Service to the Local Community
We serve and support our local community in many different ways throughout the year. Please see both our seasonal projects and efforts taking place throughout the year below.
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Current Projects
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Winter Projects
- Christmas Sharing in the Neighborhood
For many years, APLC has been involved in providing Christmas gifts to those in need. Names are received from local schools and anyone interested can take an envelope and purchase the gift requested. Many thanks to all who have been a part of this. - Winter Needlework Project
Donations of both yarn and completed blankets, hats, mittens, lap robes, and prayer shawls are collected to keep babies, cancer patients, and seniors warm. - 'Souper Bowl' of Caring - Bring in canned soup (or any other canned good or nonperishable pantry staple) or make a monetary donation in the soup pot for your favorite team in the 'Souper Bowl'! Pots will be out on the display in the Narthex as soon as the final teams are selected, and will remain up through the weekend of the Super Bowl. Food and monetary donations will support local food ministries.
- Red Cross Blood Drive - We host blood drives twice a year. Our next drive is February 20 from 2 to 7 pm. Make an appointment by searching for Abiding Presence Lutheran Church at redcross.org.
- Trenton Community Book Drive
Donations of new and used children books for a summer reading initiative in the City of Trenton. - Diaper drive - In May, we collect diapers for Home Front's work supporting families facing poverty and homelessness. Bring in diapers (any size) and wipes to the Narthex display or to the collection box outside the front doors.
- Lutheran World Relief Kits
Donate supplies for hygiene kits, help put them together, or help load donations on to a truck headed to the Lutheran World Relief headquarters to be given out where they are needed most. - Back-to-school drive - In August, we collect school clothes and school supplies/equipment for HomeFront's annual back to school drive and we fill backpacks for the ministries of St. Bart's, our partner congregation, as well. The full list of needed items for HomeFront can be found here.
- God's Work. Our Hands.
This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
- Baby Supplies Collection for HomeFront
See the Church bulletin for a list of requested baby supplies - Trunk or Treat - Join us at St. Bartholomew's Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 31 from 4 to 6 as we join our ministry partner in this annual celebration! Can't come out? Donate candy at the display in the Narthex for us to distribute to children in the community at this fun event.
- Thanksgiving Food Drive - See the display in the Narthex each November as we collect Thanksgiving items to help our ministry partner, St. Bart's, put together baskets for families in need.
- Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK)
Volunteer at satellite soup kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton. Check the calendar for upcoming dates. - Arm in Arm
Partner with the local community to improve access to nutritious food, stable housing and the means to sustain them. Check the calendar for upcoming dates to see when we'll be delivering food to seniors. - Rescue Mission of Trenton
Collection of clothing and household items throughout the year. Donations help the Rescue Mission of Trenton rebuild lives and instill hope in some of our area's most destitute people in need of shelter, food, and clothing. Bring donated items to the designated area in the hallway by the church office across from the restrooms. - Abiding Care Team
The mission of the Abiding Care Team is “to carry out the biblical mandate of healing for body, mind and spirit for the benefit of members of the congregation and the wider community through listening, prayer support, and deeds of sustaining helpfulness.” Our volunteers are glad to help those members who are going through a time of transition or difficulty. If you know of a situation within our Church community where the Care Team could be of service, or if you would like to volunteer to help us, please contact us.
The Social Ministry committee would like to thank all the members, family, and friends of APLC for their overwhelming generosity and care in all of our outreach ministries. Thank you!
