It is the continuing purpose of the Church & Society committee to survey, and after prayerful consideration, respond to the needs of the local community in terms of church-related social issues to which the church ministers by its gifts, service, education, and witness.
The committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month (Jan, Mar, May, Sep, Nov)
at 6:30 PM by Zoom, and guests are welcome. Email the church secretary for the Zoom link.
Welcoming Statement
The Church & Society Committee actively welcomes all people.
We believe God welcomes all people. We value diversity and recognize the sacred worth of each person, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, economic means, marital status, education or faith history. We want you to feel at home and know that you belong here.
Current committee members:
Bev Koser, Jolene Steffer, Cindy Pennoyer, Helen Eslinger, Margo Oldham, Terry Mackin, Vianne Stehlik
Current Officers:
Chair: Rotating responsibility, each member serves
Secretary: Terry Mackin
Helping Opportunities
There are needs for donations and/or opportunities for volunteering at each of the following organizations. Please contact committee members if you have questions, or you can contact each organization directly via the information provided. Contact information is also provided if you are in need of the services offered by a particular organization.
Bloomington / Eden Prairie Meals on Wheels
Bloomington-EdenPraire Meals On Wheels Website
Mission: provide hot nutritious meals to homebound individuals who are unable to cook
for themselves.
Through NHUMC, we have an opportunity to drive a route every six weeks; routes are
about 90 minutes long. You can decline a request to drive if it does not fit your
schedule. You can also contact MOW directly to be a regular driver, or to assist as an
oncall driver.
To inquire about services call (952) 835-1665 or apply through the website
at: https://www.bloomingtonmealsonwheels.com/?page_id=123
C & S Liaison: Terry Mackin
Bridging
Provides furniture and household goods to those transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. The Twin Cities has two locations (Bloomington and Roseville) and serves more than 100 families each week. To receive assistance clients need to be referred through a partner agency. Please see information at http://www.bridging.org/index.php/programs-a-services/how-to-get-help
Larger items can be delivered directly to the Bridging site at 201 West 87th St. in Bloomington — sofas, loveseats, mattresses (no stains, rips or tears), wood furniture, and small household appliances. Smaller items such as dishes, glasses, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, sheets, blankets, and towels can be left in the Bridging bin inside door #2 at the church.
Looking for a project for yourself or your family? See instructions below for Kitchen Packs and Cleaning Kits you can assemble at home. Bridging gives out more than 100 of these packs weekly.
Volunteer Coordinator: Volunteer Coordinator: Erin Colburn, 952-460-3750
C & S Liaison: Jolene Steffer
Community Emergency Service
Provides a crisis relief ministry in the Phillips Neighborhood of South Minneapolis that includes a food shelf and a wide range of supportive services. To inquire about services call (612) 870-1125 or go to the website provided.
C & S Liaison: Erica Soderlund
Cornerstone
Provides a crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, mental health services, advocacy, and preventive education for people of all ages impacted by domestic violence and/or human trafficking. To request services call Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-(866) 223-1111.
C & S liaison: Cindy Pennoyer
Oasis for Youth
Provides supportive services for homeless and precariously housed youth ages 16-21 who reside in Bloomington, Richfield or Edina. To inquire about services call (952) 512-2061. Despite the pandemic, Oasis continues to check on youth via phone, text, social media and appointments, helping youth file unemployment claims and delivering meal kits. Your financial support provides opportunities for youth.
Liaison: Margo Oldham
Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Story)
The Sheridan Story has a new name, but it still working to end child hunger by providing weekend meals to provide weekend meals for children who might not otherwise have food available at home. Two volunteers are needed each week during the school year to deliver food packages.
C & S liaison is Bev Koser
Simpson Housing Services
http://www.simpsonhousing.org/
Provides emergency and transitional housing for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness. For information on obtaining housing go to http://www.simpsonhousing.org/programs_shelter.html
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simpson is operating as a 24/7 shelter, serving catered meals for lunch and dinner. Visit the website for more information. We invite contributions to help with costs of providing a catered meal at the shelter in August since current guidelines do not permit volunteers to serve meals. The cost is about $500. Contact Susan Rostkoski, srostkoski@aol.com, if you wish to contribute financially.
C & S Liaison: Open
START Senior Solutions
Provides health promotion programs and advocacy services that support older adults and their families. To inquire about services, contact Tracy Keibler, (952) 215-7052 or email: tracy@startseniorsolutions.org
C & S Liaison: Karen Nelson
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP)
For 44 years, VEAP provides a range of services to help low income residents of Bloomington and other south metro suburbs meet their immediate needs and reach their long-term goal of stability. 952-888-9616. During the pandemic, VEAP continues to assist people with food and housing support.
Volunteers are needed to provide food for hungry families. VEAP follows health guidelines; volunteers are masked, wear gloves and maintain social distance and bring food out to clients using a drive through model. VEAP anticipates opening the pantry for in-person food selection in the near future using appropriate guidelines. Volunteer hours are 3-4 hours, with a very flexible schedule. Volunteer drivers are needed to make food deliveries to clients who are unable to use the pantry via drive-through or in person.
Other volunteer opportunities include answering phones, scheduling and data entry, especially for the 11 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. shifts weekdays.
To inquire about services call 952-888-9696 or go to http://www.veap.org
VEAP Volunteer Coordinator: Ree Ford, reef@veap.org
VEAP Liaison: Helen Eslinger
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