We have an active community outreach program here at First Lutheran. These activities span the globe from local East Greenwich resources to those sponsored by the wider Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) in third world countries. Our support is either through monetary donations or volunteer time. These activities center around three major themes: Food, Clothing, and Shelter.
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Here are some of the programs we support: Our Thrift Shop, staffed by volunteers, has been in existence for over 20 years. It is open all year. It serves the community in two ways. The first is through the sale of used clothing in good condition at very reasonable prices. Secondly, the money raised through these sales is distributed to the East Greenwich Ecumenical Loan Fund, a local organization that assists individuals and families in need. The Thrift Shop is the largest contributor to this fund. The fund is designed to loan money to those in need of emergency assistance to cover rent, food, utility costs or other urgent needs. You are welcome to either donate clothing (clean and in good repair) by leaving it at the church Parish House, or to visit the Thrift Shop to purchase clothing. To find out when our Thrift Shop sale days are held, please see our calendar page.
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The Rhode Island Family Shelter, located in Warwick, is one of the shelters accepting families in Rhode Island. Families are allowed to stay for an 8 week period during which they receive social services geared toward helping them establish stable housing. The proceeds from our “Homeless Awareness” campout fundraiser support this shelter. We provide an activity day including worship, and an evening meal to shelter residents in the summer.
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Calumet Lutheran Camp and Conference Center, in West Ossipee, New Hampshire, is the New England Synod's camp for all area congregations. There are two components. One is the summer camp for children and teens. The other, the family camp, provides an array of programs throughout the calendar year with activities and special programming for young and old alike. Spiritual growth and inspiration, along with healthy fun, is a part of every visitor's experience. We support this camp by contributing to its capital fund drive from 2002 - 2004. Our Pastor has served as chaplain on numerous occasions. Many of our members attend retreats for men and women.
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Lutheran Social Services/New England is the Lutheran Church's social service agency for the six New England states. They operate services for adoption, and residences for the aged, at risk youth, teen parents, and those with developmental disabilities. Their mission is commissioned by the Church and commanded by Christ. We have supported LSS by contributing to its capital campaign and its operating budget. Small groups within our church have been committed to specific LSS ministries.
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Church World Services' Blanket and Tools Program provides blankets used for warmth, shelter, clothing, carrying goods, etc. to countries with high refugee populations and limited access to assistance. Our blanket purchases have exceeded all expectations for several years. Church World Service recognized us in 2003 for the scope of our support.
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Lutheran World Relief is an umbrella agency of our wider national Lutheran Church (ELCA) that supports many varied programs all over the world. They include the support of missionaries throughout the world, provision of health kits, school kits and layettes for other countries, funding for world hunger and disaster relief nationally and globally. Through their Serrv International Program, third world craftspeople produce and sell goods via catalog to support their own economic independence.
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We contribute to several food ministries. Twice yearly, we collect funds for the ECLA World Hunger Program to alleviate hunger both in our country and in distant places. New in 2006, we began a food pantry within our church to provide non-perishable items for those in need. We also continue to support, through donations and food items, the community food program at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. Each year our youth have participated in the Crop Walk in East Greenwich. The proceeds raised in this Ecumenical walk are used to fight hunger and provide development assistance in more than eighty countries, including the United States.
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The Shawl Ministry in the gift of people from this congregation who knit prayer shawls for those who have experienced a major life transition. Shawls are knit with prayer by the knitter, and given to the recipient with a blessing for healing, comfort, or in celebration of their circumstances.
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A Healing Prayer Ministry is available to all, regardless of faith orientation. It incorporates the use of two ancient healing arts - prayer and the laying on of hands. In an individual session, two trained healing partners use these healing arts to assist the client on his/her journey toward healing and wholeness. It is designed to bring balance to body, mind, and spirit, that creates the ability to deal peacefully with whatever life brings. It is not meant to substitute for traditional medical care. To arrange an appointment, contact the church office.
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124 Division Street East Greenwich Rhode Island 02818
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