ELCA World Hunger Appeal is 25 Years Old
Bishop Miller reminded us recently that this appeal is 25 years old and we are all being challenged. He said the appeal has hovered at about $12 million. That is substantial and has done a good deal, but it is a stagnant and flat amount that accomplishes less and less each year because of inflation. The goal for this 25th anniversary is $25 million! Imagine, with all the earthquakes, typhoons and disasters over and above the poverty pockets in the United States that the need is great! Please remember to bring your change for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal collections during the services on the third Sunday of the each month. Need a collection box? Pick one up in the narthex on Sunday. Our contributions monthly have helped this appeal greatly, encourage other friends in neighboring congregations to do the same. Please support this program with your pocket change and prayers.
Emergency Food Pantry
We accept referrals for our Emergency Food Pantry in cooperation with Boardman churches and Protestant Family Services.
Fish-Samaritan House
Fish Samaritan House, located at 17 Kenmore Ave., has been serving the needy of Youngstown since 1968 with food, meals and clothing. Fish-Samaritan House is both a food pantry and a thrift store. We are not in business to make money, but to make good second hand items available at an inexpensive price. Remember, our goal as a thrift store is to remain "The thriftiest thrift store in town."
Good Hope Needy-Fund
What can we do about world hunger and poverty? In Matthew 25, Jesus says, "I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you received me, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' Those standing before the judgement throne said, "When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty..." Jesus' response was, "Whatever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!" The Needy Fund is our congregation's own effort to carry out the ministry depicted in Matthew 25. Contributions can be made at anytime.
Hospice of the Valley
Hospice of the Valley is a non-profit organization devoted to caring for the terminally ill patients in our valley. Hospice of the Valley services 3 counties, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana. Hospice is able to bill insurance companies for their services and receives funding in that way. We also ask for charitable contributions in order to pay for the many families that do not have any insurance. Uninsured families receive the same quality of care that insured families receive. The families that are served by Hospice never receive a bill from Hospice. Contributions that are given to Hospice of the Valley stay right here in the valley and help our patients right here at home. Several of our Good Hope families have been served by Hospice during the past year. If you would like to know more about Hospice of the Valley, call 758-1992.
Kenya Mission Project
Pastor Robert Schmalzle and his wife, Denise, who is a Parish nurse work through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya to serve foreigners and refugees living in Nairobi. He is a missionary of the World Mission Prayer League of Minneapolis and is a Global Mission Associate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Lutheran Chaplaincy Service
As Christians we know the source and meaning of life and are challenged to share the joy of that knowledge with others. That is the job being performed by L.C.S. These Chaplains provide spiritual counseling to those suffering illness, pain, frailty, confinement and death. The L.C.S. serves Northeastern Ohio with approximately 20 chaplains in various Metro-Health Medical Centers, nursing homes, Care Systems, hospitals, Detention Centers. In the Mahoning Valley we are served by Jim Melnick and Kevin Adams at the Forum Health Center.
Lutheran Social Services of Mahoning Valley - Rockford Village Community Center
We are charter members and support the mission "To create a better world by serving people in need". The vision is that believing that God desires peace and wholeness for all creation, it is the Vision of the LSS to establish a new reallity, where:* All people are valued as Children of God;
* Families and communities are gardens of peace and well-being;
* Sharing abounds in the face of need, and;
* Respect, compassion and love overcome hatred, fear and loneliness.
Joining with other people of good will we embody this vision whenever and wherever possible. First Organizational Meeting was held Sunday October 20, 2002 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Boardman, Ohio.
Lutheran World Relief
Today's world gives us many opportunities to make Christ known. We only need to look about to see those suffering from hunger, poverty, sickness and other ills. The love of Christ compels us to help those who need to be fed, clothed, nursed or visited (Matt. 25:35-40). Each year we help the ELCA Hunger Appeal raise nearly $12 million for hunger and another $1 to $4 million in disaster response. Lutherans are there for the long haul. This is an ongoing support of the church.
Protestant Family Services
The mission of our local Protestant Family Service is to develop and channel the resources of the local church community to those in need. To strengthen spiritual and moral values of family life by offering the services of caseworkers to enable individuals or families in need to develop the ability to deal with their problems. They also provide leadership in community planning to improve social conditions and services to families. They also cooperate with private agencies to provide needed services. PFS is the social ministry arm of Christian love and service to our area Lutheran congregations who wish to reach out to the needs of others.
Rescue Mission
The Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley has been serving the needs of Youngstown's needy since 1893. Presently they are under the direction of Rev. Sherrard and John Ray. Their primary focus is to feed and in many cases clothe those in need. They serve an average of 400 people per day and provide overnight housing to homeless and transients. Anyone desiring more information may call them at 744-5485.
Shepherd of the Valley
Shepherd of the Valley now has a new logo and all the campuses are called "Shepherd of the Valley". Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services continues its mission of providing retirement communities by opening their newest site at 4100 North River Road in Howland Township. Shepherd’s assisted living community will serve as home for those who are looking to maximize their independence in an environment that provides assistance when needed.