The Social Ministry Committee is the umbrella for the varied social ministries at St. Paul’s. The committee meets bi-monthly to review the work being done by the ministries and to provide support for them when needed. All of our ministries rely on our volunteers, and all are eager to have new members join them. Following is a listing of our ministries and contacts for more information.
Contact Judy Holter, Chair or Florence Jensen, Church Council Liaison
Soul Food Ministry – Dawn Burford was the founder of this ministry and Darlene Specht and Chris DeYoung help get the word out and keep the records of who, what and where. Our ministry provides meals for people experiencing challenging times in their lives, (births, deaths, hospitalizations and moves) We don’t really meet, but instead send out emails and make phone calls when meals are needed. We have about 30 people who donate food. Not everyone can provide a whole meal, and they make cookies or provide vegetables, or they work with a friend to make a meal. Often meals are frozen, but when fresh meals are called for, we find that the time of fellowship shared with our members is as important as the meal, if not more. The group is always looking for more people to join. You don’t need to cook, just care.
Contact Dawn Burford or Chris DeYoung
Ladies Night Out – We are a group of ladies who go out to dinner, a movie, or an event once a month. Chris DeYoung, with the help of others coordinates these outings. We usually meet on a Thursday at 6:30 and talk and eat and enjoy each other’s company. A signup sheet is on the church bulletin board, but people often just show up and we add another chair at our table.
Contact Chris DeYoung
ELCA Urban Outreach Center – St. Paul’s has been involved with this center since it was founded over 10 years ago. It is a day shelter for people who need shelter, friendship, clothing and a listening ear. The Outreach Center is located in the basement of Grace Lutheran Church on 60th Street near 20th Avenue. St. Paul’s is actively involved in helping out there. In November/ December we provide Christmas presents for some of the children at the center and serve at their Christmas party. Then in the summer we provide a week worth of hot lunches for the Safe Summer Children’s Program. Throughout the year we are collecting donations of personal care items, clothing and school supplies which are given to the Center. Laura DeBruin and Chris DeYoung volunteer there and would be glad to answer any questions you might have about this ministry.
Contact Chris DeYoung
Cover Girls – Meets the third Monday of the month except for summer and December at 9:30 a.m. to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and assemble layettes for Lutheran World Relief. New members are always welcome and it is not necessary to be a sewing enthusiast.
Contact Nancy Edquist or Chris DeYoung
Prayer Shawl Ministry – If you can knit or crochet, you can make a prayer shawl. Instructions and yarn are available in a box in the narthex. Completed prayer shawls are blessed before being given. Donations of yarn are always welcome. This ministry has provided comfort to many who have received the shawls.
Contact Judy Holter
Shalom Center Soup Kitchen – St. Paul’s serves the Soup Kitchen the second Sunday of the month in January, March, May, July, September and November. Volunteers are needed.
Contact Jill Eggert
Visitation Ministry – The visitation ministers visit hospitals, nursing homes, shut-ins and others who need their support. Visitors go in teams and offer communion and a visit. Training is provided to new ministers. Our visitation ministers feel this is very rewarding.
Contact Laura DeBruin
NAMI and Mental Health – Jack Rose is our resource for all information on mental health, the new mental health court, NAMI (which meets at St. Paul’s) and is a committee and community leader for everything regarding mental health.
Contact Jack Rose