The In-Reach / Out-Reach committee here at Zion Lutheran Church coordinates a variety of programs throughout the year to benefit our community. Some are on-going throughout the year while others have a limited duration. We hope you will help us to help others by contributing as you are able. Susan Hengst (717-235-1039) coordinates all of these programs and would be glad to answer any questions or to discuss how you might help if you are so inclined.
Southern York County Pantry - Year round
At both of our entrance ways (narthexes) into the sanctuary, you will see large containers to receive gifts of non-perishable foods to be delivered to the Southern York County Pantry . They cannot accept: Open or unlabeled items, homemade items, expired items, rusty cans, non-commercial canned/packaged items, alcoholic beverages, or fresh seafood. We offer a big Thank You to Tom Bailey for taking care of dropping off our collected food items about once per week at the food bank.
Loose Change Sunday - Monthly
On the last Sunday of each month, a second offering is collected during the worship service. This is to collect loose change, and it typically goes to a pre-designated non-profit organization – different each month. In the past, our loose change has been donated to organizations in Glen Rock including the Hose & Ladder, Ambulance, House of Hope, The Well, Library, Friendship Elementary School, as well as to Southern York County Community Services various programs. Occasionally, we donate outside of our local area – for example, to Olivia’s House (York) and to Donate Life America (during April – Organ Transplant month). Check the bulletin each month for details of the organization receiving our loose change. If you know of an organization that could benefit, please contact Susan Hengst (717-235-1039).
School Supplies Drive – August
School supplies are collected during the month of August in the Fellowship Hall. Then, at the end of the month, they are all taken to Southern York County Family Services where they are organized and given to students in need in our community. All items must be new and in their original packaging. Look for a notice in the bulletin in late July for the details.
Harvest Home Sunday – Mid-October
Two weeks prior to Harvest Home Sunday (the second Sunday in October), non-perishable food items are collected in the sanctuary (on the stage, beneath the altar). On that Sunday at the end of the two-week drive, the food collection is blessed during the worship service; and soon after, the items are taken to the Southern York County Pantry . These food items cannot include open or unlabeled items, homemade items, expired items, rusty cans, non-commercial canned/packaged items, alcoholic beverages, or fresh seafood.
Christmas Giving Tree – November/December
In the Zion Fellowship Hall, usually on the stage, you will find a Christmas Tree from mid-November to mid-December. Hanging on the tree will be paper “Ornaments”, and on each will be written an item from the wish list of a boy or girl in one of two families in our community who would otherwise not have gifts for Christmas. Those families are selected by the Southern York County Family Services for Zion. To take part in the Giving Tree program, you may take one or more ornaments from the tree and purchase those items. Bring your gifts – unwrapped – back to the Giving Tree with the “Ornament” attached. Then in mid-December, all of our gifts are taken to the Southern York County Family Services office where they will be distributed to the children just before Christmas.
Souper Bowl Sunday – January/February
Here at Zion, we enjoy a friendly contest from time to time – especially when the end result is a chance to help our community. So, from just after the NFL Conference Championship games – when the Super Bowl opponents are decided – to Super Bowl Sunday, we bring cans of soup to “vote for our favorite team”. Two boxes will be set up in the Fellowship Hall – each named for one of the competing teams. Just bring your soup cans and deposit them in the box for your team. For those that “vote” for the team that ultimately wins, there are bragging rights. For all of us, there is the satisfaction of helping our community, since all those cans of soup are then taken to the Southern York County Pantry. We hope you will join in the fun this year.