GSLC's Outreach ministry comprises nearly 25% of our budget and includes the U.C. Campus ministry at the Edge House. In addition to financial support, Good Shepherd members give countless hours to multiple worthy organizations, many of which are listed below. Opportunities to serve are announced in Our Life Together and The Shepherd's Horn as well as on our website and through social media. Pastor Heidi would be happy to answer any questions and help you become connected with events that are of interest to you.
Christmas Gift Program – benefits multiple worthwhile organizations
First Lutheran in Over-The-Rhine: Serve community meals, help with renovations and upkeep
Habitat for Humanity
Hands Against Hunger (formerly Kids Against Hunger) Week, including a euchre tournament, old-fashioned bingo, silent auction and bake sale.
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)
Larry’s Legacy
Matthew 25 Ministries
Mission work/ ELCA Disaster Response
Neediest Kids Of All (through 55+ Club)
Northeast Emergency Distribution Services, aka NEEDS
One Way Farm (through 55+ Club)
Pastors’ Discretionary Fund - Almost every day, our church is contacted by one or more people who are in need of help with food, medicine, clothing, transportation or housing. Thousands of dollars in extra donations of money and supermarket gift cards from both congregation members and non-members help augment our budget and capabilities for helping people in need. Over 200 families have received aid in the last year!
Peaslee Center (through Peace Circle)
Sunday School Stewardship
Support Our Troops – Christmas comfort & care packages
Taft Elementary Adopt-A-Class Ministry
The Edge @ UC - The Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Cincinnati, which we refer to as “The Edge @ UC Campus Ministry,” is the major Outreach ministry undertaken by Good Shepherd. UC students are offered an opportunity to eat & commune, called NOSH, on Sunday evenings. Due to the congregation’s faithful stewardship and support, we are able to fully fund this important ministry that, under Pastor Alice’s leadership, is touching the lives of hundreds of UC students and staff each month.
Financial Support Only
The Outreach Ministry budget also supports organizations and ministries with financial support without offering a program within the congregation. The main recipients of these budgeted funds are: Interparish Ministry, Tanzania Missionary Rev. John Lunn, Graceworks (Lutheran Social Services), Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio, Camp Luther, Roselawn (Ohio) Health Ministries, Peace Lutheran (Slidell, LA), Sweeten Life Systems, Oesterlen Services for Youth, ELCA/Southern Ohio Synod, and the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
Additional Fundraising
Good Shepherd is a very generous congregation! In addition to all of the time and resources given to the above ministries and programs, the congregation donates thousands of dollars when special needs arise. Examples include $1,000+ to our ELCA Malaria Campaign, $7,987 to Superstorm Sandy Disaster Relief,$1800 for typhoon victims and $1000 for Illinois tornado relief. There are other outreach activities conducted by other ministries within our church, and our congregation is always there to support them also.
Dine For Donations
Expenses for youth summer mission trips are offset through fundraisers in addition to rummage sales