Community Outreach
St. Paul’s is more than just an “internal” service church. Many opportunities, such as the ones listed below,
are provided each year to serve others in the community.
God’s Work, Our Hands - “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Teddy Bear Ministry – “Sharing God’s Love One Bear at a Time” In the hopes of spreading comfort to others, St. Paul’s members share the pews on Sunday mornings with fuzzy teddy bear friends. The teddy bears attend church, hear God’s word, prayers, and praises, before receiving a blessing. Then they are ready to go out into the lives of anyone who needs a comforting hug. If you spot one in church that you think might brighten someone’s day, the Social Ministry Committee asks you to take it with you and deliver it to that special person. Or, perhaps you need some of that special magic that teddy bears have when they give a hug. There is no age restriction, if comfort is needed a teddy bear is there to give hugs. If you have a teddy bear or two that needs a new home, the Social Ministry Committee will make sure they are ready to join us in the pews. A large storage tub will be available in the Narthex for any teddy bears, large or small, that are looking to be part of this new ministry.
Support of Needs, Inc. – An ongoing collection of Macaroni and Cheese is taken and donated to the food pantry at Needs, Inc. In addition, church attendees purchase gifts for families supported by Needs, Inc. during the Christmas Season.
Angel Tree – St. Paul’s supports the Angel Tree Prison Ministry organization. Gifts are purchased by church members at Christmas time and given on behalf of an incarcerated parent to his/her child.
Family Promise - Assist homeless families with minor children. St. Paul’s partners with Family Promise to provide a facility where the families can have a warm place to sleep and some meals. We host families in conjunction with volunteers from Ascension Lutheran Church about 5 weeks out of the year. If you wish to volunteer time or resources to this ministry please contact the church office at 307-632-9212.
Adopt-a-Highway - St. Paul’s is responsible for cleaning up a flat and narrow section of US-85 between mileposts 31 and 33. Trash bags, gloves, safety vests, snacks, and water are provided for volunteers in this ministry. If you would like to be involved in helping to keep our earthly home looking its best, please contact Brian Rentner.
