Community Involvement At Shepherd of the Valley
Community Involvement At Shepherd of the Valley is guided by the principals of Mercy and Justice. From Scripture we learn that God's people are constantly urged to respond in compassion with direct, immediate acts of Charity; and when addressing the causes of problems to respond with Advocacy and a commitment to Justice. We call these emphases The Two Feet of Christian Service.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: The Shepherd of the Valley Community Involvement Ministry Team focuses
on Christ’s commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” in our neighborhoods, our Boise
community, and throughout Idaho, the United States and the world. We develop and promote
opportunities for our congregation to minister to people in need, and we strive
to be advocates for those seeking justice. Breaking down economic, cultural and racial barriers is part of loving
our neighbor. Speaking up for those who live with injustices in our community is another part of our work in Christ’s
name. We work thorough the ECLA organizational structure when responding to opportunities for service in the
world around us. Our mission is to answer Christ’s call to love by serving, and to use our resources and talents
to achieve mercy and justice in our world.
Local Benevolence Program Accepting Applications for Funding
Because the Holy Spirit calls us to share in God's continuing care for all people and for the entire creation and because God asks us to love our neighbors as Christ loves us, Shepherd of the Valley (SOV) Lutheran Church distributes 1 percent of its general offering in acts of service to address local human and environmental needs. The Community Involvement Ministry Team will review any application requests for funding support from the Local Benevolence Program. Applications are due by October 1st and may be delivered or mailed to the church office attention: Community Involvement Ministry Team. Application forms can be downloaded with one click! Click here to download PDF form
In order to be considered for funding, organizations should address local human and environmental needs and meet the following criteria:
- Mission is congruent with the mission of SOV and ELCA principles of social justice.
- Interest and ability to establish a relationship with SOV beyond receipt of funds. This might include volunteer opportunities, etc.
AGAPE FUND
Open
At Shepherd of the Valley, we have a special fund from which we are able to provide some limited financial assistance to people facing challenges. Over the last few months we have been able to help a couple of different families at our church with help in paying various utility bills. But we have also helped some folks outside of our church. We helped a young woman who is a resident at the Idaho Interfaith Sanctuary. This young woman was able to find a job but needed some black shoes for work. Our Agape fund was utilized to purchase the shoes so this young lady could begin that job. We also were able to help a single woman and a family avoid having the power in their home shut off by helping them with a portion of their overdue utility bill. As the economy gets worse the calls continue to come in, and though we have a limits to how much we can help, the help nonetheless makes a big difference.
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
Vivian Parrish
Bread for the World* is a nationwide, nonpartisan Christians' citizen movement that seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers. Bread for the World is 55,000 members strong, and growing. Our members focus on using the power they have as citizens in a democracy to influence government policies affecting hungry people.
David Beckman, Bread's Executive Director, is an ELCA pastor. Nearly one-third of all Bread members are Lutherans. Shepherd of the Valley has been participating in BFW offerings of letters for more than 10 years. Bread for the World members make a difference! It is the commitment, energy and faith of our members that makes Bread for the World effective. Year after year, Bread for the World wins legislative victories for hungry people because of people like you. Visit the Bread for the World* website for more information.
CITY LIGHT TOILETRIES
Celia Maynard
City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise is sponsored by the Boise Rescue Mission. Members of Shepherd of the Valley donate samples or regular size personal care items that collect in our homes to help out. For more information about City Light call 208.368.9901.
CROP WALK
Vivian Parish
The annual Boise Area Crop Walk to End Hunger is October 14th 2012 at Julia Davis Park Bandshell beginning at 2:00 pm.
This year there are three routes to choose from, and also an option to make an online donation.