Serving Others Updates
The Situation: Multiple wildfires have broken out across Los Angeles County in California, with tens of thousands of people under evacuation orders. Sparked by dry conditions, strong winds and a limited water supply, these fires have destroyed homes and businesses and have led to injuries and loss of life.
Our Response: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction.
What you can do:
Pray:
Please pray for communities in California impacted by the wildfires. May God's healing presence bring them peace and hope in their time of need and give strength to those working diligently to contain the fires and care for affected communities.
Give:
Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to communities affected by wildfires and related disasters. These gifts also empower us to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
To give by phone, call 800-638-3522. Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
Lutheran Disaster Response, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009;
You may also write a check to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and write “California wildfires” in the memo.
MEALS OF HOPE AT EMMANUEL PARK:
Our numbers have skyrocketed! We have been serving record numbers of families each week. We need volunteers to help!
Meals of Hope food pantry distribution site at Emmanuel Park is from 12:30 - 4:00 pm each Wednesday. Volunteer shifts: First shift will be from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, and second shift will be from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Meals of Hope and Emmanuel Park are looking for 10 - 12 volunteers to assist with registration, parking, and distributing food. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the link below. Volunteers are requested to arrive at 12:00 pm. Students are eligible for service hours through Meals of Hope.
CAN YOU HELP? Grace Place students receive breakfast and snacks on a daily basis! We need volunteers to help with prepping, packaging and organizing snacks for the week! If you can help weekly, that would be great! Monday or Tuesday
8 AM - 10:30 AM
OR
1 PM - 2 PM
Click on either shift to sign up: Morning Shift or Afternoon Shift
CASSEROLES FOR ST MATTHEW’S HOUSE:
Our Serving Others Ministry Team provides casseroles prepared by Church members to the St. Matthew’s House Shelter for the benefit of those sheltered. Please consider helping this outreach program as the need is huge!
You may pick up casserole pans, lids (and recipes if needed) and bring back a prepared casseroles to store in the stand - alone freezer in the kitchen. This outreach is still much needed and greatly appreciated by all of those housed in the shelter.
Please consider picking up a casserole container, or two, preparing one of the easy casserole dishes, and delivering the cooked casserole back to the Church. Our goal is to prepare 50 casseroles per month. Thank you!
DONATE TODAY TO ST MATTHEW’S THRIFT STORE:
FAST, FREE PICKUP AVAILABLE.
Donating items like furniture, clothing, and housewares to St. Matthew’s House Thrift Stores is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addiction. The proceeds from these donations directly support vital programs that offer shelter, recovery services, and rehabilitation, helping individuals regain their independence and well-being. By choosing to donate, you’re not only giving a second life to items you no longer need but also becoming part of a community effort to provide life-saving support and hope to those who need it most. Your generosity helps fund critical services, creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.
Discover hidden treasures and support a local cause at St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store. Our upscale stores offer an array of name-brand clothing, furniture, home goods, and more at discounted prices! With new arrivals daily and a welcoming atmosphere, our thrift stores provide a unique shopping experience where you can find great deals while making a positive impact because each purchase you make directly contributes to funding our nonprofit programs.
Make a difference today!
Clean and casual, LuLu’s Kitchen has been a choice restaurant for Southwest Florida families since 2020.
Whether you’re looking for a place to get a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, LuLu’s Kitchen offers meals everyone will love!
The menu, crafted by the executive chef and his team, highlights fresh ingredients from Florida in creative ways.
Stop in today and let LuLu’s Kitchen make your day or order online for easy drive-thru pickup.
LuLu’s Kitchen proudly supports St. Matthew’s House earning revenue to offset the organization’s overhead costs.