heart both heavy and hopeful, as we remember and honor our dear friend and colleague, John Lothrop. As many of you know, John passed away this past summer, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives, especially here within the Doane community.
John was always committed to excellence and leadership. He was a Doane honors graduate who received a prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship upon graduation. Whether it was the football team or his fraternity (Delta Kappa Pi) he was a leader and a teambuilder.
At the end of his working career John returned to Doane to work in the Office of Advancement, serving our institution with the same dedication he brought to everything he did. Service and generosity were key to who John was. But beyond his roles on campus, he was involved in an incredible number of philanthropic endeavors. A cause dear to his heart was the Xepatan Project which he helped found. Over seven trips, he traveled to the highlands of Xepatan Guatemala, where he helped construct homes for Mayan families in desperate need.
This year, we have a special opportunity to keep John’s spirit of giving alive. We plan to build a home in Guatemala in John’s honor--a shelter for Armando Cocon family living in extreme poverty in rural Xepatan. In memory of John, this home will be a place of hope, security, and opportunity for a family that, without this help, would struggle for basic necessities.
To make this home a reality, we are aiming to raise $4,400. This amount will cover the construction costs, ensuring that John’s legacy continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those he cared so deeply about. In a fitting tribute, a group of dedicated volunteers, including John’s son Griffin and granddaughter Annabelle, will be traveling to Guatemala in January to help with the building process, just as John would have done himself.
You contribution to this cause would mean so much, not only to the family who will benefit from the home but to all of us who cherish John’s memory. Donations can be made to Causa Maya and mailed to Jim Johnson at the following address:
Jim Johnson
1860 Fairchild Dr
Crete, NE 68333
Any amount, no matter the size, will bring us closer to reaching our goal. Your generosity will help us honor John’s vision and continue the mission he held so dear.
Thank you for considering this invitation to celebrate John’s life by supporting the work he was so passionate about. Together, we can ensure that John’s spirit of compassion and service lives on in Xepatan.
With gratitude and in memory of John,
Bill Pallett and Jim Johnson
- Faith In Action Ministry Distributions
This chart that shows the distribution of funds for 2024 by the Faith In Action Ministry. Funding for this program is provided by our annual budget plus the Mission Endowment Fund created and sustained by members of the congregation.
- Hope House of Sedona
Providing Hope for Sedona's Homeless Families
Hope House is a new home in West Sedona that provides temporary/bridge housing, meals and supportive services to help homeless families with children make a successful transition into affordable homes. Families, with the help of Case Mangers, identify their needs and goals. Residents are treated with respect, accountability and compassion.
Hope House provides a clean, well maintained and secure home. Each family has its own furnished room with a shared bath, kitchen, common living area, and food for meals. It serves 3 families up to a total of 10 residents. It is free to families that qualify and are referred through organizations, agencies, or churches. Individuals can apply directly
Over four years ago, members of Church of the Red Rocks recognized the need to serve homeless families in the Sedona area. The dream of Hope House was created. Since then, the church and its members have generously supported Hope House, both financially and through service. There is also strong community involvement. Funds come from grants, businesses, governmental agencies, and individuals. Hope House is a 501(c)(3). Volunteers from various organizations serve on committees.
There are several ways to volunteer including House Services (maintaining and improving the house), Residential Services (tutoring, teaching budgeting, child care), Fundraising, and Public Awareness.
If you are interested in learning more about Hope House contact Holly Johnson at hollyj.hopehouse@gmail.com or check out our website at hopehouseofsedona.org
- The Sedona Community Meal
Volunteers Unpack Produce for Monday Night Meal
One of the ways a number of faith and civic organizations offer themselves in care and service to our neighbors is through the Monday evening community supper held at the St. Andrew Episcopal Church Hall. This meal is of no cost to those attending. The Church of the Red Rocks has been a consistent partner in this act of neighborliness for more than fifteen years. Currently we prepare and serve the meal on the first Monday of each month. This community partnership is one of our congregation’s mission outreach programs which is funded through the yearly budgeted offerings designated to the Faith in Action Ministry. Currently, we serve between 70-90 individuals during this first Monday meal. Our preparation, serving and clean-up teams number 12-24 members and friends of the Church of the Red Rocks. We take turns with the various roles in putting together a delicious meal and cleaning up afterwards. If you are interested in volunteering to help, contact either Pam or Dave Stabenfeldt through the church office or email to stabiesdp@gmail.com Our group is a welcoming lot of folks and would enjoy sharing in the work of preparation and serving our neighbors.
- Rainbow Acres
Jesus Blesses the Children by John Soderberg at Rainbow Acres
Rainbow Acres is a Christian community with heart (Related to the American Baptist Churches USA) that empowers persons with developmental disabilities to live to their fullest potential with dignity and purpose. Neurodiverse Adults build confidence and skills as they live, work and socialize with their peers on the ranch. Educational, recreational and vocational programs provide each rancher with a multitude of opportunities to develop spiritually, emotionally, cognitively, vocationally, physically and socially. Over many years the Church of the Red Rocks has been involved with the ministry of Rainbow Acres in many ways .... member volunteers serving as artists in residence, church members serving in leadership roles on the Board, work days at the ranch, and both the church and individuals making regular donations to this work. For more information explore the Rainbow Acres website at http://rainbowacres.com
