ZUMBRO MISSION & OUTREACH
As a congregation, these organizations are supported in three specific ways: financial support, hands-on serving opportunities, and sharing stories about the organization. The goal is that the knowledge and relationship with these organizations deepen and an even greater difference in the world can be made together.
Sarah Lichty
Director of Mission
ZUMBRO MISSION PRIORITIES
We are committed to addressing food security in our community.
A mobile food truck ministry of Zumbro Lutheran Church. Our mission is simply to feed anyone who is hungry. A weekly burrito meal is served every Thursday in SE MN. We partner with Channel One and distribute Minnesota Central Kitchen meals during our weekly service.
Zumbro supports an outdoor mini pantry for the public and an indoor pantry used to house surplus to keep the mini pantry stocked, as well as be available to our mission and ministry partners. The outdoor mini pantry is located on the SW corner the building. It is a take what you need, leave what you can free gift of food to our neighbors. Folks are invited to donate shelf-stable food items and even personal care items by placing them in the grocery cart located inside the church's main entrance.
Food Security
Open Table
Our mission is simple to feed anyone who is hungry. We are a mobile food truck ministry. A weekly burrito meal is served every Thursday from the truck in Rochester neighborhoods, as well as from Door 8 at the church. We partner with Channel One and distribute Kitchen Coalition meals made by Chef Abby every week, in addition to our burrito meal. Community Partners also help us make fresh produce available as it is available. Many people rely on this weekly meal and we are always looking for volunteers to help out in the truck, as well as in the kitchen at the church. Click here for more information. Sign up to volunteer below.Â
Zumbro Food Pantries
Zumbro supports an outdoor mini pantry for the public and an indoor pantry used to house surplus to keep the mini pantry stocked, as well as be available to our mission and ministry partners. The outdoor mini pantry is located on the SW corner the building. It is a take what you need, leave what you can free gift of food to our neighbors. Folks are invited to donate shelf-stable food items and even personal care items to either pantry by placing them in the grocery cart located inside the church's main entrance. Click here for more information. Sign up to volunteer below.Â
Youth & Young Adults
Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Youth Resource Center at Zumbro
LSS is grounded in two principles: God loves all people without condition and God yearns for us to love the neighbor. Staffed by LSS case workers, the LSS Youth Resource Center at Zumbro is a place of rest, support, encouragement, and connection for youth and young adults (and their children) in the community. The LSS Youth Resource Center is located on the middle level of the church. As a mission partner we provide the resource center with space, food, supplies, personal care items, as well as a Thanksgiving meal and a Christmas party and gifts. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has been a longtime Zumbro mission partner.Â
Rainbow School
Zumbro Lutheran Churchis home to Rainbow School, a preschool program designed to provide a Christian preschool experience for 3 to 5-year-olds. Supported in partnership with 3 other local Lutheran churches.
Luther College
Zumbro Lutheran Church serves as a welcoming place for classroom teaching and warm hospitality for Luther College Nursing students and Luther College Rochester semester students. Our church is a center of learning for these students and we strive to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Each month, our congregation provides a meal for students at their Rochester residence hall, as well as special snacks and treats during finals weeks. Students also have weekly access to Zumbro's indoor food pantry. Zumbro also partners with the Luther College Nursing Well Elder Program, where senior-aged congregation members are paired with a nursing student to learn more about the aging needs and care processes of that population.
Scouts Pack 82
Zumbro Lutheran Church has a long tradition of supporting young people as they grow in leadership, citizenship,and service through scouting. We are the charter organization for BSA Troop 82.
Good Earth Village
Good Earth Village is a place for Christ centered retreat and community. Faith-based programs introduce camp with one-day experiences and/or family opportunities. Middle and high school campers enjoy weeklong specialized programs, including art, high adventure, and service. Facilities are available for rent to host a retreat or weekend adventure.
Global Health & Refugees
We are committed to supporting global health ministries and supporting and encouraging refugees through our relationships with Lutheran World Relief and Global Health Ministries. The Zumbro Mission & Outreach Team gives monetary gifts, and the Zumbro Women of the ELCA (ZWELCA) and the Zumbro Mission Quilters & Weavers provide much needed resources to these world health non-profits through action projects with gifts of quilts, newborn kits, hospice kits, baby care kits, school kits, and personal care kits.Â
TAKE ACTION
VOLUNTEER
What is We seek to be a publicly engaged church often asking ourselves what it means to be a downtown church. Our advocacy team is committed to learning together, educating our community and finding ways to advocate for our committed priorities.  If you are interested in our advocacy team, contact Sarah Lichty
What is a Mission Partner?
Our mission partners are organizations that we seek to support as a whole congregation in three specific ways – through financial support, hands on serving opportunities, and by telling stories about the organization’s mission.
MINISTRY PARTNERS
