Mission and Social Concerns

Caring Casseroles

Congregation volunteers prepare and deliver dishes to the homes of families going through transition or trauma.

Change for Change

Each month an organization or ministry is showcased through a display, and disciples can contribute to the cause through the collection of money in a special jar kept near the front entrance. People's loose change can make a difference in many lives.

CLCW Quilters

Many hands make easy work, as women gather weekly for fellowship and quilting. The quilts are distributed through Lutheran Work Relief, providing comfort to the homeless and displaced throughout the world. Additionally, each graduating high school senior in the congregation receives a quilt to remind them of the love surrounding them as they leave to explore adulthood. Finally, each infant baptized receives a special quilt, wrapping them in God's love.

Community Outreach

Central Lutheran Church serves the community by coordinating a Meals-on-Wheels delivery in November, sponsoring "Gifts for Winona" in December (a giving tree for families in need), and disseminating pertinent information about community services.

Crop Walk

The congregation partners with other local congregations and organizations to plan and implement the annual walk to raise money for hunger efforts, locally and worldwide. The Walk is held in early October. In 2008, Central held its first Harvest Fest to heighten awareness of hunger issues.

Eucaristic and Lay Ministers

Visit and bring Holy Communion to hospitalized, shut-in and nursing home residents. Contact Pastor Olson, 452-5156.

The Feast

This meal is offered every Wednesday night during the school year 5:00 - 6:15 pm and is open to the community. All of the meals are homemade, the price is whatever you can afford and the hospitality is warm and welcoming. We also deliver meals to those who find themselves homebound.

Global Ministries

The congregation financially supports the work of International Health Partners to build a clinic and hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. In early 2008, a medical mission group from Winona travelled there to provide needed surgical services. (Link to IHP website, and perhaps some photographs from the trip). Central is also partnered with Immanuel Lutheran, Singida. Special mission funds support the work of teaching English classes, and helping the women establish a tailoring business to improve their lives. (Link to her updates, and photographs). In addition, Central provides financial support for other ELCA missionaries, and our sister congregation in Singida, Tanzania. Congregational giving to the special missions envelope fosters this support.

Habitat For Humanity

As a covenant congregation, we support the Winona County Habitat For Humanity through prayer, financial support, and volunteer efforts, whether working to build local houses, or providing hospitality in the form of meals for volunteers.

Lutheran Social Services of Winona

The congregation annually budgets for a contribution to this partner ministry, which provides social services for the most vulnerable among us - the elderly, disabled, and children.

Prayer Cards

Prayer cards are located in the pews. Disciples who wish for prayer for themselves or others complete the prayer card and the staff and/or congregation pray for the joins and concerns indicated.

Prayer Chain

Prayer requests are also communicated through the phone or e-mail to a group of people committed to praying for the needs of God's people. Contact Judy Benson, (507) 454-4780.

Prayer Shawl and Prayer Bear Ministries

Central Lutheran Church sponsors a prayer shawl ministry. Shawls are knit for those facing trauma and transition and given to provide support and comfort during a difficult time. Prayer Bears are a similar ministry in which stuffed bears are knit and given to children who are in need of special care. Contact Susan Peterson, (507) 689-4128.

Red Cross

Two Red Cross blood drives are hosted at the church each year, one in January and the second in July. Volunteers greet and register the donors, set and clean up tables, and provide hospitality at the canteen.

Telecare

Volunteers phone shut-ins and members needing a little encouragement.

Winona Volunteer Services

Food donations are collected monthly, and brought to the local food shelf. In December, disciples participate in the Gifts for Winona project so that no one is without a gift at Christmas time. In 2008, fifty gifts tags were taken, and gifts returned to brighten the holiday.

Transortation

Bus transportation to church services is available for shut-in, nursing home and assisted living residents who would otherwise be unable to attend worship services.