Mission Philosophy: Work, Befriend, (Be)Fund
At Shepherd we value providing many opportunities to serve our congregation’s “Mission Window.” This window is bordered by Camelback Road to the south, Happy Valley Road to the north, US51 to the west, and AZ87 to the east. Partnering primarily with social service agencies and opportunities in this area is a focus for our Shepherd ministry program. This spring we have a number of opportunities to “plug and play” in short-term service projects. As we work with these agencies, Shepherd members have the opportunity to befriend these organizations and partners and potentially become part of these agencies’ funding strategies.
Local Mission Opportunities
FMSC is dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children worldwide. Let’s make a difference this spring by volunteering to pack meals together. Visit fmsc.org for more info.
Family Promise has become a welcome plug-and-play service opportunity to homeless families in our community. At Shepherd we provide evening and early morning meals along with overnight housing for two to four families that are working to get back on their feet. Your volunteer service in providing meals, child activity experiences, or serving as an overnight host helps show the love of Christ to these families.
Childhelp exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. They focus their efforts on advocacy, intervention, treatment, prevention, family resilience and community outreach. This plug and play mission gives Shepherd families the opportunity to help displaced families in an emergency setting. Clothing, furniture, and all household items are needed throughout the year. Please join Childhelp as we partner to help families heal and have a safe place to live.
Ways to volunteer:
- School supplies collection
- Playroom supervision
- Emergency shopping for displaced children and families
Gigi’s Playhouse is located one half mile east of our Shea campus. Gigi’s Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community — providing free therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more. Shepherd is proud to partner with GiGi’s. Educational tutoring, home economics and fitness instruction are just a few ways we can volunteer (no experience necessary).
Ways to volunteer:
- Educational tutoring (no educational experience necessary)
- Fitness training
- Occupational training (cooking, cleaning)
- Event planning
- Administration (writing “thank you” letters, IT, database entry, etc.)
- Committee members
UMOM‘s programs are built around a simple formula: jobs + housing = ending homelessness. From emergency shelter to affordable housing, UMOM offers a full slate of vital services, rooted in a foundation of trust and proactive support.
Ways to help Vista del Camino:
- Food drives
- Pantry Helper at Vista’s Facility
- Healthy Packs
- Adopt a Senior
- Back to School
International Missions
Anastasia Rosnau, daughter of our Pastor Alan and Linda Rosnau, currently serves as a missionary in Quito, Ecuador. She has teamed up with End Slavery Ministries (ESME) to help women coming out of vulnerable situations such as sex trafficking, prostitution, and abuse. To learn more about how Anastasia is making an impact, please visit endslaveryecuador.com.
Thrivent
Do you invest with Thrivent Financial? If so, you have two opportunities a year for your group to use Thrivent Action seed money towards a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Talk with us and let us help you direct those funds. Please contact us at info@sotdaz.org for ideas.