In response to the love shown to us in Jesus Christ, and as members of his Body in the world, we are called to reach out to those in need in loving service. Gethsemane reaches out to the world around us through a variety of service opportunities, both local and international. Service to others and our community is part of our mission. Many members are moved to serve individually in their own lives. Following are some ways that we join together to serve, and there are many others.
Gethsemane Food Pantry
The Gethsemane Food Pantry is a "choice pantry". We are located at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 35 E. Stanton Avenue, right off High Street across from Broadmeadows, behind the Tim Horton's.
We are open every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You can shop in the food pantry twice a month and you can get fresh produce every week. We serve zip codes 43214, 43202, 43220, 43221, 43224, 43229, and 43235. We'd love to see you.
Check out and “like” our Facebook page. Watch for announcements there.
We also have a GoFundMe account if you’d like to make a monetary donation.
Thrivent Builds
As a charter member of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio Coalition, Gethsemane and its members provide financial and construction support in creating safe, affordable housing for families in need. The Thrivent Builds coalition of Thrivent Financial, Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio, and local churches and supporters leverage local volunteer activity and financial gifts to qualify for major financial grants from Thrivent Financial. Habitat provides all management of the family selection and construction processes.
New homes are constructed and older homes are remodeled to provide home ownership opportunities for first time homeowners. Home repairs are accomplished to address livability issues for current homeowners. All Habitat families served participate fully by working sweat equity hours and by paying for the house/repair (at favorable purchase prices and 0% interest).
Volunteers spend time as construction workers, lunch providers, and administrative support. Construction knowledge/experience is not required to be a productive worker. All work sites are staffed with experienced personnel to train, direct, and supervise volunteers to insure that they are safe and productive.
We are always looking for additional volunteers to join us in this worthwhile work. To volunteer, to donate, or to obtain additional information, contact Rick Langner, (fwlangner@yahoo.com), Congregation Lead for Thrivent Builds. Information about Habitat for Humanity MidOhio and about Thrivent Builds is available at Habitat’s website (www.HabitatMidOhio.org).
Fall Service Day
Every November for the last 10 years or so, Gethsemane members join together to help our elderly or disabled neighbors. We mostly rake leaves, help with yard work, and do minor home repairs and cleaning. But mostly it’s a way to get to know our neighbors and let them know that someone cares for them!
Quilting Ministry
Gethsemane supports Lutheran World Relief with quilts used in disaster response around the world. For people in need, a quilt is not just a blanket, it can be a bed, a room divider, even a suitcase! Most of all, it is a symbol of God’s love in the midst of crisis. Throughout the year, we make quilts. Some people sew at home and sometimes we get together to sew and knot and pack and ship the quilts. Each fall they are dedicated in worship and shipped out to LWR to give to people in need.
Faith Mission
Faith Mission, part of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, offers services to homeless single men and women. Its soup kitchen feeds men, women, and families three meals every day of the year. The Mission also has chaplaincy services, a medical clinic, and a business resource center.
Faith Mission has been a big part of Gethsemane’s mission since the 1970’s. Our members and congregation have been a part of this wonderful ministry’s development over the years.
Groups from Gethsemane serve dinner , collect items, and serve in other ways.
