Mercy Ministries exists to put our members into action so they can be agents of change in our world. Current on-going efforts include Habitat for Humanity, Food Drive, Miracle Ranch and S.H.I.P.
S.H.I.P. is a program designed to help Orange County homeless get back on their feet by providing shelter, food, mentorship and lots of God's love. It takes over 100 people to run the three week program at Grace every August and we need your help! We need food donations for breakfast and lunch (we'll call you), dinners for 10-12 (including your group or family), night supervisors (snoring o.k.) and weekend supervisors (1/2 day shifts). This program has been coming to Grace for about 30 years and we have a reputation for being one of the most hospitable and generous locations of all of those who participate!
Next SHIP is July 31 - August 21, 2010.
Contact Lori Brunner [714-841-2797 or loribrunner@verizon.net].
CLICK HERE to learn more about the S.H.I.P. program.
Miracle Ranch is a children's orphanage in Mexico. Grace members make quarterly trips there to impact lives with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Come help by yourself or sign your whole family up. There are activities (sports, construction, meals) and ways for people of all ages to get involved. If you can't join us with your presence, you are encouraged to give financially to support an upcoming trip and most importantly pray for our leaders and teams bringing God's love south of the border.
Contact Gene Clark [949-521-1681 or sclarke77@verizon.net].
CLICK HERE to watch a video about the ways God is moving at Miracle Ranch.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian housing organization that works with thousands of volunteers to build simple, descent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need.
Contact David Frostad [562-498-1441 or frofam238@yahoo.com].
CLICK HERE to read the OC Register article about the Diaz family who received one of the two homes we helped build in Westminster in 2009.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Habitat for Humanity.
Food Drive is an ongoing ministry to keep Grace's food pantry supplied. Your food donations support our ministry to struggling walk-in families that appear daily on our campus. Your food donations help feed child orphans at our partnership with Miracle Ranch in Mexico. Your food donations are sent to support the work of Lutheran Social Services. The Sunday Worship Folder (bulletin) has a suggested food item every month that we invite you to bring to our Narthex lobby as an act of worship.
Each November, we invite our entire church and school campuses to participate in a big food drive push. Your participation is crucial to meeting the needs of the hungry.
Suggested Food Donation List for November Food Drive:
1 box of powdered milk
2 cans of tuna and/or other meat
1 jar of peanut butter
1 box of oatmeal or other cooked cereal
2 cans of vegetables
2 cans of fruit
1 bag of rice or beans
2 cans of soup
2 boxes of macaroni and cheese
1 packet of juices
1 packet of pudding
Optional Items: baby formula jars, disposable diapers, toilet paper, feminine products
Contact June Welton [714-840-9383 or pjwelton@verizon.net].
PRAISE REPORTS & NEWS - JANUARY 2010:
Praise God for your amazing support in tough times. Our December Adopt-A-Family for Christmas campaign allowed Grace to adopt 13 families through Lutheran Social Services, benefiting over 50 people, including 6 single mothers, as well as almost another 20 people through Project Self-sufficiency. Additionally, we received $1,660 for our ELCA Good Gifts campaign to purchase farm animals to address hunger, to provide medical care, micro-loans to women, and protect the environment. We also raised $746 for Habitat for Humanity. Finally, our Good News ministry that feeds meals to an average of 15 guests per week wishes to thank you for all your donated goods this past Winter. Your donations of blankets, sleeping bags, jackets, clothes, hats and gloves helped the homeless fight the cold. Thanks for helping us finish the year strong.