COMMUNITY PARTNERS
As Christians we are called to respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society. At Marin Lutheran we are grateful to be able to serve our community by working together with many incredible community partners. Opportunities include:
JONATHAN’S PLACE (former site of Mill Street Center)
Can you provide part of a meal one time, or once a month? MLC is part of a network of volunteers who provide dinner once a month to the residents. To volunteer, sign-up on the bulletin board in the narthex. Your food donation should be dropped off in the Parish Hall kitchen by 12 noon on the third Thursday of the month. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare & serve the meal on this day.
Homeward Bound of Marin’s new shelter and housing program in San Rafael was named to honor a special donor’s son, who experienced homelessness in Marin. Jonathan’s Place has four floors with covered parking, a shelter with 40+ beds and two upper floors with 32 units of permanent supportive housing. Housing tenants pay affordable rents, with each floor sharing a kitchen and community room. Construction began in 2021 on the site where Homeward Bound has operated Marin County’s year-round shelter services for adults since 1986. The 32,000-square-foot building serves the most vulnerable people in our community with round-the- clock staff for added support
MARIN ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (MOC)
Are you inspired to respond to issues that affect our social fabric? The Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) is a broad-based, non-partisan and non-profit organization of churches, synagogues and non-profits located throughout Marin County. Marin Lutheran Church became an “endorsing congregation” in 2017. MOC’s core mission is the building of a power organization through the identification, development and mentorship of leaders from member institutions. They identify, research and respond to the economic, social and political pressures facing families, neighborhoods, communities and institutions in Marin County. This response takes the form of collective public action. Contact Pastor Tom if you want more information about how you can help.
HOMEWARD BOUND
Are you concerned about homelessness and efforts to end homelessness in our county? This is the mission of Homeward Bound. Several times a year MLC partners with Homeward Bound at their Family Center in San Rafael to help spruce up the house and yard at the emergency shelter that provides shelter for 9 families in a shared home. Residents may stay at the Family Center for up to six months where services include counseling, support for job and housing search, food assistance, tutoring and help with credit repair or other financial goals.
Read more about our recent Brown House Renovation at the Family Emergency Shelter. Contact Jim Bedilion or the church office if you have questions or would like to help.
SAN FRANCISCO – MARIN FOOD BANK
Please help us fill the Marin Food Bank barrel located in the narthex / entry hall with nonperishable food items. Those with children will find that shopping for the hungry is a good way to model generosity. Visit: www.sfmfoodbank.org for more information about volunteering at the food bank.
MARIN INTERFAITH COUNCIL (MIC)
MIC is a respectful collaborative that celebrates faith traditions, advocates justice and builds community. MIC cultivates a community diverse in belief, opinion, and culture. For over thirty years, MIC has enabled congregations, nonprofits and individuals to make Marin a more vibrant and equitable community. To learn more, please visit www.marinifc.org.
SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT MINISTRY
The SF Night Ministry provides crisis intervention, counseling and referral services in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. Often referred to as the church’s “Night Shift”, they work every night, rain or shine, holiday or not, between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.! SFNM staffs a crisis telephone line and support night ministers who walk the streets of San Francisco offering face-to-face conversations to those who are lonely, anxious and afraid in the middle of the night, when crises are most acute and when social services don’t readily exist. Speak to Pastor Rod Seeger if you’d like more information about this wonderful ministry.
And Globally…
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Lutheran World Relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being. LWR provides aid in emergencies and helps families restore their lives. They partner with communities to build and grow rural economies and break the cycle of poverty.