Community Ministries at Holy Cross seek to participate in God’s mission through various ministries of service. Opportunities are provided for involvement and hands-on service in local and far-reaching community activities. For more information contact Kim Shanmugam or Melinda Cook. 

See the current service event calendar at the bottom of the page.


Service Events
The Community Ministries team periodically hosts service events, both inside and outside the church. These events happen about 10 times a year.  You can help by becoming an event coordinator, a one-time commitment. Contact Verlie Train.

Harvesters Ministry
This ministry supports Harvesters, the metro area's largest food bank, by sorting food every other month. Contact Kim Shanmugam or Melinda Cook. Learn more about Harvesters at their website.

Community Bible Studies
Participants assist with leading Bible studies at Marillac center for children.
Contact Ruthi Ostgulen for more information.

Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLM)
MLM is known as one of Kansas City's pioneering social service agencies, sponsoring new and innovative housing and emergency assistance programs. Holy Cross is a leading supporter of this vital ministry. Visit the MLM website to learn more.

. o    Blessings Abound Thrift Store
A Lutheran retail thrift store which sells quality second-hand merchandise. 100% of all net proceeds are used to meet the needs of our local community. Opportunities are available to run cash register, sort clothes, etc. Blessings Abound also accepts donations. Located on the SW corner at 95th & Nall. Contact either Val Dolan or Karrin Berkowitz. 

MLM Saturday Breakfast
 Several times a year, we serve breakfast to over one hundred of MLM's neighbors at the True Light Family Outreach in KCMO or at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in KCKS. Contact Verlie Train or  Dianne Ready .

MLM Christmas Stores
Holy Cross provides gifts for needy families who many times would not have anything at Christmas. Opportunities are available to donate gifts, take applications, set up, and walk families through the store.  Contact Val Dolan for more information.
                                                                                          
Soup Kitchen/Meals Ministry
This ministry provides meals for Children's Memorial Soup Kitchen, SafeHome and TLC on a regular basis. A request for meal items (main dish, dessert, etc.) is sent out via email and those who are able respond and bring their item to Holy Cross. Coordinators deliver the meal to the organizations. If you are interested in joining the email distribution list to provide meal items, contact Teena Shouse or Amanda Dirks.

Clothing Closet Ministry
Once a month, we carpool to Grand Avenue United Methodist Temple in downtown KC, MO and help clients with their clothing needs. Contact Dianne Ready or Alan Braybrooks.

Food Focus of the Month
Each month the congregation is notified of a designated food or item to be collected and distributed to a local pantry or shelter. Contact Alice Petersen  for more information.

HopeBUILDERS Home Repair
This is a collaborative housing repair group made up of volunteers from area churches that assists Kansas City area needy and elderly homeowners with their home repair or disability adaptation needs. HopeBUILDERS uses volunteers of various skill levels and also provides learning opportunities. If you are interested in providing financial assistance or volunteering with HopeBUILDERS, please call 888-HOPE-001 or visit the HopeBuilders website. 

Upcoming 2012 Service Opportunities

Saturday, April 28, 9:15-1:00: Serve lunch at Grand Avenue Temple
Saturday, April 28: HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, May 5: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, May 26th: Meal at Children's Memorial Soup Kitchen
Saturday, May 26th (Memorial Weekend): HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, June 9, 8:15am- 1:00pm: MLM Food Distribution
Saturday, June 9: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, June 23: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, June 30, 6:30-10:15 am: Help serve MLM Breakfast, KCMO

Saturday, July 14: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, July 21, 6:30-10:15 am: Help serve MLM Breakfast, KCKS
Saturday, July 28: HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, August 4, 8:00-11:30am: Back to School Fair in Wyandotte County 
Saturday, August 11: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, August 25, 6:30-10:15 am: Help serve MLM Breakfast, KCKS
Saturday, August 25: HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, September 8: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, September 22: HopeBUILDERS Workday
Saturday, September 29, 6:30-10:15 am: Help serve MLM Breakfast

Saturday, October 20, 1:30 - 4:00: Sheffield Place Halloween Party
Saturday, October 21, 1:30 - 4:00: Prepare Halloween Treat Bags
Saturday, October 27: HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, November 17: HopeBUILDERS Workday

Saturday, December 1, 1:00-3:00pm: Cookie Event for MLM Christmas Store
Saturday, December 15: HopeBUILDERS Workday