Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, a non-denominational Evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.
Various items are collected then packed into shoeboxes. These gift filled shoe boxes are then shipped to children around the world to introduce Jesus Christ and the Good News of God’s love to these hurting children. Through Operation Christmas Child, we help share Christ and the message of the gospel with needy children in many different countries. This Christmas season, each child will receive a shoebox along with Christian literature in his or her own language. We are currently collecting items that will be used to fill the shoeboxes. Items can be left at the display table located in the Narthex. Monetary contributions are also needed to purchase additional items and cover shipping costs of the shoe boxes.
All items be collected from Oct. 16th to Nov. 20th, our packing date!
Suggested items include:
Toys: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jump ropes, harmonicas, crayons or markers, coloring books, picture books, rubber stamp & ink pad sets
Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap, comb, brush, washcloth
Other: Hard candy, lollipops, sunglasses, ball caps, socks, hairclips, toy jewelry, watch (with extra batteries)
There will also be a Dinner on Nov. 20th provided by the Grace Lutheran Church Women. A free will offering will be collected that will also benefit Operation Christmas Child.
All are invited to attend … and bring a friend or two! THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!
A letter was recently sent to Grace Lutheran Church from India. The letter and a photo can be clicked on to read below.
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The Grace Lutheran Church Women support the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center Christmas Gift Program, and many other organizations through the holiday season. To learn more about these organizations and events, please see the GLCW page.
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Social Ministry
The mission of this team is to hear, discuss and respond to social concerns in the Mankato area, and through our efforts, strive to make Jesus known.
MAFFTI - Mankato Area Fair Trade Towns Initiative
We, at Grace Lutheran Church, have committed ourselves to use only Fair Trade Certifed Coffee after services and in all meetings for which the church has responsibility, to move forward on using other Fair Trade products (e.g. chocolate, tea, cocoa), and promote Fair Trade Fortnight (end of April into early May), Fair Trade Month (October) and at other times through events, worship and selling of Fair Trade Certified products. GLC's Fair Trade purchasing cart is always available outside the office on weekdays, and in the Narthex on Sundays. We invite all to learn more about MAFFTI (website or Facebook), Fair Trade, and Equal Exchange.
Fair Trade combats child labor, empowers women, keeps families together, finances development, protects the environment, promotes democracy, and encourages economic stability. Grace Lutheran Church encourages the use and purchase of Fair Trade products.
Watch this 8-minute video from Fair Trade USA to learn about Fair Trade's story.
USA FAIR TRADE Website: HERE
Learn and teach about Fair Trade by using the Fair Trade Resource Network
Habitat For Humanity of South Central Minnesota
Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry dedicated to building simple, decent and affordable housing with and for families in need. The Southeastern Minnesota chapter is made up of four chapters: Mankato, Saint Peter, LeSueur/Henderson and Watonwan County. Habitat is a ecumenical Christian ministry that does not recieve government funding, and instead raises funds to build homes. Habitat welcomes volunteers "from all faiths - or no faith - who can actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world."
Vine Faith In Action
An interfaith ministry designed to help older adults and their families anticipate, plan and provide loving care that may be needed. Assists seniors and others in need, in our congregation and community, with transportation and household chores.
ECHO Food Shelf
ECHO - Emergency Community Help Organization furnishes food to families of Blue Earth County and North Mankato on an emergency basis. Food or money donations can be given directly to ECHO or to Grace Lutheran Church on the 1st Sunday of the month. Six volunteers from Grace Lutheran Church staff the food shelf on Fridays. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information.
The House of Hope, Inc. is a treatment facility that provides a safe environment for individuals who desire to rebuild their lives from addictions.
House of Hope, Inc. founded a halfway house for men in 1971. The program started as a residential program for chemically dependent men, and is now a full treatment facility. Currently it serves 29 men and has a completely handicapped accessible suite.
The residential house for women began October 2006 which can serve up to seven.
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Visitation Team
Visit and bring communion to the home members and friends of our congregation. Team meets quarterly for mutual support.
Food For Friends
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For more informatin on these organizations, see their websites. If you are a member of Grace and would like to be involved with these organizations through the church team, please contact the office.
