 Church of the Savior has shown itself to be the Body of Christ in action to the Ladwig family as they are recovering from the fire that burned their house and belongings on December 14. All five of the Ladwigs and their dog, Chloe, escaped from the fire without injury. But they lost most of their earthly belongings. Take joy in knowing that God is using Church of the Savior and His larger body here in Wichita to restore and heal in the loss.
Early Support
As the fire still burned, church people began coming to the Ladwigs and offered love, meals, prayers, and support to them. That first day, people opened their checkbooks and began giving them funds to help with immediate needs. Pastoral and administrative staff from COTS also helped find accommodations at a residence hotel and worked with the insurance adjust to get it set up. Donations
Soon after the fire, the Trustees set up a donation fund and it was advertised on TV through a Larry Hatteberg feature on Tim and the Ladwig family. Trustees also established a drop-off site at the church for small items while Erin G. organized a drop-off location at Horton’s Carpet East for large items. The fellowship hall was full of items donated for them! Money also began to come into the fund both through the mail and through offerings. Christmas
Since Bill and Hilda Y. were planning to be gone over the Christmas holiday, they gave their home as a Christmas house to be used by the Ladwigs. Members of the congregation cleaned the smoke and water damaged Christmas tree and decorations from the Ladwig home and replaced ornaments that couldn’t be salvaged. The Yeaton’s home was decorated as much like Ladwig’s home as possible and treats were prepared for them. The Ladwigs gave us Christmas lists, and you took them and generously provided many wonderful gifts. Many other gifts were also given, so a very large group of presents waited for them under the tree. Support
Many in the body who have worked with insurance companies, legal contracts, restoration crews, and real estate issues are helping the Ladwigs make it through the difficult negotiations between these groups. Thanks for their advice and support. Benefit Concert
On New Year’s Eve, the church hosted a benefit concert at which seven different groups performed music and entertainment, more than 300 donated desserts and drinks were sold, a book table sponsored by 8th Day Books sold books illustrated by Tim, prints of Tim’s illustration were for sale, and people auctioned off services they would perform to aid the Ladwigs. That evening, more than $5,000 was raised for the Ladwigs, praise be to God. (See photos below.) That night, the Body of Christ was in action. Thank you so very much to each of you and your unique ways of giving! Current Update
The COTS fund for the Ladwigs currently has more than $11,000 in it. This is truly a staggering amount! Ladwigs are trying to buy a house on the same block as their former home and hope to be able to sign contracts soon. Your generosity and love are helping to make this possible. In an unusual and God-blessed event, the person who owns the house they hope to buy is also willing to buy and rebuild their burned house. Thank you so much for your willingness to be the Body of Christ at Church of the Savior. God is at work!      
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With the Silent Auction quickly approaching, we are so excited to be selling raffle tickets for this spectacular quilt! If you haven’t seen it, please make a point to stop by the fellowship hall and take a look. The quilt was made by Carol McMillen from a pattern called “Multiple Madness.” The beautiful flower medallions are each made from twelve identical pieces of fabric laid on top of each other and cut out with one template. This quilt is machine-pieced and hand-quilted and measures 72”x72”. 
The Christmas Party for our Salvation Army youth was held at Church of the Savior on December 6. The girls came first and then the boys followed later in the evening. We sang Christmas carols and gave them a chance to tell Christmas stories. Catie M. shared a message that God had laid on her heart about how God would provide for them through all their times of need. The girls performed a poem about Thanksgiving which they had written. We gave the gifts we had prepared for them and ate wonderful snacks prepared by Mark J. Many from the church donated items for the gift bags which were full of good things this year. The kids were especially grateful for all the love and good will and send their thanks to each of you!