Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Outreach was established in May 2012. Much thought and discussion went into the creation of our mission statement:
Building bridges with our community through service, outreach, and fellowship.”
Our first initiative was to form a partnership with Roosevelt Elementary. This school located in our church neighborhood has 42% of its students on reduced or free lunch programs, which indicates a definite need.
Our team partners with We Care Eau Claire to provide backpack and school supplies for the children of the ECASD during the distribution held in August.
We have also teamed up with Feed My People to sponsor the Weekend Kids Meal program at Roosevelt. With the help of the LCGS congregation, we are able to raise funds to support this program. In addition, volunteers are provided to deliver the kids meals to Roosevelt on a weekly basis, along with working with LCGS volunteers to load lunch boxes for the entire community four times per year.
We also have helped with providing snacks throughout the school year. Along with a couple of other groups from the church, we provided the finances for an extra reading opportunity for students who need a little more help before school starts. We are continually looking for ways to support our community.
Women of Good Shepherd
Women of Good Shepherd Purpose Statement: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, society and the world.
We support several Bible study groups (circles) – afternoon and evening. We hold fundraisers for missions in our church, community and the world. We actively participate in quilt making, supporting many community agencies, as well as ministries without our church. We sell World Trade coffees that support the bean growers in South America. The Women of Good Shepherd provide several special functions, some fun, some educational, some to raise funds to help support the needs of our church, both physical surroundings and personal issues.
We strengthen our relationship by serving and sharing our talents and our gifts. All women of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd are welcome.
Just Because Baskets
Baskets of love are prepared at our church and sent on their way with prayers from LCGS. A small group gathers to prepare the baskets of goodies that are donated by members of our congregation. Fresh baked muffins, bread and cookies, fresh fruit, and sometimes flowers are included in the baskets.
The ministry also distributes hand-crocheted prayer shawls. Baskets are sent out by request for those who are ill or grieving the loss of a loved one. We also send baskets to celebrate the birth of a new baby, a new home, new job, retirement, or JUST BECAUSE. If you would like to request a Just Because Basket for someone, please contact the church office at 715-834-2959 and give us a name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the situation so that we may lift the person up in prayer.
We also need people to provide store-bought or homemade goodies for the baskets, as well as other items. If you feel moved to contribute a donation of any kind, please contact us.
Contact the church office (715-834-2959).
Quilting
Every Tuesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. our ladies are at the church as they work diligently on their quilts to give to others. Some women work at home on projects and then bring them into the church. If you would like more information about this group, call the church office at 715-834-2959.
Shepherd’s Closet
Shepherd’s Closet is a ministry of providing clothing for children from infants through high school age. Families in need are invited to visit our clothing pantry to receive at no cost clothing items, socks, underwear, shoes, books, puzzles, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
We are open the second Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment if necessary. For more information, contact the church office at 715-834-2959.
Ruby’s Pantry
Ruby’s Pantry began at LCGS in March 2014 and each month we see over 250 shares of food going to families. With over 35 volunteers each month, we unload a semi full of food, set-up, and distribute the food and clean-up all within a matter of hours. It is the first Thursday each month (unless noted below), with distribution beginning about 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, we welcome you to join us. Please fill out the application form online. If you would like to purchase a bundle, it is $25 cash. If you have questions about this program, open to all – no financial restrictions – please call the church office at 715-834-2959.
The mission of Ruby’s Pantry is: To procure and distribute corporate surplus food and goods to help fight poverty, hunger, and disease in rural communities in the United States for those with low resources and in crisis through churches, food shelves, and other local civic organizations. To develop the “Blessing Box” concept to activate people in being alert to the needs of others, and to be proactive in encouraging, showing friendship, and meeting tangible needs of struggling neighbors, friends, and strangers regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
Dates for 2024 include:
- Jan. 4
- Feb. 1
- March 7
- April 4
- May 2
- June 6
- July 11
- Aug. 1
- Sept. 5
- Oct 3
- Nov 7
- Dec 5
To learn more about Ruby’s Pantry visit their website.