God has called us to serve generously. We do this when we support the needs of the local community and the world—when we serve others and share our time, talents, and finances. Read on to learn about some of our outreach ministries. Does one ministry speak to your interests and availability? We will train you and work with your schedule.
One Sunday in September, we join other Evangelical Lutheran Churches for a special day of service. We fan out across the local community in a variety of projects. Last year, some of us picked up trash, while others pulled invasive weeds along the Clinton River and a group sewed items needed for the unhoused and disabled.
Abiding Presence was one of eight faith-based organizations that created Neighborhood House in 1968 to help local families with financial needs. Given the perception of affluence in the Rochester Hills area, our low-income neighbors are often invisible. Clients of Neighborhood House are often housed and employed, yet living on the cusp of self-sustainability. Here are a few of the many ways we support Neighborhood House:
In the spring, we plant lettuce, beans, carrots, and more in raised beds on the Abiding Presence campus. We tend the garden and harvest the vegetables. The fresh produce complements boxed and canned items available at Neighborhood House's Food Pantry.
During the Christmas season, members shop for food pantry staples and gift cards to fill holiday dinner food baskets for families in the community. The parish packs the baskets together and delivers them to the families.
We adopt a family for Christmas and shop for gift items for the children. The goal is to give each child a pair of pajamas, a hoodie, hat and gloves, a book, a game, and a gift or gift card.
Abiding Presence is proud to provide a meeting space for Boy Scout Troop 360. Throughout the year, we socialize with the boys, and they have spruced up our outdoor space.
Troop 360 meets every Tuesday from 7:30-9 pm. The troop is boy-led, usually with three or four patrols, plus our senior patrol, which includes the senior patrol leader and his leadership team. Elected scouts spend six months in leadership positions and have monthly meetings to review recent activities and decide on meeting themes, camping, and outdoor adventures. Boys who are 10 years old and in the 5th grade can join the Troop. Boys up to age 14 are welcome to start their scouting journey. For more information, please visit the troop website or Facebook page. To schedule a visit or ask any questions, please contact Steve Claerhout at (248) 790-0769 or
The annual Kurt Ketelsen Memorial Birthday Build is held every February. Sponsored by the Ketelsen, Newer and Burlingame families to honor Kurt (1962-2005), and with additional support from Thrivent Financial and Habitat of Oakland County, this festive fundraiser has provided significant financial donations to Habitat. This family-friendly fiesta is a fitting memorial to a man who was a builder and who actively cared about those needing shelter.
Abiding Presence supports the work of farmers in other countries through the Equal Exchange Fair Trade Cooperative. A table is set up in our Narthex for purchasing organic fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate. Each quarter, a pre-order opportunity with the Abiding Presence Buying Club occurs and offers reduced pricing. Everyone visiting our building has the opportunity to participate in on-site or pre-order purchases. Each purchase has a powerful impact on the lives of small farmers and their communities.
