CLC Social Ministry and Mission
January 2023
“Spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed” (Isaiah 58:10).
First Contact, Inc. http://firstcontactinc.org and Mike Steiner Special Needs Memorial Fund.
Each month the Social Ministry highlights a special giving opportunity and volunteer opportunities. January’s emphasis is to support 1) First Contact http://firstcontactinc.org and 2) the Christ Lutheran Mike Steiner Benevolence Fund.
First Contact is a not-for-profit interdenominational resource and referral
ministry, which endeavors in the name of Jesus to assist Porter County residents in need. The vision of FC is to engage a community of givers, through churches, individuals, and organizations to help support those facing hardship. FC has offices in Valparaiso and Portage. When Porter County residents come to the offices of Christ Lutheran with needs as described above, First Contact is our partner in helping address these needs. FC also welcomes volunteers to help staff their office hours.
Mike (Marjorie) Steiner was a member of Christ Lutheran who in her will asked her family to donate her financial savings (about $15,000) to CLC. She asked that these monies be used to help CLC members who at a particular time have social, physical, and financial needs. The Social Ministry and Mission Committee established policies and procedures for making effective use of these funds to benefit those needing help with rent, utilities, emergency food, medicine, and counseling. Since it has been quite a few years since Mike’s gift, and since numerous CLC members have benefited, the fund needs
new donations each year.
Help achieve our goal of $2500 in January (over and above giving combined with CLC’s budgeted amount of
$1200). By achieving our goal CLC will help First Contact
and Steiner Fund continue to thrive. Use your weekly
worship giving envelope mailed with check to CLC and indicate “FC/Steiner” or contribute through PushPay on the CLC website https://clcvalpo.org via the “Give” button. Thank you to members for supporting monthly social ministry emphases.
Additional Opportunities:
Northwest Indiana Lutheran Food and Supply Pantries Donations.
Men’s Shelter (and Resale Shop) https://newcreationresaleshop.com at 2102 Calumet Ave, 219-548-3548. You can help feed our neighbors experiencing homelessness: New Creations Men’s Center continues to be home base for both single men and women in between homes, providing daily meals and a space to be during the day (overnight shelter also resumed at area churches in fall 2021). You can
help feed their guests at their daytime Center. Lunch supplies can be dropped off at the resale shop counter during open hours (usually 10-5). Needed items include: lunch meat, fruit, individual juice, snack cakes, and chips. Call 219-548-3548 for more information.
There is a basket inside door #3 for food donations.
Housing Opportunities https://hoi.help/pantry 2001 Calumet Ave., 219-548-2800. Food Pantry Needs: Peanut butter, Jelly, Spaghetti sauce (in jars), Tuna, Canned Chicken, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo. Non-Pantry Needs: New Pillows, Twin size sheets (can be used – no stains). One click donating! on Amazon wish list – items shipped directly to the shelter! www.hoi.help/pantry or drop off items in lobby at 2001 Calumet Ave.
Immanuel Food Pantry https://immanuelvalpo.org/food-pantry 1700 Monticello – drive up drop off items. Donations can be dropped at Immanuel, best done Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 pm, at entrance between church and school.
Hilltop Food Pantry https://hilltophouse.org/food-pantry 606 Union Street
