“Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” ~Mother Teresa
A helping hand can be a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world.
We’re pretty big on serving at Good Shepherd.
Serving others is at the heart of Christianity. Jesus demonstrated a life of love, service, and humility. When we selflessly serve others, we are following the example of Jesus.
When you serve, you live into your purpose as a Christian. Serving isn't about recognition or praise; it's about making God's love tangible. It's about lifting others up and meeting their needs, whatever those needs may be.
AND, when you serve others, its not just their life that’s changed. Yours is too!
Serving fosters empathy, cooperation, and community. This happens whether you volunteer with a local charity, help a friend in a time of need, or are simply courteous in your daily life. There’s a bond we all share as humans created in the image of God. When we serve each other, we help build a better world where all feel loved and cherished.
So, why do we serve?
Serving reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. It leaves a lasting positive impact on both the giver and the receiver. And, it ultimately makes the world a better place.
Ready to get started??
Here are five of our local mission partners, what they do, and their current needs. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering more, get in touch with one of them! They do important work and they can’t do it alone.
Five of Good Shepherd’s Mission Partners
Churches United for the Homeless
1901 1st Ave N, Moorhead | https://www.churches-united.org
Did you know that, on any given day, there are 900+ people in the F-M area experiencing homelessness? Unfortunately, there are fewer than 500 beds for them. Churches United is just one in a network of places that are seeking to help people experiencing homelessness.
A network of five buildings and over 70 staff, Churches United help people experiencing homeless work towards health and stability. Each year, they shelter over 2,000 people and serve over 200,000 meals. On any given day, around 400+ people use the services at Churches United.
Dorothy Day is just one of Churches United’s many shelter buildings. It houses vulnerable men age 18+.
Current Needs:
Churches United offers two meals a day to anyone in need. They are always looking for volunteers to cook or help serve those meals!
Do you have extra items in your pantry? The Dorothy Day Food Pantry is always taking donations!
Have an extra hour to spare? Micah’s Mission is always looking for folks to do cleaning or organizing!
2. Habitat for Humanity
Pastor Mary works on a house in Dilworth with her trusty hammer!
Lakeagassizhabitat.org
Like all Habitat chapters, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity builds homes for those in need. Working in the Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo area, this chapter builds 3-5 houses each year. While the need for affordable housing is great, they are committed to reducing the housing crisis, one house at a time.
Current Needs:
Shop at the Habitat ReStore! All the proceeds benefit Habitat’s local projects. While you’re at it, donate your excess building materials and home goods!
Donate a housewarming gift. When a family moves into their new Habitat home, they typically don’t have much to fill it. Visit the Habitat website to learn what items are most in need!
Help Build a home! Houses are primarily constructed by volunteers. If you have a few hours and a willing heart, go help build a better Fargo-Moorhead!
3. Heart of Clay
107 7th St S, Moorhead | HeartofClay.org
Heart of Clay is a Correctional Facility Ministry seeking to serve those who are incarcerated or recently released and their families. Heart of Clay offers Bible Studies, worship services, and life skill classes inside the Clay County Correctional Facility. Whether teaching about Art or Personal Finance, helping inmates think through sobriety or relationships, or teaching about Jesus in Bible Studies, they hope to introduce everyone to the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.
For where two or more are gathered, there I am among them. ~Matthew 18:20
Current Needs:
Join a Living Free study! Living Free studies are Bible studies hosted at various churches in the area. Covering topics like “coping with loss” or “wrestling with anxiety” these studies help those who have rejoined the community continue to learn about Jesus while getting connected at a local church. You can grow in faith while helping others grow too!
Send a postcard! Inmates LOVE receiving postcards! Stop by the Heart of Clay office to pick up pre-addressed postcards. Even if your note is generic, inmates love to hear that they are loved and remembered by the community.
4. Table of Mercy
Tableofmercymhd.org
Table of Mercy is an ELCA organization thats offers spiritual support to those experiencing homelessness in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Pr. Grant Vanderford works alongside Churches United and other F-M shelter facilities to create safe, consistent space for people experiencing homelessness to receive spiritual care. Table of Mercy hosts regular events like Coffee + Conversation, Laundry with Love (receive a meal and have your laundry paid for), and Street Outreach. Table of Mercy believes all need to be reminded that they are loved by God.
Current Needs:
Volunteer with Laundry with Love! They are often looking for people to donate soups, sandwiches, or cookies and people to serve them!
Table of Mercy logo
5. Ruby’s Pantry
https://rubyspantry.org/home
Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly budget. One $25 donation qualifies you to receive one share of food— often two grocery boxes worth or more! There are no income or residency requirements. All the food is donated by corporations, many of which are looking to reduce their food waste. Ruby’s Pantry helps feed those who are hungry AND reduce food waste!
Good Shepherd has a Ruby’s Pantry distribution every third Thursday of the month. All are welcome! Sign up for your share today!
Youth from Good Shepherd are ready to hand out food boxes!
Current Needs:
Volunteers to sort food 1:00pm-4:00pm. When the semi arrives with food, it takes 40-50 volunteers several hours to sort the pallets of food into 250+ personal food distributions.
Volunteer to distribute food 5:30pm-7pm. Over an hour and half, 250 or so vehicles will drive through to collect a share of food.
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Maya Angelou
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.