“If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you.” Leviticus 25:35
At Good Shepherd, Outreach/Service is embraced and encouraged both locally and globally. Our members truly care about others. Outreach programs are organized and implemented by various groups, committees, and church-wide activities.
Below are just a few of our service ministries we invite you to participate in:
Community Garden
Our community garden is located just off the south parking lot. The produce that we pick from the garden supplies food for hungry people in the area. The volunteers fertilize, plant, weed, water, pick the vegetables, and clean up the garden for the season. The garden is a ministry of Good Shepherd in order to share the bounty God provides us with those who are in need. It is also an educational ministry for the preschool children and for the congregation that we might see how our food is grown and participate in that process. The use of straw-bales for planting and compost has been a great success so far, and it still feels like cutting-edge experimentation in the science of gardening. You are always welcome to participate and be a gardener.
Contact Sandi Bahr if you would like to be a gardner!
God’s Work, Our Hands
God’s Work Our Hands is a Sunday that Good Shepherd dedicates to service. There are a wide range of service activities here at church that everyone can participate in. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Join us for opportunities to serve others. From packing lunches and care kits for the homeless to creating prayer pillows and pet toys, there is something for hands of all sizes and abilities to do!
Mission Sewing
Members meet each month to sew clothes for the missions. They have sent dresses, pants, and bags to Africa, El Salvador, Haiti, and Peru.
Feed the Need STL
Each year we raise funds for our FMSC MobilePack where kids and adults work together to hand-pack nutritious FMSC MannaPack™ meals specifically designed to improve the lives of undernourished children around the world. Food packing takes place in two-hour shifts, with adults and children (ages 5 and up) filling bags at workstations. For more information go to www.feedtheneedstl.org.
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Each year Good Shepherd members donate food and money for a Thanksgiving meal for needy families. This year we were able to give 150 families a Thanksgiving dinner!
Be Like Jesus Service Lock In
This is an annual service event for our 3rd through 8th graders. There are a variety of service opportunities available to participate in throughout the community.
Project Boomerang/Scrappy Ladies
Members create blank greeting cards for the military to encourage the deployed to stay connected with family and friends.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This group creates prayer shawls for those in need of a comforting, blessed shawl. They meet in the Fireside Room at church at 10am on the 3rd Tuesday of the month to knit or crochet the shawls.
