Serving our neighbors is an energizing aspect of our congregational life. Here's a sample of ways our members serve:
Open Table
COVID-19 UPDATE: Our Open Table Meals are currently suspended. We long for the day when we can return to serving our neighbors through this unique meal program. Check back for updates, and read on for information about how this meal 'normally' works.
Open Table a restaurant-style meal served in our Fellowship Hall on the last Sunday of each month for anyone who comes. We serve our guests with style, offering them good food, warm hospitality, and an enjoyable evening out. Members purchase, prepare, serve, host, dine with guests, and clean up. Learn more about Open Table.
Community Meal
In partnership with many other Racine congregations, MPLC takes a turn about every six weeks providing and serving a meal at Living Faith Lutheran Church. Members purchase or prepare food, deliver to LFLC, serve and clean up. Learn more about Community Meal at Living Faith
Little Free Food Pantry
In October 2020, MPLC member Stew Nagao, in partnership with Holly Hess, MPLC's Director of Serving Ministries, constructed a Little Free Food Pantry. It stands on a grassy area within the parking lot at the church. Holly Hess saw there was a need in the community for such a project, especially due to the absence of the our Open Table Meal, during the pandemic. Volunteers sign up to be "Caretakers for a Week", stocking the pantry with non-perishables for passers by to take as needed. To sign up for a week, click here. To see a list of suggested shopping items, click here.
Food Bank Collection
As of September 1, 2021, donations can be brought to church during office hours or at worship times, and left by the spiral staircase. Donations can also be brought to "Drive Through Ministry" events, held on most first Sundays of the month. View our CALENDAR for details.
Specific monthly food pantry needs can be found by clicking HERE.
Rummage Sale
Please note, the 2021 rummage sale has been canceled.
Our annual July Rummage Sale benefits local charities selected by sale volunteers, as well as "recycling" low cost, attractively displayed goods for buyers. Members sort, display, welcome, sell, and clean up. Learn more about the Rummage Sale.
Blood Drives
MPLC hosts one-two Red Cross Blood Drives each year. Members provide hospitality, welcome donors, and give blood. Learn more about Blood Drives.
God’s Work, Our Hands and Serve Sundays
On designated Sundays, members fan out or work on site, serving our neighbors in various ways, working with our community partners. Our next God’s Work, Our Hands day will take place in October 2020 (details to be announced). Learn more about 2019's God's Work, Our Hands Day
Quilters
Under regular circumstances, our quilters meet in Fellowship Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month; September through May, to cut, sew, and assemble quilts for Lutheran World Relief. This project has been on hold during the pandemic. Watch for details of a new start date.
Meals On Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Racine Green Congregations, Tutoring at Westridge School
Our members serve with many other organizations in Racine, making a difference in the lives of others and God’s creation. Call the church office and we’ll link you up with others serving the way you'd like to!
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14 NIV