Outreach

When Calvary Lutheran Church was founded 84 years ago, our neighborhood was considered to be at the southern edge of Minneapolis. At that time, we proudly supported Christian missionaries all over the world. In recent years, the world has come to us. For example, at Bancroft Elementary School down the street from us, there are more than a dozen languages spoken. As a church that is "In the City for Good," Calvary has an amazing mission field right where we are!  We are always on the look-out for various ways to be Christ's voice, arms and legs right here where we live.

Some of our outreach activities are:

Calvary Food Shelf

"I was hungry and you gave me food." (Matthew 25:35)
Our members and many community merchants donate food to our food shelf. Every Saturday, our volunteers distribute this food to needy persons who come to the church. Our Food Shelf has experienced marvelous growth. Each year, the Outreach Committee challenges us to provide financial and food support for the Food Shelf. Over the last years, the results have been as follows:

2001: 581 pounds and $2,243 
2002: 462 pounds and $2,847
2003: 1,144 pounds and $3,120
2004: 614 pounds and $4,681
2005: 1,374 and $5,336
2006: 1,574 and $5,229
2007: 2,885 and $5,874

Thank you, all!

World Hunger Focus

The Outreach Committee continues its focus on world hunger by promoting the Lutheran World Federation Handicraft Project. By purchasing gifts, ordered from a catalog, you provide vital  income to needy artisans throughout the world. Life is difficult for many people, and this project provides them with food money and chances for employment.

Urban Arts Academy

Created by Calvary and The Crossroads Foundation in 2001, the Urban Arts Academy provides arts-in-education classes for elementary  middle school students.  For more information, go to www.UrbanArtsAcademy.org.

Music

Throughout the year we hold a number of concerts and special musical services that appeal to all tastes, from jazz to the classics. See our Calendar and Music pages for details.

Caring Families and Friends

Caring Families and Friends affirms gay and lesbian persons as part of God's creation and believes all individuals are to be welcomed and included in the full ministry of the Church. This ongoing Lutheran support group for gay and lesbian persons, their families and friends, strives to provide a safe environment for conversation, dialogue and education. Meetings are held the fourth Sunday of the month at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601-13th Ave. S.E.,  Minneapolis, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  No pre-registration is necessary.

Ministry to the Homebound

Judith Anderson coordinates our outreach to our homebound members.  If you are aware of someone who can't attend church, call the office and Judith will arrange for a home visit.

Sabathani

Sewing supplies are need for the English as a Second Language Sewing Classes at SabathaniCommunity Center. Place your donations of thread, needles, pins, elastic, velcro and material in the marked box in our back hall.

Collecting

We collect Betty Crocker coupons, Campbell's Soup labels, used eyeglasses and used postage stamps.  You can deposit your donations in receptacles located in the narthex.