Other Supported Ministries

Below we list organizations that SMLC helps support through our general fund. Funds are also provided for Night to Shine. We also provide benevolent aide funds to individuals in need in our membership or community.

Bethany Prison Ministry

Bethany Prison Ministry provides Christian literature to prisoners around the nation, especially Bibles, devotional books, books on Christian living, and more. If you would like to donate some new or gently-used books, please contact the church office.

LINC Twin Cities

LINC Twin Cities exists to engage God’s people in mission within diverse communities. Our vision is to see younger and more diverse people in local churches. Our main goal is to see churches reflecting their local community demographics. Our strategies work to see our mission, vision and main goal accomplished. In short, we are an organic team of cross-cultural experts, missiologists, consultants and coaches who relate to God. And because of that, you will find that we listen to, learn about and love others a lot–particularly people in diverse communities.

www.linctwincities.org

MN South District

The Minnesota South District is one of 35 districts in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). As a church body, LCMS churches are “committed to a common confession and mission” and so “join with one another in the Synod to support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly adopted objectives.” The Synod works “in support of and on behalf of congregations to assist them in carrying out their ministries as they seek to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, the members of His body, and the world which stands in need of the Word and the impact of His redeeming love.” (Bylaw 1.1.1, LCMS 2019 Handbook). The MN South District’s mission is to cultivate leaders intentionally engaged in the mission of God.

People of the Book Lutheran Outreach

POBLO International is a Lutheran Mission Society working to transform the way missions is approached in the US by responding to the changing demographics that have brought the mission field to our own front yard. They serve immigrants and refugees through the model called “International Friendship Centers” or IFC.  They train and educate churches on how to engage in cross-cultural outreach.  They share the Gospel message with respect, love and truth.

You can serve the Lord through POBLO by (1) Praying & Volunteering: Teach ESL, Citizenship, Sewing & Knitting, Cooking, and other classes without prior experience. You can provide childcare and drive students, or just be a friend. You are welcome to see the classes anytime. (2) If you can or cannot volunteer, you can donate food, proper clothing, Thrivent and gift cards or become an individual donor. For more information and/or to volunteer, contact the church office.

Every Meal

Every Meal (formerly Sheridan Story) is a weekend food program. They take a unique approach to fighting child hunger: they mobilize the community to partner with local schools. Each school is sponsored by a community group that provides funding for the weekend food program and volunteers to distribute the food to kids on Fridays. Every Meal’s goal is to give kids food while facilitating a community-to-school relationship that they encourage to grow beyond the weekend food program. St. Michael’s serves students at Normandale Hills Elementary School. Contact pastorpat@smlcb.org for more information.

VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)

VEAP founders believed that helping a neighbor in need ultimately strengthens the community. Their new mission is “together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing, stability and supportive services.” VEAP serves the residents of Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, and South Minneapolis utilizing a unique mix of professional and volunteer services. St. Michael’s members get involved by collecting food for the food pantry (year-round drop off at the front door cabinets) but there are a variety of volunteer roles available at VEAP. For more information: www.veap.org.