Stronger Together
How a Small Idea at Peace Grew Into a City-Wide Ministry of Service
In 2008-09, Peace member Jackie Bailey joined with others from our congregation to start up the outreach distribution that would become known as Necessities for Neighbors. Along with Holly Marty, Pat Eidsness, and several other devoted Peacemakers, Jackie wanted to respond to the many needs of our neighbors in local Sioux Falls with the love and generosity of Jesus Christ.
“We wanted to team up as one big community,” Jackie said. “There is so much more that we can do when we work together. We can make a better impact when we collaborate.”
And collaboration is exactly where the Spirit was headed. Today, more than 13 Lutheran congregations have teamed up to share in Charis Ministry Partners, the umbrella ministry that includes both Necessities for Neighbors (hosted at Peace Lutheran and First Lutheran), as well as an additional ministry focused specifically on groceries called Food to You.
“My daughter is a social worker,” Jackie said. “She was able to work with clients and other community members to put together a list of items that were needed most. Necessities began to focus on hygiene and other daily essentials. Food to You took on the groceries. At the time, we also supported a transportation ministry with Project Car, which has since grown its own ministry.”
Today, people from across Sioux Falls can find weekly support for nutrition (Thursdays at different churches) and monthly support for critical household objects (first Sundays at Peace, third Tuesdays at First). All of it comes in the name of Jesus, as a way of sharing God’s love and dignity with our community.
“We began with a small committee,” Jackie said, “and in partnership with our confirmation students. Holly helped us connect this outreach with the youth, and it just kept growing. Eventually Necessities became a ministry for all ages at Peace, and then, Christians all over the city.”
Now, Charis Ministry Partners works not only with Lutheran churches, but with ecumenical partners from a variety of Christian backgrounds, as well as some local non-profit and charitable giving businesses. A little passion, a lot of teamwork, and the power of the Spirit made it all come together.
“All you need is a giver’s heart,” Jackie says to anyone who might be interested. “You can join us as an individual or as a family. You can make it a one-time helping event or a monthly commitment. The choice is totally up to each person. It’s easier to share your time, resources, and finances when we all work together as the church.”
Jackie invites anyone curious to come and check out the ministry. Although she recently retired from Charis leadership positions, she is still actively involved in volunteering, prayer, and supporting the ministry in different ways. According to Jackie, everyone has a gift they can share.
“I felt called to serve in outreach ministry when I heard stories from my daughter who worked at the Department of Social Services. There were so many anonymous requests for certain kinds of support. When you hear a need, and recognize the importance of that need, then you start feeling your calling.”
If you are open to checking out Necessities for Neighbors, or any other social outreach and service ministry at Peace, please connect with Pastor Alex (pastoralex@peacelutheran.com). There are so many different ways to participate, and, just like Jackie, we would LOVE to have you share your gifts, too!