“God’s work. Our hands.” is an opportunity to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ—every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life—flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
Help Feed Our Neighbors
On November 1 roughly 270,000 Iowans will lose their SNAP benefits. We know that our food pantries and feeding assistance programs will not be able to meet the need this will create. We know that as followers of Jesus our call is to serve our neighbors and feed the hungry. Here is how you can help meet the needs in our community.
Give money
Plan and simple, your cash will feed lots of people. Our food banks can purchase food at wholesale for pennies on the dollar. The two places we usually support are the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Clive Community Services (CCS).
Donate food
Here are the items that are most in need at the pantries:
Peanut butter
Fruit (canned in its own juice)
Cereal (whole grain option)
Clive Community Services has a whole list of items that their clients use and that list is available here.
You may deliver items directly to DMARC or Clive Community Services, or you may drop them off in the red barrel in the Commons at Faith.
Community Fridges around the Metro
Community Fridges are another way to help feed our hungry neighbors. A community fridge is just what it sounds like – a publicly accessible refrigerator that’s stocked with free food. It’s a way to bring food to the places where people already are.
If you have labeled and unopened food that you would otherwise throw away, we encourage you to drop it off at a community fridge near you. Just drive up, put your items in the fridge, and drive away. It’s just that simple!
All community fridge donations should be sealed, labeled, and dated.
Many fridges also have a spot to drop off dry goods. Here are some common examples of what to give:
Milk, yogurt, or cheese
Deli meat or eggs
Fruit or vegetables
Baked goods such as muffins or bread
Juice or snacks
Paper towels, paper plates, and utensils
Diapers and wipes
Eat Greater Des Moines has tons more information on their website if you’d like to learn more about Community Fridges.
We have partnered with and supported St. Mark Neighborhood Fridge at St. Mark Lutheran (1105 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265), but feel free to drop off leftovers at any community fridge in the metro. Here is a list of where they are located.
I like to cook. Can I help that way?
YES! Foil pans with a casserole recipe will be available at Faith starting November 4. Take as many as you like, make the casserole recipe in the pan, write the date it was made on the pan, then deliver it to St. Mark Neighborhood Fridge (or any other community fridge). You can also take empty foil pans and make your own recipes to share with our neighbors if that is more your style.
Watch the enews and our website for more information on how you can help.
Contact Pastor Megan Clausen (megan@faithlc.org) with any questions.
Children & Family Urban Movement Meal
Click below to help with Faith’s monthly task of bringing food donations, preparing, delivering, or serving a meal for the children and community of CFUM.
These are some ways to support our ministry partners throughout the year:
Write cards or letters, or send care packages. Express your gratitude for emergency workers, teachers, health care workers, postal and delivery workers, and those in the military. Contact any one of these agencies and institutions and inquire how you can show support.
Donate items for the Central Iowa Shelter & Services. Click here for items needed.
Volunteer you time with the DMARC Mobile Food Pantry. Click here for details.
Take a Closer Look at Lutheran Services in Iowa by attending a free webinar the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12:30 - 1:00 pm. Click here to learn more and to register.
DMARC Food Pantry is requesting funds and grocery sacks to meet the increased needs in our community. Online donations can be made here. Sacks can be brought to the church entryway weekdays between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Clive Community Services has compiled a list of ways people can help meet the needs of our neighbors. Take a look at ways you can to support their efforts.
Meals from the Heartland is open again and in need of volunteers to make meals. To learn more or sign-up, go to mealsfromtheheartland.org.
Family Promise of Greater Des Moines continues to meet the needs of families experiencing homelessness. If you'd like to support Family Promise with a financial gift, you can do so on their website.
Engage with ELCA Advocacy on a range of topics and initiatives:
Advance voting rights through ELCAvotes.
Take action on racial justice through items on the ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge.
Write letters to your elected representative using these templates.
Visit the ELCA Advocacy Action Center to send messages directly to your representatives on vital issues affecting our communities.
And…YOU are invited to help plan our ongoing service-learning events and education. Click here to let Pastor Megan know of your interest in helping us plan.
