Missions
God’s Work. Our Hands.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. – Matthew 25:35-36
Founded as a mission start, Holy Shepherd’s heart for helping others is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our congregation. This heart for mission shines through as we tend those inside and outside the flock: feeding the hungry, providing needed supplies to individuals and organizations, and traveling both near and far to do God’s work with our hands. Come, see how you might be part of sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
Hands On
Would you like a delicious home-cooked meal served in a comfortable, welcoming environment? Shepherd’s Suppers are served between 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. The meals are offered to the community and are free. We hope you’ll join us!
The Hook and Needle Discipleship (HANDS) crochets blankets for local women’s shelters and for the newly baptized. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? No worries! HANDS will teach you.
Participation in annual events to combat hunger are a tradition at Holy Shepherd. The Youth raise thousands of dollars and collect tons of food as part of the 30-Hour Famine. The congregation collects food in the fall for a local food pantry and, during February, participates in the Souper Bowl of Caring to combat world hunger.
Collections
Ongoing and special collections keep our stream into our Mission Corner in the church lobby. Everything from pop tabs for Ronald McDonald houses to cell phones for Women’s Shelters to animal supplies for the Humane Society to school supplies and toiletries for the Township Centers make their way through our doors.
Current collection information is available in the monthly newsletter.
Mission Trips
Jesus served many in his ministry, we promise to “care for others and the world God made” in baptism, and part of our mission is to “tend those inside and outside the flock.”
Our congregation’s Off Site Service Team is responsible for planning and inviting participation in several 1-day service opportunities and one annual multi-day service trip, all of which occur somewhere other than Holy Shepherd and are open to a wide range of age and ability levels. This helps us meet new people, interact with those we hope to serve and brings a way we live out our faith into the view of the world.
Making a Difference in Motown
Multi-Day Mission Trip to Detroit
June 21-24, 2023
What will we be doing?
We will be traveling to Detroit to work with Cass Community Social Services as they minister to people dealing with homelessness, addiction and poverty. We need volunteers with all kinds of skills – whatever you can do is a valuable contribution to the team. We will have more specifics on the types of work needed as the trip gets closer.
Who does this work benefit?
This work will be a blessing to the people who were close to Jesus’ own heart – “the least of these who are members of my family” (Matthew 25:40)
What are my responsibilities?
You will need to register online and, for the safety of all our volunteers (especially our minor volunteers), you will need to sign a release for a background check if you do not already have a current one. You are responsible for being prompt and helping the whole crew stay on schedule. Most of all, you need to be ready to learn and grow along the way!
Will it be safe?
Cass Community Social Services has welcomed more than 6.000 volunteers without any incidents. The staff have an excellent rapport with the community, and the community recognizes and values the work of the volunteers.
What’s in it for me?
Serving others is a hugely rewarding experience. These trips are a great opportunity to deepen relationships and make new friends. Through traveling, working and eating together, we come to know new people we might not otherwise get to know. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills as you tackle a wide variety of projects. We will have the chance to meet some of the people who are blessed by this ministry, so we will see the impact of our work.
A congregation of the ELCA
WORSHIP HOURS
Contemporary
Saturday: 5:00 pm
Traditional
Sunday: 8:30 am
Contemporary
Sunday: 10:00 am