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: Avenues for Youth

Our May & June Second Mile Offering supports Avenues for Youth. For more than 29 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.

You can offer your support through the end of June 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! We are collecting full-sized personal care items, including: body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and feminine hygiene products. Please no travel-sized items. All donations will be collected through Sunday, June 29 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–5 pm).
  • Volunteer! Gather a group to serve at Avenues for Youth. For information on volunteer opportunities, contact Tom Bond at Avenues at tbond@avenuesforyouth.org.

Current Opportunities & Needs

Interfaith Outreach Tent Sale: Donations Needed

Moving? Redecorating? Decluttering? Resale Select is in need of quality donations to make their Tent Sale the most successful ever. Some of the best-selling Tent Sale items include:
  • Lawn & garden items, including planters and garden accessories
  • Patio & outdoor furniture and decor
  • Plastic bins and containers for storage and organization
  • Sporting goods in new and like new condition, including bikes and wagons
  • Tools in usable condition
  • Accent furniture

Donations are accepted through Friday, June 13. Please deliver your donations directly to Resale Select (1605 County Road 101 N., Plymouth) during their donation hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 am-5 pm; do not leave donations in the Messiah atrium. Due to limited space, furniture donations must be pre-approved. Email photos to resaleselect@iocp.org.

100% of Resale Select’s net proceeds support Interfaith Outreach's (IOCP) services and programs. When you shop, donate, or volunteer at Resale Select, you impact the lives of thousands of west metro households – helping meet their basic needs and equipping them for ongoing stability. For more information on Resale Select and Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.

Midwest Mission Medical Supply Collection

As part of Midwest Mission’s distribution of health care resources, they send medical supplies and equipment to developing countries. There is a great need for items we take for granted. Can you help? We are collecting:
  • Walkers
  • Wheelchairs
  • Crutches
  • Canes
  • Other orthopedic supplies (walking boots, slings, braces, and knee scooters)

Do you have any of these items that you are no longer using? Midwest Mission would love to distribute these to those who do! Donations will be collected through Sunday, June 22 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-5 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.

Midwest Mission Dignity Kit Packing Event

On Sunday, June 22, join us in Heritage Hall after worship (from 10:30 am until 12 pm) for a Personal Dignity Kit Packing Event for Midwest Mission. Together we'll pack personal care items into individual bags that are distributed wherever there is a need. Our goal is to pack 500 kits and we need your help to do that! Ages 5 and up (accompanied by an adult) are welcome to participate. Contact Pastor Bethany at bnelson@messiahchurch.org for questions about this event.

Midwest Mission distributes personal dignity kits, disaster relief kits, resources, and supplies locally, nationally, and internationally to those in need during times of crisis. 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.

Following the Packing Event, stop by the grill in the parking lot for lunch. We'll be serving hot dogs, veggie dogs, fruit, and chips starting at noon.

Interfaith Outreach Tent Sale

Save the date for the Resale Select Tent Sale! This annual sale features smaller furniture and home decor items at exceptional prices, all for a great cause. 100% of Resale Select’s net proceeds support Interfaith Outreach's (IOCP) services and programs. When you shop, donate, or volunteer at Resale Select, you impact the lives of thousands of west metro households – helping meet their basic needs and equipping them for ongoing stability.

Friday, June 27
  • 10 am-5 pm: Resale Select and Resale 2 open (take 20% off in-store purchases)
  • 12-3 pm: Tent Sale ($5 Early Bird Admission - tickets available now at Resale Select)
Saturday, June 28
  • 9 am-3 pm: Tent Sale (open to the public; no admission fee)
  • 9 am-5 pm: Resale Select and Resale 2 open (take 20% off in-store purchases)
Sunday, June 29
  • 11 am-3 pm: Tent Sale Last-Chance Clearance (up to 50% off items in the tent)
  • 11 am-3 pm: Resale Select and Resale 2 open (take 20% off in-store purchases)

Resale Select and IOCP are located at 1605 County Road 101 N., Plymouth. For more information on Resale Select and Interfaith Outreach, visit iocp.org.

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, July 8 from 12-6 pm in Heritage Hall. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “MessiahPlym” to schedule an appointment or click here. Save the date for these upcoming blood drives at Messiah: Monday, August 11; and Monday, October 6.

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.

Support our Local Food Shelves

The summer season typically means donations are down for our local food shelves. Next time you go shopping, pick up something extra to donate to Interfaith Outreach and ICA. Most needed items:
  • Juice
  • Oats
  • Pasta
  • Canned tuna
  • Applesauce
  • Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Body wash
  • Deodorant

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-5 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 Food Shelf (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.

Fresh Fruits & Veggies for 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 (homegrown AND store-bought) 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.

Ways to Help Interfaith Outreach

Doing some "spring" cleaning? Keep Interfaith Outreach and Resale Select in mind! They are currently in need of the following: 
  • Pots and pans, everyday dish sets, cooking utensils, and silverware
  • Small kitchen appliances (coffee pots, slow cookers, blenders, etc.)
  • Women's accessories: purses, shoes, jewelry
  • Men’s clothing (all sizes): casual wear, active wear, jeans, shoes
  • Children’s shoes (all sizes)
  • Spring/summer clothing and shoes (all sizes and genders)
  • NEW underwear, bras, sports bras, and socks (all sizes)
  • Patio & outdoor furniture and decor (please send photos of furniture to resaleselect@iocp.org for pre-approval)

Drop off any donation directly at Interfaith Outreach (1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth) during their donation hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 am-5 pm. Please do not leave these donations in the Messiah atrium.

Interfaith Outreach is a human service nonprofit that strengthens our Plymouth community by meeting basic needs and equipping families and individuals for ongoing stability. When you donate and shop at Resale Select, you make an impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and families as 100% of the store's net proceeds support IOCP's services and programs. For more information on IOCP, visit iocp.org. For more information on Resale Select, visit iocp.org/resale-thrift-store.

BYOCT (Bring Your Own Coffee Tumbler)

Every Sunday morning, we generate A LOT of trash with coffee cups during coffee hour after worship. In an effort to reduce our trash and spend less money on disposable cups, we invite you to bring your own coffee tumbler on Sunday mornings. Please be sure your tumbler is labeled with your name, and we’d prefer if it has a lid to prevent spills. Then wash out your tumbler at home & bring it back again next week! Don’t worry, we still have paper cups for guests and regulars who forget. What a difference we could all make in caring for our creation with this small act! 

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-5 pm). Click here for more information on this program.

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.

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-5 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.

Ways to Help Simpson Shelter

Can you help with some much-needed items for Simpson Shelter? Current urgent needs include:
  • Umbrellas
  • Rain ponchos
  • Men’s t-shirts - sizes S-XXXL
  • Men's boxers - sizes M and L
  • Men's ankle socks
  • Women's bras - sizes 40-46
  • Travel-sized personal care items (especially body lotion, baby oil, and hair care products for natural, textured, or curly hair)
  • For the shelter kitchen (new, unopened, and not expired): mayonnaise, 20 oz containers of sugar/sweetener, napkins, and paper plates

Simpson is currently accepting ONLY these specific items. 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-5 pm). For more information on Simpson Shelter, visit simpsonhousing.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

Lorie Hoekstra
At-Large

Jon Kehberg
At-Large

Pam Lundgren
At-Large

Peggy Russett
At-Large

Linda Seaton
At-Large

Gail Stone
At-Large

Darcy Weldy
At-Large

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

Contact Mary Beth

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