The $750,000 Grace Overflowing campaign will allow us to continue our heritage of generosity to the community by committing up to 20% ($150,000) of funds to four community outreach projects that have been selected through a grant process. Two of these projects address the need for emergency and low-income housing in our community. Two other projects address poverty and isolation through education and collaboration. These exciting new projects will also offer opportunities for us as a congregation to make connections and build relationships with marginalized individuals through mentorships and collaborative projects in the arts.
Your prayers and generous financial support of Grace Overflowing will fund the following community needs:
Habitat for Humanity started out from the Christian belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live. The members of St. John’s Lutheran Church carry on that belief with their support of Rice County Habitat for Humanity. The significant financial support from St. John’s will be leveraged to encourage other faith communities to engage in Habitat’s mission to build decent and affordable homes in our local community. Habitat builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter and we look forward to St. John’s involvement in that effort.
- We will provide a lead gift of $20,000 for the first Faith Builder home in Northfield in 2019. Total cost of a home is $120,00 – $140,000. Other local churches will be sought by Habitat to participate.
TORCH Program (Tackling Obstacles Raising College Hopes): The Northfield TORCH program is a collaboration among members of the school district and community partners to address the issues of the achievement gap. TORCH depends on support from allies and advocates across the community.
- With a gift of $38,900 we will fund a new Alumni Center that will support all recent NHS graduates to reach their full potential through outreach and advising, college access resources, and career service. Total cost of the project is $78,800, with remaining funds obtained from local, state and national grant and foundations.
Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) strongly believes that all people need to live their own, best lives. As a superior provider of housing, educational and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Laura Baker Services Association mission is to respect the life choices and dreams of people with developmental disabilities and help them reach their goals.
- With a gift of $17,000 we will build new community connections with Laura Baker Services, especially through Music, Art and Technology. LBSA and St. John’s Lutheran will use music, art and a special art iPad technology to develop and sustain relationships.
The Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield promotes a healthy, caring and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer efforts – they are “neighbors helping neighbors”. The Community Action Center helps meet the most basic needs of individuals and families – from creating homes, feeding the hunger, clothing those in need. For nearly 50 years St. John’s has partnered alongside the CAC in the work of hospitality, justice and welcoming the strangers in our.
We will provide a lead gift of $20,000 toward building two emergency shelter units on land that will be leased next to the Manger Inn (now called the Human Capital Development