Caring For Creation

"God's Work. Our Hands."  is an opportunity to celebrate in service to our neighbors, the efforts of which culminate on a Sunday in the fall. Our mission leadership suggests a variety of projects, allowing folks to tackle that which their hearts inspire. Writing notes, baking, collecting clothing, knitting, filling ditty bags for seafarers, amassing items for emergency kits, packing donations to give to a refugee organization, gathering school supplies are some of the zillion projects we have done over the years, initiated originally as our On The Road With Jesus mission work experience.

The CanTeen provides teens between 8th & 12 grade a safe place to hang out after school. Connecting over food a couple times a year - whether hosting the end-of-the-year hot dog cookout or the annual Halloween cupcake decorating extravaganza - provides unique fun and memories.

Baking for a Cause

On a crisp Tuesday morning in the fall of 2024, a small group of dedicated volunteers gathered with a few well-loved mixers and big hearts. Their mission? To bake fresh bread each week for the food pantry at Atonement Lutheran Church in Syracuse.  Though modest in number, these kitchen missionaries are rich in spirit and commitment. The congregation generously supports the ministry financially, making this work possible.  Visitors, suggestions, or offers of assistance are always welcome—just don’t ask for samples!

BookBinders is an adult education initiative that gathers to discuss books on topics of shared interest. Attendees are encouraged to suggest titles for group consideration. Past studies have included What is the Bible? by Rob Bell; $2.00 a Day by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer; Toxic Charity and Charity Detox by Robert D. Lupton; You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith; and The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford, accompanied by a six-part Holy Land video series. The group meets from fall through spring. Upcoming books are announced in advance to help participants decide if a title is right for them. Open to all, anytime.

Men's Breakfasts are usually held on the first or second Saturday of each month at 9am. Because this is men cooking for men, the all-you-can-eat menu is hearty with pancakes and all the trimmings. And yes, we're talking real maple syrup - thank you very much - from SweeTrees Maple Products, Berkshire NY.

Benefit Bake Sales Periodically the members hold bake sales to benefit a particular cause. For example, at the 2023 Synod Assembly, Luther Memorial presented a check for $1700 toward ELCA World Hunger, monies raised at an epic Sunday morning sale.

Family Advent Workshop We herald in each Advent season as families gathering on a Sunday morning for the never-to-be replicated (or forgotten) creation of a colorful paper & glue holiday keepsake. Refreshments are served.

Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner This church tradition is held the Sunday before the national day of Thanksgiving; it is hosted by the youth group and several brave adults. Delicious homemade pumpkin and apple pies come in from our bakers to round out the traditional meal, usually served around 1pm. Take outs & deliveries are superbly well coordinated and joyfully received.

Lay Ministers Those individuals called to serve in leadership roles during our worship experiences receive in-house training from experienced staff and lay ministers. Lay Ministers rotate throughout the church year as lay readers and communion assistants in worship services.

Food Of The Month is an ongoing program in service to area church food pantries. We designate a particular food item (and toiletry item) for collection each month. Donations are collected at church and volunteers deliver the items. We have been known to collect 500+ items in a month. Any food or toiletry item at any time is delightfully accepted.