Faith Lutheran Church offers a chance to win a “Dream Trip” for two anywhere in the continental U.S.

A small church in North Windham is hoping that a fundraiser can also help raise awareness and support for the work they do serving neighbors in need. Faith Lutheran Church sits on a hill in the woods at the edge of Sebago Lake at 988 Roosevelt Trail, but their compassion extends far beyond that idyllic setting. The motivating force behind a new non-profit, Fuller Center for Housing in the Sebago Lake Region (expected to become official in late October), the congregation has recruited other area churches as well as St. Joseph’s College to begin a program to renovate and repair houses of the elderly and disabled.

Faith Lutheran has also become an official partner with St. Ann’s Episcopal Church to operate a monthly Essentials Pantry providing items like soap, cleaning and paper products, diapers and personal hygiene items that can’t be purchased with SNAP (food stamp) benefits.  The church is a part of the Monday Meals program, and practices “tithing” by donating 10% of all money they raise to various organizations like the Village Fund, RSU14 Backpack Program, The Root Cellar, Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the City of Portland fund to assist asylum seekers.

To continue with these efforts, they are now conducting a special “Dream Trip” raffle, selling tickets to those in the surrounding community who would like a chance to support the church’s work and want a chance to win dinner anywhere in the continental United States, with air or train fare and two nights in a hotel also included (total value of $2,500). 

Tickets are $20. Only 500 tickets will be sold, so there is a 1 in 500 chance of winning. But hurry! Deadline to purchase the raffle tickets will be Sunday, October 6. The drawing will be held at the church on Sunday, October 13, at 10:45 a.m. and ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Local travel agent Emery Travel in Raymond will handle arrangements for the winner.

“We know that a lot of our neighbors aren’t members of our church but would welcome the chance to support our small-but-mighty congregation because of all the ways we serve the larger community,” said Pastor Jane Field.  “And we’re finding that this “Dream Trip” raffle is a great way for us to get to know our neighbors better, too!  It’s been so much fun to talk with folks about where they would go if they win. We’ve heard beautiful stories about trips to see family, life-long dreams to see the Grand Canyon or return to a childhood hometown. We’ve also been touched by those who have bought tickets for others, hoping to give a friend or family member the chance to take a trip they could never afford on their own. It’s warmed our hearts and reminded us once again of why we love being part of this community.”

Tickets are on sale after 9:30 a.m. worship on Sunday mornings at the church or from any church member. For more information, email faithlutheranwindham@icloud.com or call Steve at 207-221-0734. Raffle terms and conditions are available on the Faith Lutheran Church Facebook page (Faith Lutheran Church Windham Maine).