Welcome to Social Ministry
"In as much as you have done it for one of the least of these,
you have done it for me." Matthew 25:40
| All Saints Lutheran Church is committed to providing its members and friends with numerous opportunities "to share God’s love with people in the community and around the world". The Social Ministry Team offers God’s people at All Saints many avenues of service through ongoing efforts, short-term and one-time projects. We encourage you to live out your faith through these ministries. | >>OUTREACH LINKS<<
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LEARN AND DO MORE FOR THE POOR AND HUNGRY THIS SUMMER
WHEAT - You've heard the name of this organization, ASLC contributes to it in various ways over the course of a year. What is it? The World Hunger Education, Advocacy and Training organization equips individuals with the tools for increased awareness, policy change and positive results. To end the tragedy of hunger, we must not only provide food, but we must also work with and empower those living in poverty. In trying to break the cycle of poverty, WHEAT supports self-help projects and other activities and policies that help eliminate the root causes of hunger.
Stop by the WHEAT office, 4000N. 7th St. #118, just south of Indian School on the west side, this summer and visit the Norma Johansen Hunger Library; let the kids shop for those summer birthday parties at the Hand to Hand Project shop; find a new outfit at the Clothes Silo; or donate something from your closet to the Clothes Silo. (Women's clothes only)
The Hand to Hand Project makes the fairly traded handicrafts of artisans from around the world available for purchase. These quality, handmade items are from 42 different countries and include kid's items. You could get an early start on Christmas shopping, too!
The Clothes Silo has been an empowerment project since 1985. It is a resale boutique providing professional clothing at no cost to women entering or reentering the work force through client assistance programs, job training and mentoring. All of the clothes are available to the public at VERY attractive prices. Only VERY nice items are accepted both for wear in the office and for play.
WHEAT also has many volunteer opportunities.
Foothills Walk for the Hungry
On the first weekend of each month, All Saints receives an offering of non-perishable food items. A portion of the offering is packaged for distribution to those who seek assistance at All Saints, while the remainder is distributed through Desert Mission Food Bank, which provides hundreds of emergency food boxes to people each month. 
In high demand are: single-serving, easy open, disposable containers of fruit, juice, cereal, tuna, cheese and crackers; family size containers of pasta, rice, beans, sauces and peanut butter. Baby food, formula and disposable diapers are always needed. You can support this ministry by:
- Donating food and other needed items
- Helping to sort, package, distribute donations
Contact: Ann Scott
All Saints is a covenant church of Bread for the World, an ecumenical movement to end world hunger. In addition to supporting its advocacy work, All Saints joins thousands of other congregations in participating in Bread's annual Offering of Letters. Each spring, this offering focuses upon specific legislation related to hunger at home or overseas. You can support this ministry by:
- Helping to organize the Offering of Letters
- Writing legislators regarding hunger issues
Contact: Barbara Rockow
During Advent, a Christmas tree decorated with angels representing people takes center stage in the narthex. Members are encouraged to make the Christmas wishes of these angels come true by purchasing or making gifts in accordance with the wishes written on each angel. Gifts benefit families through local organizations such as Sojourner Center, Central Arizona Shelter Services and local elementary schools. You can support this ministry by:
- Helping to coordinate the Angel Tree project
- Helping to organize recipient names and needs
- Sorting and distributing gifts
Contact: Pat Harders
Alternative Giving
Alternative Gifts allow you to give unique and meaningful gifts to benefit those less fortunate.
Opened in 1987 as a refuge for five girls, Tierra Santa in Villa de San Antonio, Honduras is now home to more than 135 abandoned children. Children receive food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education and spiritual guidance in an atmosphere of loving care. Much of the support for Tierra Santa is provided through the Sponsor a Child program. Sponsors' gifts of $25 per month helps cover the expenses of one child. You can support the ministry of Tierra Santa by:
- Sponsoring a child for $25 per month
- Providing financial assistance as you are able
- Becoming a pen pal with a child
- Donating clothing, books and school supplies
- Providing, wrapping, shipping Christmas gifts
- Contributing toward special offerings
Contact: Roger and Carol Collins
An affiliated agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Social Servies of the Southwest provides comprehensive social services to God's people across the State of Arizona. All Saints includes a line-item in the budget for LSS/SW each year.
We will be resettling a young couple from Burma as they arrive in Phoenix on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Household items are needed and can be brought to the church on Sat., Sept. 22 from 8 - 11 AM and from 1 - 3 PM.
Contact: Jean Davis or Barbara Rockow
United Blood Services comes on campus each quarter to collect donations of blood to help meet the ever-increasing demand for blood and blood products in the Valley. Appointments may be arranged in advance but walk-ins are always available. Please take a few minutes to give the gift of life.
On the last weekend of each month, a financial offering is received which is used to alleviate hunger and other forms of suffering. Gifts are regularly channeled through ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including:
World Hunger Appeal
Domestic Disaster Response
Lutheran World Relief
These organizations extend the love of God far and wide, providing emergency and long-term services for those suffering the effects of natural disasters in the US and abroad. Occasionally, offerings are designated to assist local congregations and families experiencing crises.
