“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is called to be a part of the ecumenical church of Jesus Christ in the context in which God has placed it − a diverse, divided, and threatened global society on a beautiful, fragile planet. In faithfulness to its calling, this church is committed to defend human dignity, to stand with poor and powerless people, to advocate justice, to work for peace, and to care for the earth in the processes and structures of contemporary society."
This statement, from The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, sets forth affirmations and commitments to guide this church’s participation in society. It seeks to be true to this church’s mandate to confess and teach both law and Gospel as the whole Word of the Triune God. This church witnesses to the living God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who in love creates, judges, and preserves the world and redeems, sanctifies, and brings it to fulfillment in God’s reign.”
Church in Society Ministry Description
Church in Society is the Core Team that works to connect the FOV family with people or organizations beyond our walls. Through communication with the ELCA and local agencies, we are offered opportunities to serve in ministry throughout the world.
At Feast of Victory we live out this prospective through the following programs and actions:
ACTS – Acme Christian Thrift Store and Food Pantry – Provide monetary and material donations through Souper Bowl of Caring and at other times, encourage congregation to volunteer at the food pantry and thrift store started in the FOV closet.
Community Needs Fund – Our weekly offering of coins during our worship services is used for local needs, and also sent to the Sudanese Congregation meeting at Christ Lutheran Church in Wyoming, MI
Habitat for Humanity – Help build houses for the needy
LWR, Lutheran World Relief – Donations are collected usually in the form of “Personal Care Kits” which are sent to Trinity Lutheran Church and then to countries where there is need.
Mission Partner, God’s Work Our Hands – Coordinating the congregation in service projects. Examples are: Picking up garbage along Mt Hope Road, serving at Autumn House, helping weed or other work at ACTS, giving water bottles at Cherry Festival, handing out Father’s Day gift certificates at Ace Hardware.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – Congregational members knit prayer shawls, chemo caps and pocket squares to be given as needed. Ruth Ann Leppala manages the monthly gatherings and donations.
Single MOMM Ministry – Helping the organization through service, meals and material donations
Souper Bowl of Caring – Facilitating this event in February in conjunction with the National Organization and ACTS