Make an Impact
Messiah Church is a church of compassion and community outreach. Members and friends of Messiah devote their time and talents to support local, national, and global missions. From serving at the local food shelf to traveling to developing countries, we serve through mission – and there is a place for you to get involved! For more information, contact Linda Seaton, Missions Committee Chair.
Messiah Church is committed to supporting several organizations consistently and long-term. Each month, we collect a “Second Mile Offering” to support a specific organization, and when you visit for the first time, you can elect to have Messiah make a donation to one of several organizations on your behalf.
Current Needs & Volunteer Opportunities
Second Mile Offering: Avenues for Youth
Our April/May Second Mile Offering supports Avenues for Youth. For more than 28 years, Avenues has supported youth ages 16-24 in Hennepin County. Whether a young person needs someplace to stay for just one night or for a year, Avenues supports youth to find their path out of homelessness (which disproportionately impacts black, indigenous, youth of color, and the LGBTQIA+ communities). They do that by providing a stable home, building trusting relationships, and navigating the youth’s education, career, health and wellness, and housing goals. For more information on Avenues for Youth, visit avenuesforyouth.org.
Learn more about Avenues for Youth on Sunday, April 28. Kevin Kjonaas, Avenues for Youth Associate Director of Development & Communications, will share stories and information about this important organization during worship, and will be available at a table in the atrium after each service.
You can offer your support throughout April and May for Avenues for Youth with a monetary donation, donating much needed items, and/or volunteering:
- Give! Give online by selecting “Second Mile Offering,” or by mailing a check (indicate “Avenues for Youth” in the memo) to: Messiah Church, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
- Donate! Click here to shop their Amazon Wish List and have your donations sent directly to Avenues for Youth. Or view their list and bring your donations to the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah. Donations will be collected through Sunday, May 26 and can be dropped off on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-12 pm).
- Volunteer! Gather your own group to serve by helping with yard work, assembling welcome baskets, organizing closets, or cooking meals at Avenues for Youth. To schedule, contact Kevin Kjonaas, Avenues for Youth Associate Director of Development & Communications, at kkjonaas@avenuesforyouth.org or (612) 522-1690 ext 117.
Resale Select Earth Day Sale
On Saturday, April 27 from 10 am-5 pm, shop special bins, tables, and racks of merchandise at the Earth Day Fill-a-Bag Sale at Resale Select. Just $5 for everything you can fit in a provided bag (no limit). Most items are one of a kind, so come early for the best selection!
Score some great deals and feel good knowing your purchase supports Interfaith Outreach programs and services to help our neighbors meet basic needs and achieve ongoing stability.
Resale Select and Interfaith Outreach are located at 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth. For more information on Resale Select, visit iocp.org/resale-thrift-store. For more information on Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.
Midwest Mission
We have worked with Midwest Mission assembling rice meals, student kits, and plarn mats. Now they are in need of adult bicycles in good, working condition. If you have a bike you are willing to donate, please contact Linda S. She will arrange with you where to deliver the donated bike; please do not drop off bikes at Messiah. These bicycles will be shipped to other countries to provide transportation for someone in need.
Another way to support Midwest Mission is to make handmade items. Several of their kits include items that can be handmade by volunteers. Click here for the patterns and instructions. Make these items at home then bring them to the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah. Donations will be collected through Sunday, April 28 and can be dropped off on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-12 pm).
Midwest Mission sends tangible resources to those in need to make a difference in their lives through hope and empowerment – locally & around the world. They are one of eight cooperating depots in the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Supply Network. For more information on Midwest Mission, visit www.midwestmission.org.
Home-Grown Produce
Interfaith Outreach and ICA food shelves are valuable resources to local families. These organizations are committed to providing a wide variety of healthy, nutritious food to our neighbors. Are you planning a home garden or participating in a community garden? Please consider sharing your harvest and supporting local families this summer! As you plan and plant your garden, consider sowing an extra row for these local food shelves.
Home-grown produce is an incredible joy to those who utilize the food shelves. All sorts of vegetables, herbs, and fruits are welcome in any size donation – bring a handful or a bushel! As your garden’s bounty arrives later this summer, please drop off your donation directly at Interfaith Outreach or ICA Food Shelf.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Make a difference in the lives of others by giving blood. Please consider donating blood at the American Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, May 21, 12-6 pm in Heritage Hall. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “MessiahPlym” to schedule an appointment or click here.
Did you know that you can give one super-powered blood donation that may have the same impact as two regular donations? This is called a Power Red donation. Click here for more information on being a Power Red donor.
Communion Prep Team Needed
We are looking for additional members of the Communion Prep Team. These servants shop for bread and juice, prepare for communion (cube bread and fill cups), and clean up after the service, the first Sunday of each month. If you’re interested in joining the team, contact Joy Ann Harmon at jharmon@messiahchurch.org. You can serve for just the 8:30 or 10:30 service, or prep for both. We are particularly in need of help in August. Training will be provided!
Help Support the Amini Family
Messiah Church has been supporting the Amini family (immigrants from Afghanistan) as they adjust to life in Minnesota. This family of four lives in an apartment in Hopkins near the Knollwood shopping area. Volunteers are needed to help them with transportation to the grocery store every Saturday from 2-3:30 pm. Can you help? Click here to sign up. For more information on assisting this family, please contact Mickey E.
Volunteer at Interfaith Outreach
Interfaith Outreach is a valuable resource to our community, addressing critical needs of our neighbors. Volunteers are always needed at the food shelf and Resale Select store. Can you help? Current needs include:
- Help support all of IOCP’s programs by volunteering at Resale Select as a Treasure Hunter or with Project Dynamo. No training needed.
- Do you speak (or do you know someone who speaks) Russian or Spanish? Help ensure all IOCP guests have a great experience when visiting the Food Shelf and/or Resale Select store by volunteering! Sign up for a New Volunteer Meeting to learn more.
- Keep the food shelf stocked by supporting the Food Rescue Program as a Donation Pick-up Driver. All volunteers must pass a driving record check. Contact Ashley at awyatt@iocp.org to learn more.
- Deliver food and household goods to homebound individuals from the IOCP food shelf. All volunteers must pass a background and driving record check. Contact Ashley at awyatt@iocp.org to learn more.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities at Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.volunteerhub.com to sign up online. Sign up for a New Volunteer Meeting to learn about all open volunteer opportunities. Interfaith Outreach is located at 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth. For more information on Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.
Ways to Help Simpson Shelter
Can you help with some much-needed items for Simpson Shelter? Current needs include:
- Men’s boxers and t-shirts
- Women’s bras and briefs
- Hair ties
- Personal care items (especially hair care products for natural, textured, or curly hair and baby oil; please no full-size items – travel sized only)
- Ketchup
- Pickles
- Salad dressing (especially Ranch)
- Drink mixes (canister size)
- Sugar/sweetener packets
Simpson is currently only accepting these specific items. Donations can be dropped off in the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-12 pm), or email Lavinia P to schedule a contactless pick-up. Lavinia can also answer questions about appropriate items to donate.
Simpson is also looking for groups to make sandwiches in their kitchen. (Food items must be made/assembled at their site and cannot be prepared off site.) Gather a group, or serve individually. To schedule, contact Lavinia.
For more information on Simpson Shelter, visit simpsonhousing.org. Instructions for monetary donations, links for shopping their Amazon Wish List or Target Wish List, and a complete list of current urgent needs can all be found here.
Calling all Knitters & Crocheters
Messiah’s Prayer Shawl Ministry is seeking knitters and crocheters to make handmade shawls that the Congregational Care Team will distribute to those they serve through prayer, care, visits, and compassionate support. Through a grant from Messiah’s Living Ministry Endowment, yarn has been purchased for these shawls. Patterns are available for both knitting and crocheting. If you are interested in learning more or getting started, please contact Heather Felt at hfelt@messiahchurch.org or Margaret D.
Decluttering? Donate to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Looking to donate large items (or a large quantity of items) but don’t have a vehicle big enough to transport them? Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore can come to you! All you have to do is request a pickup. Here’s how:
- Review the list of items they accept for donation at restore.tchabitat.org/donate
- Let them know what you’re donating
- Select your preferred pickup date
- Enter pickup address and item location
- On the day of pickup, place your items outside of your home. They’ll take care of the rest! (And you’ll receive a 20% off coupon to use at the ReStore!)
For questions about this service, please contact Habitat for Humanity directly at (612) 588-3820. Do not drop off donations at Messiah. For more information about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, visit www.tchabitat.org.
Little Free Libraries
Got books? Did you know there are Little Free Libraries in the parking lots at Messiah and Interfaith Outreach (1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth)? The library at Interfaith Outreach is maintained by Messiah members Phil & Sue Zietlow, and they are especially in need of children’s books to add to that library! Children’s book donations (in good condition) can be dropped off in the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-12 pm), or email Sue Z to schedule a porch pick-up. We’ll be sure to get these books to the Little Free Libraries for local families to enjoy!
Habitat for Humanity Work Days
Among the many ways to serve our local communities, Messiah Church supports Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCH4H). Opportunities exist in several ways but primarily in the construction of housing for eligible applicants. No special skills are required to participate on a build, just a willingness to serve! Messiah volunteers have been participating in a multiple structure project on Niskanen Circle in Chaska. If you would like to help with this build project, visit tchabitat.volunteerhub.com/lp/chaska. At this link, you can register as a new volunteer and sign up for upcoming serve dates that fit your schedule. (Volunteers must be 16 and up to serve on a build team.) If you have questions regarding TCH4H volunteering, contact Marv K. For more information about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, visit www.tchabitat.org.
Serving Opportunities
Looking for other opportunities to serve our neighbors this spring? Check out the following organizations:
- Interfaith Outreach food shelf and Resale Select store: www.iocp.org
- Second Harvest Heartland: www.2harvest.org
- Feed My Starving Children: www.fmsc.org
- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity work sites and ReStore locations: www.tchabitat.org
- Bundles of Love: Meets at Messiah at 6 pm on the first Thursday of each month
Local Missions
Bloom Early Learning & Child Care
Bloom is an accredited, award-winning, nonprofit early learning center housed in Messiah Church. Because poverty early in life is a proven barrier to success later on, Bloom passionately strives to break the cycle at the start through nurturing care and exceptional early learning programs.
By providing scholarship assistance to half the children in our center, Bloom enables low-income single mothers and families to work or pursue education to improve their futures while giving their children the best possible start in their lives.
- Serving children 6 weeks through Pre-K
- Providing a nurturing, safe and intimate environment
- Using values-based programs and excellent curriculum with stellar outcomes
- Dedicating 50% of enrollment spots to children from families living under the poverty level in the Plymouth/Wayzata area
Our Shirley Robinson Scholarship Fund is a memorial to the wife of former Messiah Church pastor, Rollie Robinson, who originally challenged his congregation to help break the cycle of poverty through the provision of high quality, affordable early learning and child care. Gifts from individual donors, grants and fundraising events, as well as those from corporations, public organizations and faith communities, help Bloom assist children of low-income families. Contact Mary Olsen at (763) 449-0600 or visit www.bloomearlylearning.org.
Interfaith Outreach
Messiah Church has been an important partner in Interfaith Outreach’s efforts on behalf of the community to serve at-risk families in Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata. For opportunities to get involved, contact Linda Seaton.
Interfaith Outreach was launched in 1979 by a small group of believers who envisioned a way for our community to respond to the unmet needs of struggling families and individuals in our midst, and to help them move toward self-sufficiency. From its modest beginnings in a church basement with no budget and a volunteer staff, Interfaith Outreach has grown to a sophisticated direct service provider and respected community catalyst. To learn more about Interfaith Outreach, visit www.IOCP.org.
Habitat for Humanity
A Christian nonprofit organization, supported in the Twin Cities by Messiah UMC for more than 20 years. Habitat provides guidance, materials and volunteers to help owners restore their houses, protecting their investment in the home and restoring pride of ownership. Additionally, Messiah supports, “Brush with Kindness,” a ministry of Habitat to help 125 families each year to rehab their homes. Habitat is supported at Messiah through volunteer workdays periodically throughout the year.
For more information, please call the church office at (763) 473-6968. To learn more about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, visit www.tchabitat.org.
Simpson Housing Services
Messiah partners with Simpson Housing Services by providing many service opportunities including serving meals at the Emergency Shelter, working as an overnight volunteer at the Emergency Shelter and tutoring children. They are also in continuous need of donations such as socks, T-shirts, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.
For more information on Simpson housing services contact our office at (763) 473-6968, or visit www.simpsonhousing.org.
The mission of Simpson Housing Services is to provide free shelter and affordable housing with support services to homeless men, women and children. They assist individuals and families in their effort to improve their life situations and advocate for their human and civil rights.
The Simpson Center for Servant Ministries (Simpson CSM)
Simpson CSM is a ministry that seeks to cultivate holistic vitality in the urban community by building relationships with neighbors and partnerships across urban/suburban/rural communities. Messiah Church partners with Simpson CSM by volunteering their time and talents through community meals, food pantry, clothing store donations and produce fairs.
The CSM carries out its work through Health and Wellness activities, service opportunities and through the Poverty and Justice Institute. For more information on Simpson CSM, call the church office at (763) 473-6968 or visit www.simpsoncsm.org.
Imara International
Messiah Church is proud to be in partnership with Imara International and to support its Executive Director, and Messiah member, Carol Erickson, through its prayers, and donations of time, talent, gifts and service. To find out about the next mission trip opportunity, and ways you can help, contact the church office at (763) 473-6968 or visit www.imarainternational.org.
Imara International is a U.S. based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working in Kenya. Imara’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for teenage mothers to earn a high school degree and learn marketable skills to support themselves and their children. Imara fosters a safe, healthy environment where respect, faith, and teamwork are a central focus. Infants and children who are part of the Imara family are provided healthcare and early childhood education. Imara’s program is structured to teach life-sustaining skills that build strong families and communities while breaking the cycle of poverty. To learn more about Imara International, visit www.imarainternational.org.
Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit. Messiah Church partners with FMSC by providing financial resources and countless volunteer hours packaging healthy meal-packs. To learn more about Feed My Starving Children, visit www.FMSC.org.
The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and we ship these meals to nearly 70 countries around the world.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
UMCOR is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work includes programs and projects in disaster response, health, sustainable agriculture, food security, relief supplies, and more. UMCOR is a ministry of The United Methodist Church through the General Board of Global Ministries.
Messiah Church supports UMCOR through various project (health kits, flood buckets) as needed by the organization. To learn more about UMCOR, visit www.umcor.org.