Make an Impact

You Can Make an Impact!

Messiah is a church of compassion and community outreach, supporting 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!

Messiah Church is committed to supporting several organizations consistently and long-term — these are our Community Partners. In fact, even on your first visit to Messiah, you can make an impact because we will make a donation on your behalf to one of these organizations. We also have two Covenant Mission Partners — organizations that have grown out of Messiah Church, and with which we have ongoing covenants to support with our prayers, presence, and financial giving. And each month we collect a special Second Mile Offering to support a specific organization through financial and in-kind donations. Learn more about each of these below.
Give to Second Mile Offering
Meet Our Covenant Partners
Meet Our Community Partners

Second Mile Offering: STORM Ministries and YouthWorks

Our July & August Second Mile Offering supports STORM Ministries and YouthWorks. These two ministries empower young people to serve others, grow in faith, and strengthen communities.

STORM Camp (Service To Others in Relational Ministry) equips youth to serve Jesus by serving others through yardwork, painting, building, cleaning, and more. Campers spend three days working and evenings in Chapel to deepen their faith. STORM partners with a local church for 3-5 years, investing in the community and encouraging continued service once STORM moves on. Each summer, Messiah youth serve locally with STORM Camp. STORM Ministries oversees the program, led by Executive Director Sami Tierney (also Messiah’s Director of Youth and Family Ministry), with many Messiah members serving as Staff and Board Members. Your Second Mile Offering supports project materials and camp operating costs. For more information on STORM Ministries, visit www.stormcamp.org.

YouthWorks provides immersive service experiences that build faith, confidence, and community through week‑long mission trips, service‑learning experiences, spring break trips, and custom opportunities. YouthWorks helps students serve in ways that genuinely support communities, return home with new perspectives, and grow as future leaders. Mission trips broaden perspectives, ignite passions, and inspire participants to make a difference. Each summer, Messiah high school youth serve out‑of‑state with YouthWorks, and several youth alumni are part of their summer staff. Your Second Mile Offering helps YouthWorks continue developing meaningful service experiences locally and nationally. For more information on YouthWorks, visit www.youthworks.com.

You can support STORM Ministries and YouthWorks through the end of August with a monetary donation online by selecting “Second Mile Offering,” or by mailing a check (indicate “STORM & YouthWorks” in the memo) to: Messiah Church, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. Gifts are distributed evenly, unless designated otherwise.

Current Opportunities & Needs

Family Volunteer Day at IOCP

On Thursday, August 27 from 11:30 am-1:45 pm, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners invites you and your family or small group to help pack food shelf kits for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In just 30 minutes, volunteers can make a meaningful impact by helping keep the food shelf stocked for those facing challenging times. After your shift, stay for a tour of the food shelf to see the impact of your work first-hand and learn about other ways to get involved. You can also stop by Resale Select, the thrift store next door, and shop with a purpose.

Click here to sign up today! Volunteers of all ages (4 and older) are welcome. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your family, friends, or neighbors and serve together! Interfaith Outreach is located at 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth. For more information on Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.

2027 Mission Trips to Imara: Informational Meeting

Imara International's mission trip dates are full for 2026, but plans for 2027 (and beyond) are already in the works! Experience first-hand the journey and relationship of a Msafiri (Traveler) Mission Trip with Imara: connect with Imara’s moms and kids, complete projects, and experience the culture. Find out more about Imara's Msafiri Mission Travel Program during an informational Zoom meeting on Sunday, August 30 at 4 pm CT. No obligation — just information on what a two-week trip to Nanyuki looks like including dates, times, projects, and cost. Trips are timed with the school calendar throughout the year (winter, spring, summer, and fall). Click here for the Zoom link and additional details. If you are interested but unavailable to attend, contact Amy Rintamaki, Imara's US Director at Amy.Rintamaki@ImaraInternational.org. For more information on Imara, visit www.imarainternational.org. 

It's Back-to-School Time!

It’s that time of year — school supplies are on sale in stores everywhere! As we prepare for the new school year, Messiah is partnering with Midwest Mission to collect essential supplies for students in need. We are collecting only these specific items:
  • Crayons (boxes of 24)
  • Colored pencils (boxes of 12)
  • Student scissors
  • Pink erasers (2" or larger)
  • Rulers (12" long with metric)
  • Pencil sharpeners

Later this fall, our KID Street kids will assemble School Kits specifically for Midwest Mission. School supplies will be collected through Sunday, September 6 and can be dropped off in the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm). For more information on Midwest Mission, visit www.midwestmission.org.

Back-to-School Clothing & Shoes Needed

As we get ready for fall and back-to-school, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) is especially in need of new and like-new back-to-school clothing and shoes for children, in sizes for toddlers through teens.
We are collecting:
  • Sweatshirts
  • Sweaters
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Jeans
  • Leggings
  • Sneakers
  • Other cool-weather essentials

Clean, stylish, and ready-to-wear items help local children head back to school with confidence! Kids & youth clothing and shoe donations will be collected through Sunday, September 6 and can be dropped off in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm). For more information on Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.

Bloom Bash

You are invited to the Bloom Early Learning & Child Care "Bloom Bash" fundraiser on Friday, September 18 from 6-10 pm in the Grand Ballroom at Medina Entertainment Center (500 Hwy 55, Medina). Enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment, dancing & live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres & dessert, a cash bar, chances to win great prizes, and most of all — a celebration and fundraiser for Bloom Early Learning. It’s a party with a cause and it won’t be the same without you!

Tickets are on sale now! Click here for all the event details and to purchase tickets. To learn more about Bloom, visit www.bloomearlylearning.org.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Make a difference in the lives of others by giving blood — your donation could save a life! Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood due to accidents, surgeries, or ongoing treatments for illnesses, and your generosity provides hope and healing for patients who depend on it. Consider donating blood at the American Red Cross blood drive on Monday, October 5 from 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.

Fresh Fruits & Veggies Needed at Bloom

Do you have an abundance of produce from your home garden, CSA basket, or last grocery run? Totes for Hope, the food shelf at Messiah for Bloom Early Learning & Child Care families, would love some fresh fruits & veggies! Fresh produce is an incredible joy to the families who utilize this resource — it flies off the shelf as fast as it's stocked! All sorts of fruits & veggies are welcome in any size donation — bring a handful or a bushel! Donations can be dropped off directly to the Bloom office (feel free to cross through the Messiah Church office to get there) Monday-Thursday 7 am-3 pm. Please do not leave fresh produce in the Messiah atrium.

Totes for Hope is a food shelf ministry of Messiah Church to help minimize food insecurity for Bloom families, located right here at Messiah. This self-select food shelf is available throughout the week, all year long, allowing families to take what food they need, when they need it. Totes for Hope is fully funded by donations.

Meals on Wheels Job Opportunity

The Wayzata-Plymouth Meals on Wheels is seeking a Program Coordinator to help ensure nutritious meals reach neighbors in our community. This position is paid, part-time, and has flexible hours. If you enjoy working with volunteers while making a meaningful difference in people's lives, they'd love to hear from you. Call (763) 553-7762 and leave your name, phone number, and a brief message and they will get back to you. For more info on Meals on Wheels, visit meals-on-wheels.com.

Support our Local Food Shelves

Pasta sauce and cereal are in high demand at our local food shelves. Next time you go shopping, please consider picking up something extra to donate to Interfaith Outreach and ICA.

We are always collecting food shelf donations in the round marked bins just inside the front doors at Messiah — drop off on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm). OR drop off your donation directly at Interfaith Outreach (1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth) during their donation hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 am-5 pm; or ICA (11588 K-Tel Dr, Minnetonka) during their donation hours: Mondays 10 am-6:30 pm, Tuesdays 10 am-3:30 pm, Wednesdays 9 am-3:30 pm, Thursdays 10 am-3:30 pm, Fridays 10 am-12 pm, and Saturdays 10 am-12 pm (1st & 3rd Saturdays only). For more information on the Interfaith Outreach food shelf, visit www.iocp.org/outreach-services/food-shelf. For more information on the ICA food shelf, visit www.icafoodshelf.org.

Ways to Help Simpson Shelter

Can you help with some much-needed items for Simpson Shelter? Current needs include:
  • Men’s t-shirts (new - sizes S, M, L, XXL)
  • Women’s sports bras (sizes 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)
  • Shaving cream
  • Razors
  • Hair care products for natural, textured, or curly hair
  • Nail care kits
  • Q-tips
  • Baby oil
  • Mouthwash (no alcohol)

Tips for Simpson Shelter donations:
  • Simpson is currently accepting ONLY these specific items
  • All items must be new, unused, and unopened
  • Simpson cannot accept clothing such as jeans, shirts, coats, and shoes. Underwear and socks in NEW condition are welcome.
  • Personal-sized/travel toiletries are welcome. Full sized items are too heavy for guests to carry.

Donations can be purchased from their Amazon Wish List and delivered directly to the shelter, or dropped off in the marked bin in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm). For more information on Simpson Shelter, visit simpsonhousing.org.

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. Whether you’ve made many before or haven’t had the chance to make one yet, we would love to put your hands and creative gifts to work. Yarn and an easy to follow pattern for knitting or crocheting is provided. If you are interested in learning more or getting started, please contact Heather Felt at hfelt@messiahchurch.org.

Plastic Bag Recycling

Several bright yellow collection bins are now available in the church atrium for recycling plastic bags and bubble wrap — a new permanent part of our Creation Care Ministry. Bring in your clean plastic shopping bags from Target, Walmart, grocery stores, and similar retailers, as well as bubble wrap. (Please note: At this time we cannot accept trash bags, bread bags, or newspaper bags.) Your donations will be put to good use: many of the collected bags will be transformed into plarn (plastic yarn) and woven into sleeping mats, while the rest will be responsibly recycled. Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping us care for the world God entrusted to us. 

Recycled Eyeglasses Can Give New Life

Did you get a new pair of eyeglasses? Great! You can donate your gently used ones to the Lions Club of Wayzata! They are known throughout the world for their work to improve the lives of the visually impaired and to help prevent future blindness. Over one billion people worldwide live with a vision impairment that can be prevented or corrected. When you donate used prescription glasses (including sunglasses) to the Lions Club of Wayzata, you will be making a difference in the lives of many! Glasses and eyeglass case donations can be dropped off in the marked bucket in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm). Click here for more information on this program.

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 location in the atrium at Messiah on Sundays or during church office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 am-4 pm), or email Sue Z to schedule a pick-up. We’ll be sure to get these books to the Little Free Libraries for local families to enjoy!

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:
  • Food Shelf Shopping Assistant
  • Resale Select Store Support: Shifts are open Monday-Saturday mornings, afternoons, and evenings
  • Resale Select Treasure Hunter: Shifts are open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings and afternoons
  • Donation Door Greeter: Shifts are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning and afternoons

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.

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. 

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. For questions about this service, please contact Habitat for Humanity directly at (612) 588-3820 or visit restore.tchabitat.org/donate. Please do not drop off donations at Messiah. For more information about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, visit www.tchabitat.org.

Serve at Messiah Church 

Every week, hundreds of people enter Messiah Church. You can be part of our servant volunteer teams who share God’s love. Here are just a few ministry areas where you might serve:
  • Sunday Worship - welcoming guests into worship, reading scripture, arranging flowers, or praying over and tidying the space between services
  • Communion Prep - 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. You can serve for just the 8:30 or 10:30 service, or prep for both. Training will be provided!
  • Sunday Hospitality - greeting guests, serving coffee, and ushering
  • Wednesday Hospitality - greet guests attending evening activities
  • Kids & Youth - build lasting relationships and nurture the faith of the next generation (background checks and references required)
  • Gardens & Grounds - no matter the time of year, lend your green thumb or handy skills toward decorating, maintaining, or organizing our grounds

For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Heather Felt, Director of Community Engagement.

Other Serving Opportunities

Looking for other opportunities to serve our neighbors? Check out the following organizations:

Missions Team

Bethany Nelson
Associate Pastor

Mary Beth Mazzocchi
Missions Chair

Jess Baker
Secretary

Kevin Bowman
At-Large

Shirley Buehler
At-Large

Pam Lundgren
At-Large

Darcy Weldy
At-Large

Peggy Russett
At-Large

Linda Seaton
At-Large

Gail Stone
At-Large

Questions about Missions at Messiah? Contact Mary Beth, Missions Chair.

Contact Mary Beth

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