THE MANKIND PROJECT

Wednesdays nights 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the small chapel. 

The ManKind Project flies in the face of rigid stereotypes about the "Sensitive New Age Man" AND the "Macho Man". We ask men to go right up to the edge - and beyond - in a culture that seems to be comfortable with mediocrity and passivity from men. We ask men to stop living a vicarious adventure through their TV's and step into a real time adventure to win back their passion for life.

GATHERING TABLE

Gathering Table strives to bring the good news of Jesus and build God’s kingdom with the very poor who may not have other opportunities to worship, engage in fellowship, nutritious meals, bible study, and holy communion.

They provide Community through worship, shared meals, and a sense of belonging. Hope through worship, and serving as an economic incubator that builds independence and Dignity via:

• Showers

• Clothing

• Nutritious Meals

• Being Valued

We are a member of Caring for Kids KC and a community partner for John Diemer Elementary School. Caring for Kids KC is a non-profit organization that functions as a neutral convener bringing churches, businesses and civic groups together in collaborative partnership to help neighborhood schools succeed in their goals to prepare students for life. If you are interested in volunteering as an MVP (My Volunteer Pal--formerly Lunch Buddies) or a classroom or office aid, please contact the Shawnee Mission School District Office and fill out an application. 

ONCE WE WERE REFUGEES

Our congregation generously supports OWWR with sewing machines, fabric and other notions, as well as financial support.

OWWR provides a nine-week program of sewing instruction for refugees in the Kansas City metro. Upon satisfactory completion, each student takes home a Certificate of Accomplishment, the machine they have learned on, a new pair of scissors, an iron, ironing board, thread, notions, and ten yards of fabric. 

By December 2020 over 143 students had passed the beginners’ class and were eligible to move up to intermediate tutoring where they learn more complex sewing skills.  Those students are enabled and encouraged to make items that are marked:  “Handmade in the USA by Once We Were Refugees” and then offered for sale at various events around the city.  100% of the proceeds of those sales are then returned to the students to help supplement the family income.  It is a truly exciting moment when a refugee receives the first income generated by her or his own hands in their new homeland!

Metro Lutheran Ministries (MLM) 

We are motivated by the teachings of Jesus to love and serve our neighbors.  https://www.mlmkc.org/

Millions of pounds of food shared with people in need each year • Hot-breakfast programs each Saturday from two locations • Grace Homes, Luther Johnson Homes and Project CARE for homeless individuals with disabilities • Minor Home Repair for low income seniors and people with disabilities • Employment & GED assistance through Learning to Earning

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service -- 
We are a church that does God’s work in the world and in local communities pursuing justice, peace and human dignity for and with all people.  http://lirs.org/

Kansas Interfaith Power and Light

 The mission of Interfaith Power & Light is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Our congregation is a member of this organization.  

Lutherans Restoring Creation 

An ELCA grassroots movement promoting care for creation.