Serve

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

1600 West Oakland Avenue Austin, Minnesota 55912

507-437-4516

We are a Community Centered in Christ, Committed to Equipping God’s People for Life and Service in God’s World.

As Christians we are called to be the body of Christ, doing God’s work in the world. At Our Savior’s there are many ways to serve on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis in our community and around the world.

Mission Jamaica This weeklong transformational travel trip accompanies West Haven Children’s Home and J’Bode in their ministry. Servant leaders immerse together in the life of our partners there through servant projects and relational investment. Our travel together typically takes place every January. This ministry was launched by St. Andrews in Mahtomedi, MN and is now served by over thirty five congregations. The cost is around $1,200. Check out the website at http://ghcllc.westhostsite.com/ . For more information, contact Phil and Gail Minerich at pminerich@charter.net .

Operation Angel Food (Backpack Program) Each Friday morning from 8:30-10 a.m. during the school year, volunteers gather at Banfield Elementary to pack 100+ backpacks with food for the weekend for students in need. Our Savior’s supports this ministry by collecting food items and monetary donations; volunteers for Friday morning are also always needed. For details, contact Marcia Pedersen

Habitat for Humanity/Community Home Improvement Project OSLC volunteers lend a hand each summer to work with CHIP (Community Home Improvement Project) for a week at the end of June. Typically we paint a house, but work may also include landscaping, concrete work, debris removal, installing railings, etc. Work day starts at 9:30 and ends at 3:30. Contact the church office

Salvation Army Volunteers from OSLC prepare and serve a meal of lasagna at the Salvation Army on the third Thursday of every month. Two volunteers meet to prepare the meal at 2:30 and three volunteers serve from 4:45-6:15. In December volunteers/families ring for a Salvation Army Red Kettle site. There are also opportunities to help with Thanksgiving basket distribution, toy drive, and Toy Shop. Contact the church office

Global Health Ministries GHM, located in Fridley, is our destination the fourth Tuesday of the month to sort and pack medical supplies for Lutheran Hospitals around the world. We leave at 7:30 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. Details about GHM can be found at www.ghm.org Contact the church office

Prayer Shawl Ministry Prayer shawls become a tangible reminder of God’s loving embrace for those experiencing a challenging time due to illness, loss, loneliness, or some other circumstance. For those who wish to become involved in knitting or crocheting prayer shawls, basic patterns are available as handouts. Anyone is invited to select a prayer shawl from the rack in the Atrium to deliver to a friend in need. Contact Karen Behling

Newborn Knitters Knit, crochet, or sew hats for newborns and Pediatric Chemo patients. This group meets at 9:00 on the second Saturday of the month to share patterns and learn together. No experience necessary! Contact Kim Richardson

Quilts and Crafts At 9:00 on the second and fourth Monday of every month except November and December, this group meets in Knutson Hall to make quilts and do crafts, pack clothing, or do sewing projects for various organizations. This is a great way to get to know some wonderful women and do some important ministry for people across the world. Contact Shar Westrick or Harriet Ivers

Community Garden The mission of our garden is to show God’s love to others by working together in community, sharing produce and land with those in need, and by providing opportunities to learn about and care for God’s creation. There are two parts to our garden: a Giving Garden where congregation members grow produce to donate to the Salvation Army food shelf, and allotment plots for members of Our Savior’s who wish to garden but lack the available space at home. All members are welcome to join us in the Giving Garden harvest and maintenance. Contact the church office to learn how you can be involved.