 |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Food collection for Feed My People Food Bank 
Serving meals at Community Table. 
The Beacon House homeless shelter. 
Caring for the homeless at Beacon House. |
Beacon House (Interfaith Hospitality Network)— First Lutheran has supported this important homeless ministry since its inception in Eau Claire. We provide funds and volunteers at Beacon House, a facility where the homeless can stay while they seek employment and housing. Community Table— First Lutheran serves meals to the poor in our community each month. Gifts to Community Table are used to purchase food that is prepared and served by our volunteers. Feed My People Food Bank— First Lutheran was instrumental in starting this food bank that provides food to various food pantries throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Nearly 800,000 pounds of food each year is received through donations and purchases and is distributed to both local and regional food pantries. First Lutheran annually leads and challenges other Eau Claire congregations to collect food on Load-a-Truck Sunday and participates in “Empty Bowls,” both of which benefit Feed My People. Pantry Gifts— Worshipers bring pantry items to the church all year round, special food gatherings at Thanksgiving are received, and special world hunger offerings are received in May (prior to the Synod Assembly) and November. Good Neighbor Project— We are a member of an ecumenical cluster of downtown Eau Claire churches who respond to specific requests for children in need at two neighborhood elementary schools. Requests for support come directly from social workers at the schools who witness the needs of many vulnerable young ones. Examples of assistance given include appropriate articles of clothing and footwear, hygiene aids, financial assistance for field trips and book fair purchases, purchase of mattresses and other household equipment that enhance a child’s health and well being. Often, member churches collect specific articles requested, while financial donations are always accepted to meet needs. CARELink— This is an emergency assistance fund for those who find themselves in trouble. First Lutheran is part of a coalition of churches in Eau Claire who have banded together to coordinate emergency relief for such things as food, gas, housing, prescriptions, bus tickets, etc. This fund is administered by the Salvation Army, but access to the assistance is by referral from the pastors of First. Refugee Settlement— We have assisted two Hmong families to settle in Eau Claire. Habitat for Humanity— First Lutheran is a covenant congregation with H4H in providing volunteers and funds for home building. There is always a home being built in our area through Habitat. This world-wide, ecumenical ministry works with low income people to finance and build homes. Those receiving the homes work along side volunteers so that they have “sweat-equity” in their residence. Luther Park Bible Camp— As part owners of Luther Park, First Lutheran supports camping ministry for not only youth summer camp, but for a wide array of outdoor programs for all ages. Luther Park is located just outside of Chetek, Wisconsin. Dale Rasmussen Youth Fund— This fund, set up in memory of Pastor Dale Rasmussen, provides financial assistance for children and youth to attend Bible Camp. These scholarships help all children and youth to fully participate even if financial means are limited. Blood Drives— The Red Cross frequently uses First Lutheran as a blood donation site. Our congregation sponsors an annual drive the afternoon of Good Friday.
|