Outreach Ministries
We at Grace recognize that we are saved by grace through faith, and have been created by God “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Therefore, we believe that an active involvement in outreach ministry is a vital part of the discipleship of every believer. Guided by the model suggested by Christ (“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."), we aim to give equal attention to local, regional, and worldwide needs. The following ministries are among the local programs we support, and to which guests and members can conveniently contribute their time and talents.
Bridge of Hope: Bridge of Hope reaches out to single mothers and helps them get back on their feet by providing financial guidance, helping to find employment, and helping with child care. Bridge of Hope volunteers help women become a vital part of our community and church family.
Elderwish: Elderwish volunteers personally interview elderly residents of local nursing homes to determine their special wishes—usually an inexpensive item such as a plant, picture frame, note cards, Subscriptions, or perfume. A “wish granter” then visits with the recipient and fulfills the special wish. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
Homes of Hope: Homes of Hope provides short-term transitional housing for families in the Penn Manor School District who are temporarily displaced. Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors to our resident families and to provide for the maintenance and upkeep of the home and surrounding property. Homes of Hope also maintains a furniture bank and needs volunteers willing to pick up and deliver donated items. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
View a slideshow of our two transitional housing units (may take a moment or two to load...)
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Top Left: The Living Room in unit #1. Top Right: Unit #1's Kitchen and Dining Nook. Bottom Left: Unit #1's Master Bedroom. Bottom Right: The Living Room in Unit #2.
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Kids' Night: Kids' Night needs volunteers who are willing to share music, games, stories, and crafts with Lancaster City children. The program is held at Otterbein UMC. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
Love, INC: 125 churches representing 22 different denominations countywide partner with Love In the Name of Christ - Love INC of Lancaster County. The central office of Love INC serves as the single place where needs identified by social service agencies, ministry partners, other churches, and the community at large can be referred, assessed, and connected to partner congregations ready to respond with love in the name of Christ. Grace Church Contact: Jeannie Aument
LUMINA: A ministry of United Methodist Churches responding to human needs in Lancaster City and beyond. They need unpaid servants for Kids' Night, Supercupboard, Summer Camp, Teen Parent Support, and the Professional Clothing Bank. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
Milagro House: Milagro House is a long-term, education based, transitional program for homeless women with children. We provide a safe, supportive environment, individual and group counseling and comprehensive case management and referral services to our residents. We enable them to make choices in their lives which will allow them to grow and change spiritually, mentally and emotionally to become self-reliant, responsible members of our community. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
Mission Thrift Shop: This mission provides our community with an outlet where they can purchase affordable clothing and kitchen items. It is open every Tuesday and the first Saturday of the month. Grace Church Contact: Betty Wissler
Saara's Cooking Camp: The annual Saara’s Cooking Camp began in the summer of 2006 as a way for youngsters to learn about cooking while at the same time raising money to support Compassion Children. During the camp, the kids learn about how children live in other parts of the world while making pies, cakes, and other treats. The camp culminates with a bake sale. Volunteers are needed to help with baking and to supply the necessary ingredients. Grace Church Contact: Michelle Schaub
Water Street Rescue Mission: There are many opportunities at Water Street for volunteers with "once and done" things such as serving a meal or helping with special mailings. There are also ongoing needs, including helping the monthly mail crew, tutoring and mentoring in the Learning & Career Center, and working in the Thrift Shores. Grace Church Contact: Bruce Heydt
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IMMEDIATE NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES
Homes of Hope: Homes of Hope is a joint ministry of Grace Millersville, Manor BIC, Tapestry, First Methodist, and Masonville Mennonite churches. We provide transitional housing to homeless families in the Penn Manor School District and offer counseling and financial advise aimed at helping our residents find permanent housing and become independent.
Homes of Hope is currently in need of volunteer mentors. Our mentors meet weekly with the resident families to encourage them in meeting their personal goals. In addition, they advise the families of other local community services (food banks, etc.) and hold them accountable for the physical upkeep of the transitional home. Mentors are the primary liaison between the residents and the sponsoring churches, preserving the privacy and confidentiality of the residents while creating opportunities for the congregations to meet their needs.
Training is provided for all volunteer mentors. If you would like to become a part of this very important home-grown ministry, please contact Bruce Heydt for more information.
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