Outreach opportunities
AA
Grace Lutheran sponsors an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting open to the public every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.
BEDS
BEDS was formed in the 1980s as a faith-based initiative and involves participants from members of many churches in the Lyons Township area. The mission of BEDS is to serve homeless people in West Suburban Cook County in two important ways:
- Provide emergency overnight shelter.
- Assist homeless people to become self-sufficient with the help of an extensive network of professional service providers and agencies.
The BEDS program serves people during the winter months, from October thru April, in seven area churches. In recent years 40% of BEDS clients were armed forces veterans, and 75% of BEDS clients participated for 14 days or less, which suggests the program’s success in helping homeless individuals become self-sufficient.
Many members of Grace participate monthly by preparing meals, being onsite volunteers, doing laundry, or providing financial support. top of page
Crop
Walk
Gather your friends and family and join fellow Grace
members for the LaGrange area Crop Walk held each fall. Donations raised by walkers will
help fight local and worldwide hunger. The 2008 Crop Walk will take place in October, the exact date to be announed late Spring.
Rebuilding
Together
Rebuilding Together • Metro Chicago improves the homes and neighborhoods of elderly, disabled and low income residents. Participate with other Grace members in this nationwide
event. Cash contributions are solicited in March and April to cover the financial commitment for this annual hands-on project. This year's event will be anounced after the new year. top of page
Bethel
Christmas Sharing
Bethel New Life Christmas Sharing is a wonderful tradition
at Grace, offering members the opportunity to provide a joyful Christmas for
those in need. Money and gifts are donated to individual Bethel families sponsored
by Grace members. Members of Grace purchased gifts and Christmas dinners for 63 near-west side families.
top of page
Heifer
Project— Murnyaks
Dennis and Meredith Murnyak, missionaries in
Tanzania, have been supported for many years by donations from Grace. Dennis
trains development workers in fish farming and sustainable agriculture and
consults
on other Heifer projects. Meredith works as program assistant, produces Heifer
Tanzania Newsletters and calendars, and provides links with Tanzanian government
offices in the capital city on behalf of missionary personnel. The Murnyaks
have been serving in Tanzania for over 20 years. top of page
