Outreach

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

Good Shepherd is blessed to have a community that is dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with their neighbor through our active Outreach Ministry. By earmarking 25% of our annual budget to Outreach, Good Shepherd is able to support a vareity of non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Haitian Timoun Foundation, Graceworks Lutheran Services, and Adopt A Class. In addition to providing financial support, members serve at organizations such as Matthew 25 Ministries, Tikkun Farm, and Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank to provide the labor necessary to further their missions. It is through the generous support of our congregation that Good Shepherd is able to touch the lives of so many.

Featured Outreach Ministries

Graceworks Lutheran Services

While we are all likely beyond pleased to have warmer and sunny days of late, did you know Good Shepherd was busy in the cold, snowy days of February providing a little sunshine to residents at Graceworks Affordable Housing communities? Thanks to the generosity of anonymous Good Shepherd members, all residents at three communities - one each in Maysville, KY, Lawrenceburg, IN and Milford, OH - received care packages with some cleaning supplies, fresh fruits & vegetables, and craft supplies/activities such as adult coloring books, needlework kits, and wooden birdhouses to paint. Three teams of Good Shepherd members prepared and delivered the care packages; all hearts were warmed by the smiles of the “ambassador” residents who welcomed the teams and gifts.

With Graceworks staff, Good Shepherd is exploring opportunities to create a longer-term relationship with residents at St. Marks community in Milford, Ohio. Watch next month’s Horn for a recap of a very special Easter visit involving our young people and for news of a summertime, COVID-safe opportunity for more of us to meet and learn about each other.

Good Shepherd has been involved with Graceworks Lutheran Service for many years; we are a “member” congregation and three Good Shepherd members currently serve on the Board of Directors. As part of its Faithful Caring mission Graceworks offers residential communities for low-income elderly and disabled individuals throughout Ohio and Indiana and several in Kentucky. Residents of Graceworks apartment communities enjoy well-maintained, spacious and attractive apartments. Residences are clean and secure with easy access for people with mobility impairments. Communities incorporate dedicated common areas for social, recreational and educational activities. Most facilities also employ a service coordinator who help residents, who on average are 73 years old, stay healthy, engaged, and connected during their senior years.

If you are interested in learning more about being involved in this developing ministry, please contact Mary Adams (adamsmarydmjk@gmail.com) or Pastor Heidi Johns (hjohns@goodshepherd.com).

An article about the donations was written in several local newspapers about our outreach efforts with Graceworks. You can read more about that here: https://maysville-online.com/news/187919/graceworks-residents-receives-gifts or https://www.registerpublications.com/news/lutherans-help-out-its-community.