Christian Life Ministries,
Buffalo (CLiMB)
Buffalo, NY
In response to the new and growing mission field
that lays before us in our urban areas, Christian Life Ministries, Buffalo,
CLiMB, has been
established. The result of years of research, planning, and prayers,
CLiMB has as its main vision to reach out to the city of Buffalo seeking
to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to the lost.
Buffalo, like the
majority of our American cities, is on the verge of a new era, an era
that will change the city, its people, and its culture.
New generations of people, new cultures and ethnicities, and new changes
in socio-economic status will change the face of our cities for the
better. We, as Christians, need to adapt and set a new vision for our
ministries
to meet the changes before us. We must continue to be a church that
reaches out to the “seeker”-the lost- those who do not know
Christ. We must continue to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow Him
as our
Good Shepherd in meeting the social and spiritual needs of those people
He places into our paths.
Christ died to save the whole world. There
are lost people, people without Christ heading for hell, walking our
streets everyday, and
they matter
to God. Through the great and joyous task of preaching the Gospel,
CLiMB seeks faithfully to live out our Lord’s command in His
great commission as we together preach His Good News to the ends of
the earth!
We need your help, support, and partnership
As with any new ministry, there is a need for your involvement. Please
consider joining with us as we serve our Lord in the great city of
Buffalo.
We need your prayers
Keep this ministry in your prayers, asking God to guide and bless it.
We need your service
If you feel our Lord is leading you to help reach out in service, either
in serving on our Task Force or in helping with mission and ministry
events in the city, please contact us.
We need your financial support
Please help as we are currently building our funding to expand our
service in ministry to the city. We have several new ministries that
need your
support:
•
East Buffalo Medical Center, Resurrection Lutheran Church
•
Inner-city Vacation Bible School and Outreach program
•
On-going training and education for staff and volunteers
•
Inner-City Outreach to youth and children
May God bless you as you share the gifts and abilities
He has given you!
Contact information:
Pastor Travis Pittock
Christian Life Ministries, Buffalo
10 McClellan Circle
Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone: (716) 826-3345
Fax: (716) 824-3193 PastorTravisP@aol.com
La Santa Cruz-Hispanic Ministry
Buffalo, NY
"Lift
High the Cross!" is our
mission cry. Embracing our multicultural, inner-city neighborhood with
Christ's love is our Gospel motivated purpose as we bring hope to the
West side of Buffalo. The Gospel is declared with sensitivity to the
hearer's culture but without apology in its forcefulness.
Providing Loving
Help To Bring God's (Wholeness) To Every Dimension Of Life. Many
of those we serve in our community are confused, bewildered,
and destitute. Some are underemployed or unemployed; others battle
addictions, disillusion, depression, and despair. A bag of food, a winter
coat, a
referral, or Bible literature offered with an encouraging word and
a sincere prayer often spell hope in the face of bewildering reality.
Modeling
Christian Living And Christian Family To The Community. The courage
to live as a redeemed child of God in the inner city is a Holy
Spirit inspired miracle! Faith must be demonstrated! La Santa Cruz
is having an impact on the community as we allow God's Word to mature
us
in our relationships and in our "living by faith."
As we intentionally
seek to be more inclusive to your community as a bilingual congregation,
we pray that the Lord of the Harvest will
raise
up many laborers who will covenant with us to pray, to serve, to give,
to promote, and bless the work of the Kingdom through La Santa Cruz
as the Holy Spirit would lead them.
Needs:
•
Food for food bank
•
Clothes for clothing bank
•
Prayer support
•
Financial support
Contact information:
Javier Florez (TEE) Deacon
La Santa Cruz Hispanic Ministry
Nazareth Lutheran Church (English District)
265 Skillen St.
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 876-1787
Office: (716) 885-6114
Lutheran Campus Ministry at SUNY Buffalo (UB)
Buffalo, NY
Through the efforts of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Buffalo:
•
The student will experience a greater
consciousness and confidence of his/her relationship with God,
peers and family
•
The student will interpret his/her scholastic
and social competencies as gifts from God and be encouraged to
make career and personal choices in light of his/her calling/vocation
from God
•
More and more students are supported
and nurtured in the formation of their faith.
The Peer Ministry Program Peer
Ministers are students who intentionally develop and exercise their
baptismal call to minister in the context of their daily vocation
as students. Trained, commission and supported by Lutheran Campus Ministry
at SUNY at Buffalo, they are a vital element of the UB Campus Ministry.
Through training events, peer ministers are equipped with skills
necessary
for leading Bible studies and the sharing of their faith. Peer
Ministers are also trained in listening and reflecting and learn how and
when
to make referrals.
Under the direction of the campus pastor,
peer ministers:
•
Conduct weekly on-campus Bible studies
•
Assist with weekly worship through planning,
invitation, and leadership
•
Assist in programming and community
building
•
Plan and implement a "Faith in
Life" project
PROGRAMS
Campus Health Ministry Program
This is a new project launched by Serena Kaplan, one of this year's
Peer Ministers as her faith and health project. The program
was kicked off
in May with a campus health symposium whose purpose was to
network health professionals, campus ministry and students who are interested
in faith
and health issues.
The goal of the program will be to encourage
spirituality and facilitate religious resources within the health professionals
at UB to better
serve the student's physical and spiritual health simultaneously.
Campus pastors
and student counseling groups will network with the medical
professionals at UB and develop a relationship where counseling/medical
referrals
would be exchanged as needed.
Connecting Students with Service
Opportunities
Annually, Lutheran Campus Ministry heads up "Crop Walk for Hunger" which
involves participation with student organizations on
campus.
We have also compiled a directory of service
opportunities, which will connect students who wish to serve with local
churches who
are offering
services to the community.
Bible Studies
Peer led Bible Studies are offered in various locations
on and off campus by our Peer Ministry staff. This
is our opportunity
for outreach
to students
who desire the interest to learn more about God's
love, Christ's teachings, and the history of Lutheranism.
Sunday
Worship
We provide an informal setting for sharing Word and
sacrament on Sunday evenings throughout the academic
year. Once
a month, we offer
a home
cooked meal before worship, which provides a great
opportunity for fellowship with students.
Lutheran
Campus Ministry Needs A phasing out of church-wide support
means that Campus Ministry is looking at two options:
•
An endowment fund to provide long term
outreach ministry
•
An immediate need for congregations
to "adopt" a Peer Minister. We provide students a $2,000
work scholarship program that helps with their educational expenses.
Total expense is $4,000 per Peer Minister per year.
We are looking
for congregations who would be able to support the Peer Ministry
Program at different levels according to their congregation's ability.
•
$250-$500 Supports a Peer Minister for
one month
•
$1,000-$2,000 Supports a Peer Minister
for one semester
•
$2,000-$4,000 Supports a Peer Minister
for one year
UB has an enrollment of 26,000 students.
Approximately 9% of them are unchurched. 104 different countries are
represented
within the student body. There are approximately 1,000 Lutheran students
on campus
who need a spiritual home to support them in their faith. The ministry
starts with them and challenges them to reach out to their peers
in
witness
and service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries (PLM)
Philadelphia, PA
God has blessed us as He lifts up people and ministries
with which we can work. Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries (PLM) was started
in 1997 as an experiment to foster the mission work of congregations
in the Philadelphia region. We have been supported and surprised by what
has happened in the 3 years since we began. The first blessing was the
support of the pastors and people of the region, especially those of
Nazareth Lutheran Church who pledged their building for our use and continues
to work with Rev. Hector Parodi as he works among people who speak Spanish
as a first language. The second blessing was the contact made with the
leadership of what would become Christ Assembly Lutheran Church, especially
Rev. Arthur Zogar and Mr. Henry Joine. The third was in God lifting up
a man to work among Korean people, Rev. Henry Lee through our contact
with Mr. Jotham Johann of The Center for Asian-American Mission
and Evangelism (CAME).
Christ Assembly Lutheran
Church (CALC) is a congregation of African Immigrants, primarily from
Liberia. We have worked with them as they set out to form
a church. Through many hours of prayer, work and study there is now
a building on 63rd Street in Philadelphia owned by CALC. They
worship on the second floor. The first floor has been leased to PLM
and
the Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS) of Eastern Pennsylvania.
PLM operates a legal aid office providing help for those immigrating
to the U.S.
The LCFS
has social workers, refugee resettlement programs, micro-enterprise
development, and other services for the people in the community. The
rent helps to
cover the costs associated with the building. CALC Sunday worship attendance
averages 150.
Mision Luterana Nazaret is located in Nazareth
Lutheran Church in Juniata Park area of Philadelphia. As the neighborhood
has
transitioned to
a population that speaks Spanish as a primary language the people
of Nazareth
struggled to reach people with the gospel. As they aged they agreed
that they wanted to have Nazareth remain as an LCMS presence in the
neighborhood.
They decided to become a "Legacy congregation." They offered
their building and have supported both with prayer and labor, the
work of beginning a Spanish-speaking ministry at their site and passing
on the
light to the next people who are neighbors. Rev. Hector Parodi and
Juanita are working hand in hand to build up an initial site for
Spanish speaking ministry
in the city of Philadelphia.
At Blue Bell, PA there is an Anglo congregation
that has addressed the needs of a rapidly growing Korean population.
Through contacts with Korean people in the Synod, Rev. Henry Lee
was lifted up. He now works at Gloria Dei and is in the process
of establishing a Korean congregation
there. This is a shared ministry. The Anglo service is
at 9:30, Sunday school at 10:30 and Korean worship at 12:00. We think
of the
work here as establishing a beachhead in the city. We have
been asked
to work with Calvary Lutheran Church in Havertown to establish
an
Asian ministry there. The people of Nazareth have been inspirational
in helping create the direction for Calvary Lutheran Church.
Contact information:
Howard Dufendach
Chairman of the Board
Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries
P.O. Box 1340
Bristol, PA 19007 hdufendach@aol.com
Pittsburgh
Region Missions
Associated Lutheran Missions, Inc./Sonshine Kitchen
McKeesport, PA
Mission
To make disciples according to the Great Commission (St. Matthew 28:16ff)
through the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and
be a haven of rest in Word and Deed to those physically and spiritually
in need in the McKeesport area.
Background History of Sonshine Kitchen
In 1983 the Sonshine Kitchen was started by the members of Concordia
Evangelical Lutheran Church McKeesport PA, in response to the collapse
of the steel industry in that area. Sonshine Kitchen reaches out to
those who are sometimes unable to help themselves, not only feeding
stomachs,
but also feeding souls.
January 7, 2001 Concordia's worshipping community
held its last service. Even though the members had joined other congregations,
it was decided
to continue on with this ministry. Along with the continued support
of sister congregations, individuals, businesses, schools, and benevolent
organizations, January 8, 2001 marked a new beginning for the Sonshine
Kitchen, as it became a lay led ministry. In July 2001, it was incorporated
as Associated Lutheran Missions, Inc. In December 2001, the former
members
of Concordia gathered together and turned the building, property and
assets over to the newly formed entity, realizing that Concordia's
ministry was very much alive and the legacy would live on.
Every Monday
at 4:00 pm, we offer a hot meal to approximately 65-80 people. Free
clothing is offered during that time also. We serve the
homeless,
unemployed, working poor and whoever else walks through our doors.
We do not turn anyone away. Over 25% of those served are children.
Special holiday meals are served the Monday before
Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Toys are also distributed during
the Christmas
Meal made
available through a toy drive by a local middle school. The attendance
at these special meals is much higher, often 120 plus people. Over
240 people attended this past Christmas meal.
360 food bags are
passed out each month. Emergency food bags are also offered. 300 plus
are passed out during the holidays. We have
over
650 families registered for our food bag program. The families
represent more than 1,500 people.
Since last June, we have been
holding "Devotion Time" in the
sanctuary at 3:30pm every Monday for those who come to eat
dinner. We offer hymns, bible readings, prayers and sharing with each
other of
what
Christ has done for us. It is such a joy having volunteers
and those who come to eat, sit side by side and Praise the Lord. We
average
between
20-40 people and the "Candlelight Devotion" that
we held before Christmas we had over 100 people.
So many of
the people we serve are the lonely, hurting lost
that call out to us for hope. We do show them that there
is hope though
Jesus
Christ. God has greatly blessed us as we continue on with
our service to the
community and reaching out in His name. There are now 19
congregations supporting us though prayers, volunteering, clothing and
food
drives and financial support. The youth of our churches are
also coming
to serve and help make the food bags. Even some of the people
that we
serve are
now helping serve others. We are all taking what we were
taught in the bible and putting it into practice. We are going out
to make
disciples.
We continue to pray for your gifts and support
Your continued support of prayers, money for food and supplies,
volunteers to cook and serve meals along with donations
of food and clothing,
CPH Gospel Tracts and Portals of Prayers, enable us to
continue on serving
and we thank you.
Contact information:
Ms. Barbara Stuffer, Administrator
Associated Lutheran Missions, Inc.
P.O. Box 3190
McKeesport, Pa 15134-3190
(412) 672-6711
(724) 523-6411 Babs58@prodigy.net
Deaf Mission in Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
Mission Statement
Leading more and more deaf persons to believe and follow Jesus Christ.
Vision
Summary
We envision deaf persons reaching out to invite other deaf persons
into faith in Jesus Christ and support them through Christian fellowship,
in a deliberate program of finding the lost, discipling, teaching, leadership
training, worshiping together, and caring for deaf persons in need.
Based in Pittsburgh, with an office at Trinity Lutheran Church of the
Deaf, the Deaf Mission serves deaf persons throughout Western Pennsylvania
and into Maryland and New York, providing leadership training, Bible
study, worship and fellowship opportunities, Christian education, and
pastoral care for deaf persons, in sign language.
Wish List for Financial
Gifts:
•
Leadership training materials for deaf leaders ($130 each @ 6 needed)
= $ 780
•
Underwrite cost of sign language interpreters at hearing LCMS worship
services = $1,000
•
Summer camp assistance for deaf kids @ $50 each = $ 200
Wish List for In-Kind Gifts:
•
Apple lap-top computer (recent model, capable of running PowerPoint
and connection to digital projector)
•
Audio amplifier (60-100 Watts RMS, with front and rear speaker
connections)
Pittsburgh area Volunteer Opportunities:
•
Part-time secretary/proofreader (1/2-day per week)
•
Teachers and assistants with sign-language skills for New Life
Christian Education classed at Western Pennsylvania School for the
Deaf, Pittsburgh (Monday afternoons or evenings)
•
Sign language interpreter(s) for worship (various locations in/near
Pittsburgh)
•
Typist (captioner) for video production
•
Video editor, willing to learn process of computer editing and
captioning of videotapes (1/2-day per week)
Contact information:
Reverend Mark Ruppert
Deaf Mission in Western Pennsylvania
409 Swissvale Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Phone/TDD: (412) 731-2550
Fax: (412) 731-4205 ruppertm@bellatlantic.net
International Student Ministry of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
The International Student Ministry
of Pittsburgh is a Lutheran community committed to extending the hand
of friendship to all international students and their families by offering
services that introduce them to– and nurture them in– American
culture, the English language, the love of Christians, and our Lord Jesus
Christ & his body, the Church.
Reaching out and serving international
students and their families:
•
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and conversation labs
•
ESL Bible Study
•
International Catechism Class
•
Social interaction with members of First Trinity Parish and Lutheran
Student Fellowship
•
International Children's play group
•
American Friendship Family opportunities
Volunteers needed for:
•
Conversation partners
•
Play group helpers
•
Event planning
•
Fund raising
Contact information:
Ms. Ali Lucas
International Student Ministry of Pittsburgh
535 North Neville Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Phone: (412) 683-4121 webmaster@FirstTrinity.net or ERA@FirstTrinity.net
Lutheran Student Fellowship of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
The purpose of Lutheran Student Fellowship is to
help students grow and mature in the Christian faith through the teachings
of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. We foster a life and community
centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures and Sacraments,
through worship, nurturing, outreach, friendship, and service.
Serving
students of the following colleges and universities:
•
Carnegie-Mellon University
•
University of Pittsburgh
•
Chatham College
•
Duquesne University
•
Carlow College
•
Robert Morris College
•
Pittsburgh Filmmakers
•
International Culinary Institute
Hosting
•
Bible studies
•
Dinners and cook-outs
•
Prayer services
•
Service events
•
Social events
Contact information:
Chaplain Eric R. Andrae
Lutheran Student Fellowship of Pittsburgh
535 North Neville Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Phone: (412) 683-4121 ERA@FirstTrinity.net
Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Ministries (PALM)
Pittsburgh, PA
PALM is the
regional mission, education, and ministry cooperative assembly of the
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in Southwestern
Pennsylvania. We are devoted to bringing the love and peace of Jesus
Christ to the people of our region.
Our Mission
The mission of the Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Ministries is to facilitate
cooperation among the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations
in the Pittsburgh region and outer lying areas in supporting the
mission
work of the church.
Our Membership
Congregations from the four Pittsburgh area Circuits of the Eastern
District, the Pittsburgh area Circuit of the English District, and
the Pittsburgh
area Circuit of the SELC District are all eligible for membership
in the Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Ministries by notifying the President
of PALM, by letter, of such intention.
Our Purpose
PALM exists to accomplish objectives that require the cooperation
of all or several of the members. Some objectives being pursued
are:
•
Initiation of new ministries
•
Support of new ministries or of ministries that are inherently
unable to support themselves
•
Publication of the Pittsburgh Lutheran
•
Joint celebratory worship services such as the Reformation Festival
•
Management of local assets jointly owned by the members and the
LCMS-owned Minersville Cemetery
•
Allocation of available resources among prospective ministries
Our Partnership
"Devoting ourselves to the Gospel," we will continue to serve the
Lord and watch God's good work extend to all people. Together,
we are making a difference in Christ Jesus! Join us today in offering your partnership.
The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind seeks
to reach out to the visually impaired of Pittsburgh, feeling their needs, and
touching them with the love of Jesus, so that they may reach out and touch others
with the love of Jesus.
Core Values:
•
We affirm that a blind person's biggest handicap is not his/her lack of vision, but, rather, that he/she is a sinner, in need of a Savior.
•
We believe that we have been called to present the Gospel to the blind, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
•
We affirm that God has given unique gifts to each individual, and, as these gifts are found and used, God's love is shown.
•
We believe it to be our duty to make disciples, who will, in turn, make disciples.
•
We affirm that the Gospel is to be presented truly and correctly, but with humor, compassion and love.
Ministry Target: Pittsburgh's blind population
Reaching out and serving the blind community of Pittsburgh by:
•
Providing a library of Bibles, catechisms, hymnals and other Lutheran
materials
•
Conducting Bible Studies and support groups
•
Hosting skills classes and social events
Priority Needs:
•
Funds for staff, supplies, and monthly meal for the blind
Contact information:
Mr. Robert Mates, Director
Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind
535 North Neville Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 682-1800
Unity Lutheran Community Mission
Pittsburgh, PA
Mission Statement
To bring the love of Jesus to the people of a community that, instead
of love, is filled with hatred, violence, crime, drugs, abuse and neglect.
Unity
Lutheran Community Mission is located in the heart of the inner city,
an area called Homewood-Brushton, considered to be the highest
crime and drug area in Pittsburgh. Unity is a new mission that was started
from a former, majority white membership, known as Holy Cross Lutheran.
When the neighborhood began changing, the members moved to area White
churches. Eight determined Black members remained, renaming their congregation
Unity Community Mission. "We are part of the community in which
we exist."
Unity serves the community in many ways:
•
As Community Block Club which meets twice a month
•
As a new polling site
•
As a place for holding various community affairs and meetings
Three years ago, Pastor McCants started an Outreach
Ministry for children from 2 through 13 years of age. He felt that Black
children were being
overlooked and that there was a mission to do. He felt that Black children
were doing poorly in school and needed help. While watching a wiener
commercial on television one day, he came up with an idea to attract
children to the mission. He started serving wieners every Wednesday,
beginning at 3:00 pm, calling the program, "Wiener Can Be A Winner!" The
program began with one little girl and now averages 50 children every
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 pm. This thriving ministry
now provides children help with their studies, a short Chapel Worship
Service, and then a warm meal. "For many of these children, this
is the only decent meal they receive and they look forward to being
there," says
Pastor McCants.
Hands-on helpers from sister congregations, such
as Hope Lutheran Church in Upper St. Clair and Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church in Whitehall,
have contributed to the growth of this program.
Pastor McCants is so
excited about the program because he has been able to touch the lives
of so many young people with the word of God.
"I feel that being the only Black LCMS pastor
in the Pittsburgh area is not an easy task. The road is rough and the
going gets tough, but someway,
somehow, with the help of God, I will make it through," says
Rev. McCants. "Our goal is to establish a local Christian Preschool
and, eventually, an elementary Education Program within walking distance
of
all children in the Homewood-Brushton Community."
Wish List
•
Ongoing Needs (any amount) $100, $500, $1,000
•
Supper for 50 children $ 75
•
First Aid Kit $ 75
•
Remedial reading materials $250
•
Book shelves for library $500
•
Non-perishable food for pantry
Contact information:
Rev. Reholma McCants
7825-1/2 Hamilton Avenue
Box 56913
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 731-2811
Rochester
Region Missions
Alpha Lutheran Church of the Deaf
Rochester, NY
Alpha's vision for ministry
"Because God has called us out of the darkness of unbelief and into
the wonderful light of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, we the members
of Alpha Lutheran Church are full of thankfulness and love. Therefore,
we will, by God's grace seek to find ways so that every deaf man, woman
and child in Western New York might have the opportunity to see the Gospel
story of Jesus and His love. We will also, with God's help show true
and honest Christian love and concern for every member of Alpha Lutheran
Church and all people according to their needs."
The members of Alpha
are taking seriously their vision for ministry. Currently we are:
Growing
in faith and trust, as God speaks to us of His wonderful love in Christ
during our adult Bible Class, Sunday School and Worship Services
on Sunday, both in Rochester and Frewsburg, New York.
Growing in love
for each other, as we meet regularly in our Share/Care groups in Rochester
and Frewsburg. This year we are learning the stories
of God establishing His people in the new Promised Land in First and
Second Samuel, and God establishing His church in Acts. We also share
our joys and challenges of our everyday Christian lives and pray for
those in need.
Growing in concern for those who are still walking
in darkness, as we restart our "Come and See" video program
to be aired over cable access in the greater Rochester area and most
likely
soon also in the
Buffalo area.
Growing in sharing the Good News, as we invite
our friends, co-workers and relatives to share the joy of worship, praise,
and fellowship
at Alpha and Frewsburg.
Growing in sharing our gifts with others.
Our Mission Festival every year raises money, matched by Lutheran Brotherhood,
which
is given
to different mission groups. Our LWML also raises money every
year for missions.
We need help in three different areas:
1. Thanks be to God, we now have a 1995 Dodge Ram 15-passenger
van, which replaced
our old van that was- literally- falling apart. Through the
help of the LWML, we were able
to purchase this van, which brings 5-10 people to church every
Sunday who otherwise
would not come. Gifts for the operational costs of this van
are greatly needed.
2. Our Sunday school is badly in need of
supplies and materials.
3. Please think about sponsoring one or more
of our video ministry
programs. We are able to produce and air these programs below
market
costs. Current estimates for our costs when we begin taping
again are
$150-200 to produce one program and $150 to broadcast.
"And now to Him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work
within us,
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
forever
and ever. Amen!" Ephesians 3:20-21
Contact information:
Deacon John Rushton
Alpha Lutheran Church of the Deaf
1969 South Clinton
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (716) 461-5320 jrushton@rochester.rr.com
Community Lutheran Church & Community Center
Rochester, NY
The Community Center is located in the northeast
area of Rochester, assisting low income, disadvantaged children, families
and single teenage mothers living in the neighborhood.
This area has the
highest rates of hunger, poverty, unemployment and school dropouts;
it has a greater number of single parents, drug users
and abusers, youth problems, slum landlords, and children hanging out
on the streets than any other neighborhood or section in the Rochester
area. The problems have become worse as a result of cuts in state and
local government funding. As a result, parents are too discouraged,
tired, and burned out to provide the nurturing their children need.
Low
income disadvantaged families in our community are confronted with
many crises. Among these are job losses; the many problems associated
with living in public housing; keeping up with rent and utility payments;
providing food, clothing and transportation; making provisions for
children after school and during the summer so that they are not
subjected
to
the negative forces of street life; the lack of knowing how to care
for infants and toddlers; and having a home environment not conducive
to
learning as well as knowing God and His saving grace in Jesus Christ.
Not
only does our Community Christian Center provide a drug-free environment
for children, but it gives much needed alternatives to
the lives of
these precious children of God, by offering them the teaching of
Christ in
word and action, along with helpful training in cooking and sewing
classes, crafts, homework tutoring, and other experiences provided
by the Christian
loving ministry of "Miss Maggie", Deaconess Maggie Harris-Franklin.
In
addition to regular Sunday Worship and Sunday school the Community
Center provides five programs to help families and children confront
these problems. They are:
After School Program for
children aged 4-12, providing Bible stories, biblical instruction, tutoring
in reading
and math, cooking and
sewing classes, and singing and games.
Expanded After School
Program to include 13-16 year olds, includes a career
development program and job development. This is also
the foundation
for a Confirmation class.
Summer Day Camp for
children 4-13, consisting of eight weeks of Bible stories, games, crafts,
singing,
nature study, field
trips,
swimming
and tutoring.
Sunday School serves
about 25 children of all ages. Lunch is provided afterwards. Children
and parents are invited.
Parenting Skill
Class created for single, teenage
parents.
It provides common sense advice on discipline and education,
teaching
nutrition,
cooking, sewing and budget planning. The class is offered
primarily to mothers who need to be taught to be the family role
model and caregiver for their children, since fatherhood in most
homes is
non-existent.
Counseling in Career
Development for teenagers,
who are to be matched with "mentors"- persons in their career
choice to be role models and counselors.
Emergency Services for
child abuse and substance abuse, with referral to treatment centers as
needed,
providing
food,
clothing, furniture,
and rental assistance.
Wish List
•
Volunteers to assist with:
-
Bible Study
-
Crafts and craft ideas
-
Painting and making repairs to
building
•
Donation of sign to extend out
from building $ 500.00
•
Wegman's Food Gift Certificate
for needy families
•
Quarters $ 100.00 total
•
Bus Transportation for Summer
Camp and After School Program $ 500.00
•
Summer Day Camp Program (any amount)
$20,000.00 total
•
After School Program (any amount)
$5,000.00 total
•
Emergency Assistance (any amount)
$5,000.00 total
•
Day Trip to Camp Pioneer $ 200.00
•
Churches to host our Summer Day
Camp (day or overnight)- congregation plans the activities
•
To help the needy:
-
Refrigerators, stoves, furniture
-
Canned & nonperishable food
-
Health kits for children (toothbrush & paste,
soap, etc.)
-
New/used children's clothes
-
New socks and underwear for children from
infant through 16 years.
Contact information:
Deaconess Maggie Harris-Franklin
Community Lutheran Mission/Community Center
942 Joseph Drive
Rochester, NY 14621
Phone: (716) 338-242
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM)
Rochester, New York
Mission Statement
Lutheran Campus Ministry is a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
those in higher education. Through Word and Sacrament, Lutheran Campus
Ministry proclaims and lives out the Good News of God's grace to students,
faculty, and staff involved in the journey of growing and learning
as a campus community.
Description
Several years ago a veteran campus pastor described LCM as "a
unique section of the Lord's vineyard." It is a marvelous phrase,
which sums up the rare quality of Lutheran campus ministry in greater
Rochester,
New York, and the role Lutheran Campus Ministry plays on campus throughout
the United States.
A full-time pastoral presence exists at the Rochester
Institute of Technology where Rev. Jeffrey P. Hering has served as
Lutheran campus
pastor for
eight years. During the academic year, September to May, worship is
conducted at the campus chapel each Sunday morning; mid-week worship
is held on
Wednesday evenings during the summer quarter, June to August. Services
are interpreted for deaf and hearing-impaired students who attend the
university. Students have daily access to LCM for counseling, Bible
study, discussion programs, and presentations by the pastor in residence
halls
on topics of interest to the students on the floor. Pastor Hering also
serves on a number of university committees, which impact the life
of students and staff.
The life of the worshipping community is continually
evolving and changing with the presence of international students,
graduate students and
their spouses, as well as undergraduate students from California
to Maine.
Regular community meals held on campus or at the pastor’s home
together also complements our life. Furthermore, a weekly LCM Newsletter
is published and sent to all known Lutheran students; the newsletter
contains a gospel message focused on student life as well as announcements
of upcoming events.
In addition to its full-time presence on the R.I.T.
Campus, LCM in Rochester also rejoices in a network of" contact
ministries" to other
campuses in greater Rochester. Area pastors and congregations minister
to students attending college near their church. Thus, through the
commitment of these contact ministries, LCM extends its efforts to
S.U.N.Y. at Geneseo
and Brockport, University of Rochester, Hobart-Smith, Keuka, and
Nazareth colleges as well at the National Technical Institute for
the Deaf (N.T.I.D.)
located on the R.I.T. campus. Lutheran Campus Ministry, in Rochester
and throughout our nation, is a unique ministry in the Lord's vineyard.
The campus is a place of growth and journey, a setting for discovery
and celebration, a "unique section" where life in Christ
is lived in faithfulness and joy!
