Social Ministries encompasses the sharing of God’s work and word through community outreach missions.  The Social Ministries committee coordinates projects and events to support programs such as Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP); Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN); and Hillsborough Social Services, Senior Citizens Center, and Food Pantry.  Global outreach support includes projects for Lutheran World Relief and Church World Services.

Lutheran World Relief – Our Bundles of Hope mission collects yards of fabric and spools of thread, which are then sent to schools in South Africa to be used to teach important trade skills.  During Lent, our Baskets of Promise project collects donations of soap, towels, combs, clippers, and toothbrushes for personal care kits to be sent to typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Church World Services – Members, families, and friends participate in the annual Crop Walk and collect donations for the Blankets Plus program, which provides blankets and disaster relief for those in need in the United States and around the world.

Hillsborough Outreach – Weekly donations for the Hillsborough Food Pantry, an annual backpack drive for local students in need, fruit baskets for the Hillsborough Senior Citizens Center, the Christmas Giving Tree, and Easter goody bags for Hillsborough Social Services provide opportunities for our Congregation to share God’s blessings in our lives with our local community.

“God’s Work: Our Hands” ELCA National Day of Service – Yearly participation in the nationwide Day of Service joins us with other Congregations in celebration of who we are as members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP) – Members of the Congregation, Youth Group, and Social Ministries Committee prepare trays of casseroles and provide other food donations to be served to local families in need.  Congregation members visit SHIP monthly to deliver and help serve the meals.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) – Bi-annual drives collect meals and personal care items for clients serviced through Interfaith Hospitality Network.