**Prayer Shawls Ministry – We will be meeting the fourth Friday of each month at 10am in the Fellowship Hall.
Human Care Ministry
Food Pantry Our food pantry is funded, in part, thanks to a grant from the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop. Our sincere thanks goes out to them. If you, or someone you know, need a food box, please fill out the Food Box Request form on the Human Care Ministry table in the Narthex. Place your request in the box on the table. Food boxes are available for pick-up on Tuesdays from 9 to 11.
Social Ministry – Service Project that EVERYONE can participate in.
While sleeping mats are still being made, we ask that you do not bring bags to church until September. This will give us time to use the bags you have already donated. Thank you.
Did you ever imagine those pesky overly abundant plastic grocery bags that pile up in our homes could make a positive difference in the life of a person on the streets? They most certainly can. Brave and intrepid volunteers here at Apostles are making sleeping mats from plastic bags. It takes 500-700 bags to make one mat. These mats are lightweight, easy to clean, and provide insulation and a barrier between the individual and the ground or floor.
It takes between 400-700 bags to make a mat, so you all have done a super job at moving this project forward. I encourage you to pray for the homeless as you fold the bags flat. Those working on crocheting mats are praying for the homeless, also. We will collaborate with a group that serves the homeless to get them delivered. In the meantime, let’s cover them in prayer.
Intererfaith Homeless Introduction & Emergency Lodging Program – I–Help
Emergency Services traces its roots to the 1960s, when a group of Lutheran congregations in Phoenix gathered to meet the unmet needs, they saw in their community. People in their neighborhoods were hungry. Some were homeless. There was brokenness and they remembered their faith called them to serve “the least of these.” So, their work began.
Today, LSS-SW Emergency Services, in partnership with faith partners and hardworking volunteers, relieves hunger and homelessness for neighbors facing extreme poverty through food pantries, rent & utility assistance, emergency shelter, and disaster preparedness.
I-HELP is a unique, cost-effective program that uses what churches have in abundance (space, volunteers, the desire to help the stranger) to provide overnight emergency shelter and meals to those experiencing homelessness and are ready to move out of homelessness. The individuals are case managedto help them move from crisis to stability by providing employment support and housing resources. These individuals are case manager screened for appropriate placement and are required to be Covid tested. I-HELP currently operates in Mesa, Surprise, and Avondale. We are starting up the program in Peoria, Glendale, and the City of Phoenix.
Apostles Lutheran Church has been participating in the I-HELP program by providing a dinner meal once a month. If you would like to be part of this, contact the chair of our Human Care Board, Izzy Scott 480-326-4876 or Mary Otte 623-377-6029.
PRAYER SHAWLS MINISTRY
“The Prayer Shawl ministry has shawls available upon request. If you have a special request let us know. We will make a shawl with prayers for that specific person. Email Mary Otte Mbotte52779@gmail.com. with your request.