As Christians, we know that mercy flows from God the Father, through Jesus Christ. And, Christ continues to give to us by the working of the Holy Spirit. Because of all the wonderful gifts we have
received in Christ, we naturally express our joy by giving to others. The mercy given us overflows to those in need around us. Need occurs around the world and right outside our doors, or even inside our doors. Wherever we see need, the Lord blesses us to help. This is mercy.
If you would like to come along side us and serve the needs of others, we are actively doing just that in the following ministries:
- Bereavement
- Caring Place
- Celebrate Recovery
- Faith in Action Georgetown
- Grief Recovery
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hospital Chaplains
- Hospital Visitation Committee
- Laborers for Christ
- Lutheran Braille Workers
- Lutheran World Relief Quilt Ministry
- Meals on Wheels
- Mission Visions
- New Life Treatment Center
- Nursing Home Ministry
- Prayer Ministries
- Prayer Quilts
- Pregnancy Help Center of Williamson County
- Senior Advocacy Group
- Stephen Ministry
- Sunshine Friends from Faith
- Worldwide Mercy Ministries
BEREAVEMENT
Provide meal services for funeral attendees.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Prepare food for funerals
- Set up and or clean up for funerals
- Serve the meal after the funeral
THE CARING PLACE
The Caring Place is a non-profit community oriented organization founded in 1985 by area churches and community organizations to provide temporary assistance to those in need in Georgetown and Northern Williamson County. The Caring Place provides clients with food, clothing and basic household items and also assists with rent, utilities and medical needs as necessary. In-house training programs assist clients to progress toward independent and self-sufficient living.
The Caring Place receives donations of food for dispersing to clients and operates a resale store selling donated clothing, furniture, appliances and gently used household items to support its community outreach; Faith Lutheran Church contributes ½% of its annual operating income to The Caring Place.
Opportunities to Serve:
The Caring Place is fueled by full and part-time volunteers able to provide assistance on a half-day basis as client counselor, cashier, food pantry worker, store restocker, receptionist, switchboard operator, merchandise pricer, clothing sorter, quality assurance of files, store security, truck driver, or electric/electronic checker. The Caring Place is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday evenings until 7 p.m. Volunteers are able to pick days and times that fit their schedule and indicate when they are not able to serve because of vacations or other commitments.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ centered, Bible based recovery program. It is a non-denominational program. In Georgetown, it is sponsored by the First Baptist Church. Weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. at the FBC, 1333 West University Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78628, Educational Bldg. 3, on the third floor. Free child care for birth through 5th grade is available, if reservations are made by Monday noon at the church office (512-869-2586). Anonymity and confidentiality are practiced.
Celebrate Recovery serves those seeking freedom and healing from addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. The Twelve Steps and their Biblical Comparisons and the Eight Principles based on the Beatitudes offer healing no matter what is your hurt, hang-up or habit. In addition to help for chemical dependency, there is help for codependency, life hurts, sexual addiction, food issues, the effects of verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse as a child or adult, anger issues, etc.
The Landing is Celebrate Recovery for students (7th-12th grades) who want more out of life than they’re getting. It is a safe place to find hope, healing and freedom when life gets crazy or you want to deal with “stuff” in your life. The aim of the Landing is to help hurting teenagers get closer to Jesus as they learn key principles during a journey toward a happier life.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Leaders who work directly with adult participants must also be working this recovery program for themselves. There is opportunity for non-CR participants to assist as volunteers in the Landing.
- Financial contributions are welcome, especially to be used to send leaders to training sessions.
- Prayer partners are vital. Pray that people who need help will find the program. Pray that they will have the courage to attend. Pray that participants have the willingness to surrender their lives and wills to Jesus. Pray that they have the courage to work the Twelve Steps. Pray for volunteers to serve as group leaders and sponsors.
FAITH IN ACTION GEORGETOWN
Faith in Action Georgetown, otherwise known as FIAG, is a 501C3 non-profit organization that is an advocate for seniors 65 years and older by providing volunteer services to clients to help them maintain their independence and quality of life. The primary purpose of FIAG is to provide transportation services to Health Care appointments, to the grocery store, library, bank or other personal errands. Additional services provided include telephone care calls for reassurance for housebound clients, and some simple handyman services, all at no cost to the client.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Driving clients to appointments, grocery store, etc.
- Care calling.
- Handyman Services (change light bulbs, air filters, etc.).
GRIEF RECOVERY
Grief is a normal, God given, process for healing a broken heart when someone or something very dear to you is taken away. Part of that process is allowing you to feel the feelings that you are experiencing.
If you are experiencing grief and need some support and information, contact Mary Lee Florschuetz, Patti Ruser or Sally Hillis.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Those who have gone through a period of grief may be invited to share their personal story.
- Informing those who are grieving about help available.
- Inform contact persons or the church staff of needs expressed.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing ministry working in partnership with low-income families to improve the conditions in which they are forced to live.
Habitat is “People caring for People” in a practical way. Volunteers do almost all of the work on Habitat houses. Funds and building materials come from individuals, businesses, churches and organizations.
THIS IS NOT A GIVE AWAY PROGRAM
Opportunities to Serve:
- Families selected for Habitat houses must make a down payment and commit to an “Interest free Loan” for the construction of their house. They are required to invest “sweat equity” in the construction of their house, to help other prospective homeowners or to volunteer other service to Habitat.
- In Habitat for Humanity, building relationships and communities is as important as building houses. By working together as partners, we all become aware of our common heritage as God’s children.
- From the time the loan process starts until the new owner moves into their home, as many as 400 people may have a hand in the Habitat House. This means there is a lot of different areas in which they can use your help.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS
Stephen Ministers from local area congregations are invited to volunteer as part-time ministry chaplains for Georgetown St David’s Hospital. The trained Stephen Ministers receive further training through hospital staff. Each month there’s continuing education on topics like handling a death at the hospital. The Stephen Minister chaplain is a support to the pastors and to the Hospital Chaplain. On their assigned day they are on call from 12 a.m. to 12 a.m. and more if they so choose. They visit in ICU, Emergency Care, Pediatrics, and regular rooms for two to three hours on their assigned day –to all people regardless of church background. That includes the medical staff. Confidentiality is very important and hospital guidelines have to be followed.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Any trained Stephen Minister or Pastor can serve.
HOSPITAL VISITATION COMMITTEE
The mission of this Christ-centered volunteer group is to visit a member of our congregation who has been admitted to a hospital in Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin or Temple. The visitor represents Faith Lutheran Church and our Heavenly Father by showing Christian love and support, listening to the concern of the patient, and praying with and for that individual. If there is any further need, the visitor reports to the chairperson who forwards the information to the church office. Matthew 25:40
Opportunities to Serve:
- We all have different gifts according to the grace given us. If you find you have a compassionate heart for Hospital Visitation, showing the love of our Lord and Savior, please join us.
LABORERS FOR CHRIST
“The mission of the Labors for Christ is to assist LCMS congregations and organizations with the process of constructing their facilities while providing an opportunity for spiritual renewal within the congregation and a witness to the community.”
WHO ARE THESE LABORERS?
They are men and women, retired Christians who come from all walks of life, who use their retirement time to work for the congregations, schools and social ministries of the LCMS. These organizations build, expand or improve their facilities. Those with experience help the ones with less experience.
Laborers truly enjoy building for God’s Kingdom. Laborers work as employees of the congregation and help make dreams become realities. They attend worship services and church events and enjoy the fellowship of each other and the members of the congregation. They have fun, laugh, and visit the sights and sounds of the community. They travel all over the continental United States. The most difficult part of being a Laborer is saying goodbye to new friends. See the USA and help build God’s Kingdom.
LUTHERAN BRAILLE WORKERS
The mission of Lutheran Braille Workers is to provide the message of salvation to individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout the world. Faith members are part of 7000 volunteers who produce Christian materials in special Braille and large print format.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Be part of the production team that meets monthly on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Zion Lutheran Church Work Center in Walburg.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILT MINISTRY
LWR Quilts
A LWR quilt is special! It brings warmth on a cold night, shelter from the sun on a hot day. It becomes a bed, a room divider, a backpack to carry belongings, and at times even a home.
Quilts distributed by LWR to refugees and other people in need were first made by recycling old but good clothes, blankets, and other items. Most LWR quilts are still made this way, although fabric samples, remnants, or other new pieces of fabric are also used. Each quilt is one of a kind, with a beauty all its own, made as a gift of hope by caring people.
Opportunities to Serve:
By Donation:
- Donate fabric, crochet thread, batting and blankets to make quilts.
- Donate leftover yarn to be used to make Linus quilts for distribution to needy children in Central Texas.
- Collecting of supplies is a year-round project. Donations may be left in the mailroom – in the corner or on a shelf with a note that says “Quilters” on it.
At Home:
- Launder, sort, and cut donated fabric into 6½“ x 8½“ squares.
- Sew blocks together to make quilt tops.
- Make lap-size quilts to be used as Prayer Quilts.
At Church:
- Meet with quilters on “work days” to assemble quilts, tie knots, and pin hems. “Work days” are every Tuesday (except the 2nd one when Helping Hands LWML has its monthly meeting) at 9:30 a.m. upstairs in the Activity Center.
- Volunteer to sit with a Prayer Quilt and encourage people to participate.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious lunchtime meals to the homes of people who can no longer prepare balanced meals for themselves. Meals are prepared fresh in a central kitchen and delivered to homes in Georgetown.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Volunteers are needed to deliver meals. Volunteers from Faith cover seven routes every 6-8 weeks.
- We also need back-up drivers for each route.
MISSION VISIONS
This new ministry is intended to assist with short-term mission ministries. The financial donation will hopefully be helpful with travel and/or educational supplies. Assistance to these individuals with mission visions will provide encouragement and support. Prayers are always a crucial component for “reaching out” to illuminate Christ’s love for all mankind.
NEW LIFE TREATMENT CENTER
Faith Lutheran Church, Georgetown, TX has a special heart for the 80 residents of New Life Treatment Center. Over the years funds have been raised through the Lutheran Social Services South annual golf tournament; our Junior High youth have made blessing bags for the girls for more than 10 years; Helping Hands (LWML) collect items for the Point Store; and we have provided Christmas presents for these girls hurting from neglect and abuse.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Annual Golf Tournament
- Blessing Bags
- Point Store Donations
- Angel Christmas Gifts
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
- To share our love of Christ with the residents of Estrella Oaks Rehabilitation and Care Center.
- To be a help visiting with residents and helping sing in conjunction with the monthly devotions Pastor brings to the nursing home.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Each 3rd Monday at Estrella Oaks Rehabilitation and Care Center with Pastor for devotions and singing.
PRAYER MINISTRIES
All God’s children are called to pray for personal needs and for others as needs are revealed. It is often said, “All I can do is pray.” The most important thing all can do is give all needs to Lord God Almighty in prayer.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Prayer Warriors meet every Monday morning at 9:00 am
- Prayer partners for confirmands
- Prayer quilts
- Weekly e-mail prayer requests
- Mission Prayer Force
- Good Friday Prayer Vigil
PRAYER QUILTS
Prayer Quilts are a congregational gift of Prayers to those in our Faith Family who are in need of being especially “blanketed” in love, warmth and Prayer. Prayer Quilts are displayed in the narthex so all Faith members have an opportunity to tie a knot as they say a prayer for the designated person.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Donate fabric, crochet thread or batting and blankets to make quilts.
- Donate leftover yarn to be used to make Linus quilts for distribution to needy children in Central Texas.
- Collecting of supplies is a year-round project with a large box in the mailroom to receive donation.
- Making a Quilt: Any one is welcome to make a lap-size quilt to be used for a Prayer Quilt. Any color or design is welcome. Here’s a chance to use some of those scraps you’ve accumulated.
- Before or after a service: Volunteer to “monitor” a Prayer Quilt and encourage members to participate.
PREGNANCY HELP CENTER OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
The mission of the PHCWC is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing for the spiritual and physical needs of women and their unborn children. Because all human life is sacred, we exist to bring compassionate help and hope to women who are unprepared for pregnancy; to present abstinence as a positive lifestyle for singles; and to provide opportunity for healing and restoration through Jesus Christ to those who have been hurt by abortion.
It is our calling to provide compassionate care, practical help, and accurate information to men and women facing unplanned pregnancies or past abortions; and to promote premarital sexual integrity.
Additional Services:
We provide free pregnancy tests, material resources, parenting classes, adoption referrals and information, abortion healing programs, nutrition classes, breast feeding classes, baby care classes, bilingual testing and counseling (when bilingual advocate is available). “Our Earn While You Learn” program provides opportunities for clients to earn points for each class they take. The points are exchanged for material resources out of our “Baby Store”. Items in the store include diapers, wipes, clothes, and much more. Donations are very welcome!!
SENIOR ADVOCACY GROUP
The Senior Advocacy Group is a committee formed to address the needs of older members of Faith Lutheran Church, and to reach out to other seniors in our community. This is a ministry of, by, and for those who identify themselves as “senior” members of our community. It encompasses active seniors, still engaged in many aspects of the Faith Community as well as the larger Georgetown area, participating in physical, intellectual, and spiritual pursuits. It includes those who may be confined by physical and/or mental limitations that restrict their activities. It is the goal of the Senior Advocacy Group to provide information and services that will enhance the quality of life for all seniors, and enable all to “grow old with Christ” with grace and dignity.
Opportunities to Serve:
- All Faith members of all ages are invited to provide suggestions for services that might be appropriate.
- All members are invited to volunteer for any services they feel are needed.
- Everyone is requested to pray for the success of this important mission.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Christian Caregiving – A Way of Life
Reach out with Christian love
Called to care – fulfills mission of our congregation
Expand pastoral care in our growing Faith family
Putting spiritual gifts to use
Opportunities to Serve:
- Training (50 hours)as Stephen Minister
- Specific training as Stephen Leader
- Potential care receivers identified and linked to a Stephen Minister Care Giver. Stephen Ministers meet regularly with Care Receiver. Stephen Ministers continue with regular supervision and continued education.
As members of Faith Lutheran:
- Pray for Stephen Ministry
- Be eyes and ears of Jesus
- Be sensitive to those who may be hurting and receptive to receive care from a Stephen Minister
SUNSHINE FRIENDS FROM FAITH
Sunshine Friends is composed of a small group of concerned members who have organized to give encouragement and cheer to those members of Faith whose health concerns do not allow them to be in a worship service each Sunday, and often keep them homebound.
Through the sending of cards and notes, it is the Sunshine Friends’ goal to let these special members know that they are remembered at birthdays, various holidays, and ALWAYS in our prayers. It is our desire to bring some joy and happiness to those who experience difficulty with mobility. Hopefully through these contacts and prayers, an inner peace with our Lord will occur.
WORLDWIDE MERCY MINISTRIES
The objective of this ministry is to raise the awareness and the support by Faith members for those Christian ministries that reflect God’s mercy to the impoverished and oppressed people in the USA and around the world.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Assist in developing displays to build awareness of various ministries such as LCMS World Relief, Bread for the World, etc.
- Choose a Christian based ministry to research and explore to determine if it might be one to present to Faith members for support.
- Take the lead in organizing educational and awareness pilgrimages to better understand the struggles of the impoverished peoples.
- Participate with fellow Georgetown Christians in the annual fall CROPwalk by walking and/or making a donation in support of Church World Service efforts to reduce world hunger and poverty. A percentage remains locally in support of The Caring Place and Meals on Wheel.
- Choose a ministry that you might personally support with time and/or money.