31 Backpacks is a local non-profit organization providing food for at-risk children on weekends and school breaks.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteering to help pack bags is fun and easy!  Normal, weekly "packs" are held on Wednesdays during the School Year at the Glad Tidings Assembly of God church.  There is ZERO prep needed to volunteer....just show up and you will be given instructions on how and what food to place into bags for children.  It's that simple!  Note:  unfortunately, this event is not for toddlers.  Volunteers must be able to follow instructions and work without supervision.  There is no childcare on site.
• Special, larger "Big Packs" are held prior to school breaks.  These are usually held on different days and will be advertised before the events.
• Financial donations are always welcome!

For more information, contact Lois at loisannweber@gmail.com .

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/31Backpacks/

Bridges Copper Country holds a "Bridges Class" to empower individuals who are below 200% (double) of the federal poverty level to increase income, decrease debt, and become more self-sufficient / decrease social services assistance.  The class is 16 weeks long and is held in the gym of Saints Peter and Paul Church.

It is important to understand that this program is NOT run by Saints Peter and Paul Church, and is not by itself a program directly associated with any church/religion.  However, lives are being changed right here at our church and we can help show our love for others by volunteering our time to ensure the success of the program.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Meals are provided by Bridges Copper Country, but servers and other kitchen help are greatly appreciated.
• Volunteers for childcare at the church are needed.

Training is held at the church on Tuesday Nights from 5:30pm to 8:30pm,  For more information, contact Pastor Gehrke at pastorgehrke@copperluth.org .

For more information on Bridges Copper Country, go to https://www.bridgescoppercountry.org/

Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) is a local non-profit organization, run strictly by volunteers from the community and partnering churches. Love INC accepts donations of household items in good condition and financial donations to provide for the physical needs of our neighbors in need.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Join our Saints Peter and Paul Love INC Action Team where we pick up and deliver furniture and other items to families, sharing our faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ!
• Donate items in good condition and/or financial support to Love INC for families in need!
• Purchase tickets for the Annual Love INC Banquet at the end of March each year!
• Donate spare change during the "Love INC Donation Jar" event at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Late Spring / Early Summer.

Email joe@copperluth.org , or call 906-281-1075 for more information.
Or go to:  https://saintspeterandpaul.ccbchurch.com/group_list.php to sign up for our Love INC Action Team!

Website:   https://www.loveincofcc.org       

Mothers of Preschoolers is a Christian-based organization that encourages and equips mothers during the parenting years of infancy, toddler-hood and preschool. MOPS meets two Tuesday mornings per month from 9:15-11:15 during the school year at the Evangel Community Church in Houghton. MOPS helps with childcare, mentoring and leadership development opportunities, time for creative activities in a welcoming environment.

Volunteer Opportunities:
 

• Helping with Childcare during Meetings
• Serving as a Mentor

Email mops@evangelup.org for more information.

Website:  https://evangelup.org/mops/        

Who are we?      We are part of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, aka Lutheran Women in Mission, the official women’s arm of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

How did we get our name?      Dorcas was a Christian woman of Joppa whose Aramaic name was Tabitha. Well-known for her works of generosity and charity, she died and was restored to life by the Apostle Peter (Acts 9:36-42).

What do we do?      Like Dorcas, we are an organization that does missionary and ministry work, both within our congregation, communities, and beyond. Our major fundraiser is a Bazaar, Bake Sale, & Tea. It is most commonly held in the Fall, but a second one is in the Spring, as decided upon at our regular meetings. We also coordinate funerals for the church.

Who May Join?       Women of all ages in our midst are invited to join. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, September through May (except in December), at 6:30 p.m., Program or Bible Study, and Dessert.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Email Jean for more information at:  johnandjeanp@chartermi.net .

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Our educational facilities include the principle classrooms (maximum 16 students per classroom) bathrooms, music and movement areas; a multipurpose gymnasium; outdoor play area, community garden, and prayer trail.  Children are provided safe, fun, and educational care that has a positive, generational impact.  

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Donate classroom consumables such as paper supplies, art supplies, books and more!
• Provide financial support for scholarships to alleviate the cost of tuition for students!
• Volunteer to help at the ELC with check-in, lunch, outdoor play times, and more. 30 minutes to an hour of your time can really help!

Contact the ELC Director, Jaime at jaimeschuldt@copperluth.org for more information.

Websites: 

https://copperluth.org/elc

https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Early-Learning-Center-at-Saints-Peter-and-Paul-Lutheran-Church/100063537672102/

Each year, members of Saints Peter and Paul Church spend a day showing love for our neighbors in Hurontown by raking and hauling away leaves and other debris.

Cleanup day is usually the first Sunday in November. 

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteer to help rake / remove leaves and debris.
• Volunteer tools, such as rakes and leaf blowers.
• Volunteer trucks and trailers to haul leaves and debris.
• We are always looking for volunteers within the church to help manage groups/events like the Fall Neighborhood Cleanup.  If you would like to take on a leadership role in this, or other groups/events, please contact Rob at mrcooke10@gmail.com 

Contact Rob at mrcooke10@gmail.com for more information,

Or go to:  https://saintspeterandpaul.ccbchurch.com/group_list.php to sign up for our Fall Neighborhood Cleanup Group!

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly is a national network of non-profit volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Our Motto “where service to the elderly begins by being a friend” reminds us that the most important gift we bring when we knock on the door is the gift of friendship. With every service we provide and with every gesture that we do, we do it in the spirit of friendship. Our services are all free of charge to the elderly.

Individual or Family Volunteer Opportunities:

• Friendly Visiting
• Social Activities
• Holiday Celebrations
• Medical Transportation
• Firewood
• Food Assistance
• Medical Equipment Loan
• Office Support

Group Volunteer Opportunities:

• Firewood Program
• Treat Baskets
• Decorated Grocery Bags
• Season Cleanup

Fill Out a Volunteer Application at:   https://houghton.littlebrothers.org/be-a-volunteer/

Or call:  906-482-6944

Or email:  michigan@littlebrothers.org 

The Life Outreach Center of Houghton and Baraga Counties is a Christ centered pro-life service organization. We are dedicated to providing women, men, and families affected by crisis pregnancy and/or abortion with compassionate care, practical services, and the encouragement necessary to choose life, experience healing, and embrace chastity. As God enables us we will work within our community to promote the sanctity of human life and biblical sexual values.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Donate to the Life Ourtreach center using the links on their webpage.
• Participate in the "Baby Bottle" spare change in the spring of each year at the Saints Peter and Paul Church.
• The Life Outreach Center has needs for qualified ultrasound technicians and medical staff. 

Contact the Director, Cyndi Sage-Johnson, for more information:  Phone - 906-482-8681, Email - cyndi.sagejohnson@outlook.com 

Website:   https://www.lifeoutreachcenter.org

The Michigan Technological University Afternoon on the Town event occurs at the beginning of the Fall Term each year and is an opportunity for local businesses/services to welcome students and show them what they have to offer.  Area business and groups set up tables from the MTU Campus all the way through Downtown Houghton, with music, refreshments and giveaways.

Saints Peter and Paul Church takes this opportunity to welcome new students to our community and to let them know about our church and how we are alive in Christ!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteer your time to man the Saints Peter and Paul Church Welcome Table!   
• Volunteer to purchase or make treats to hand out to new MTU Students during the event!

Email marie.cleveland@me.com for more information
Or go to:  https://saintspeterandpaul.ccbchurch.com/group_list.php to sign up for our Afternoon on the Town Group!

The Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts‑filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way.

Volunteer Opportunities: 

• Provide Financial Donations and/or volunteer to fill a shoebox with new, donated items.  Shoeboxes can be picked up at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Mid November.  It is important to note the date the boxes must be returned to the church so they can be transported across the world in time for Christmas!

For more information, contact Sam and Denise Coats at swcoates@mtu.edu.

Website:  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Hearts and Hands is a newly-formed Community Ministry Group run by Saints Peter and Paul Church.  We are focused on helping to clean up yards and properties of debris, trash, old appliances, and other blight for people in our community that do not have the resources to help themselves.

Opportunities are typically referred from municipalities and other agencies or community service offices, but can come from individuals also.

Most importantly, this is an opportunity to help others in our community in a meaningful way, sharing the love and good news of Jesus Christ in the process.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteer your time and muscles to help pick up and haul debris to appropriate landfills / recycling centers.
• Volunteers your truck and/or trailers to haul debris to appropriate landfills / recycling centers.
• We are always looking for volunteers within the church to help manage groups/events like Hearts & Hands  If you would like to take on a leadership role in this, or other groups/events, please contact joe@copperluth.org!

This group is just getting off the ground and we hope to have our first mission in April or May 2023.  

Email joe@copperluth.org for more information,
Or go to:  https://saintspeterandpaul.ccbchurch.com/group_list.php to sign up for our Hearts & Hands Lifecause Group to receive notices for future missions!

Saints Peter and Paul Church hosts a Trunk-or-Treat event where Automobile Trunks / Parking Spaces in the church Parking Lot are decorated so that local children (of all ages) can enjoy a safe, fun way to trick-or-treat!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• The Trunk or Treat event is usually held on the Saturday prior to Halloween. If you want to set up a fun and family friendly decorated trunk / spot, or just provide treats for kids, please  contact Marie in the weeks before the event.
• We are always looking for volunteers within the church to help manage groups/events like Trunk-Or-Treat.  If you would like to take on a leadership role in this, or other groups/events, please contact joe@copperluth.org!

Email Marie at marie.cleveland@me.com for more information.

Every year, Saints Peter and Paul Church places an “Angel Tree” in the narthex to collect toys and gifts for at-risk children in our community. Organizations such as the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home, the Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Love Inc. provide “wish lists” from children and teenagers who might not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• The Angel Tree is usually put up on the Third Sunday of November. If you would like to help, take a Tag from the tree and return an unwrapped gift in the bag provided no later than the second Sunday of December. There are also tags for Food and/or Gas Gift cards as an option.
• We are always looking for volunteers within the church to help manage groups/events like the Angel Tree.  If you would like to take on a leadership role in this, or other groups/events, please contact joe@copperluth.org!

Contact Joe at joe@copperluth.org for more information.

One of the best ways we can share the Good News of our salvation through Jesus Christ, is by being present for others.  Be a good neighbor.  Weed a neighbor's garden.  Help someone move.  Provide a meal for someone ill.  Say hi to people.  Be courteous and kind.  Be a good listener.  Invite a neighbor or coworker to your home for a meal.  

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14–16.)

Reach out to someone in the church to bounce ideas off of and let us know how we can help!

Camp Restore Detroit is a ministry serving in the 9th Precinct of Detroit. Their goal is to partner with the community to restore neighborhoods in Detroit. They do this by coming alongside the community in the good already happening and providing extra hands and feet. These extra hands and feet come from campers, groups of all ages, who stay on the campus at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and are partnered with the community on service projects. 

Camp Restore Detroit serves with the community in three different areas:

• Environmental: clearing blight (overgrown plants and trash)
• Construction: assisting community members with basic construction projects on their homes
• Human Care: building relationships with our community and sharing God's love

College Students from Saints Peter and Paul Church participate in mission trips at Camp Restore Detroit, sharing the love of Christ with others while strengthening and encouraging their own faith.

If you are interested in learning how to volunteer for or how to support this mission, contact Marcus at marcus@copperluth.org .

The Concordia Lutheran Student Center or the CLSC as we refer to it, is a central location for all things Campus Ministry.  We host weekly events and bibles studies here, monthly student suppers and make the first floor available to all students to relax, study or just hang out.  The CLSC is also our student house that we make available to 6 students who would like to live here and serve in a leadership role in our campus ministry.

If you are interested in learning how to volunteer for or how to support this mission, contact Marcus at marcus@copperluth.org .

Saints Peter and Paul Church helps to welcome Michigan Technological University International Students to our area through events such as cookouts, pot-lucks, and other events.  Our goal is simply to share our culture, our time, and our love.  

We try to hold a barbeque in early summer near the MTU Daniel Heights housing area, and there are ideas to host short day-trips throughout the year to showcase our area's abundance of natural beauty.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Come hang out at events to learn more about others and their cultures!
• Volunteer to make or serve food for events as they are scheduled.  Note:  please coordinate your dishes in advance, as there may be cultural dietary considerations to make.
• Volunteer to host an individual or individuals at your home / family event to share our culture!  Remember, International Students usually do not have the opportunity to go home during breaks between semesters, so they remain on campus when much of the campus is shut down.
• Volunteer to manage or help out with a group event, such as a day-trip to a local beach, or hiking trail, or cultural site! 

Email Marie at marie.cleveland@me.com for more information or to get on our contact list for future events!

Saints Peter and Paul Church has been is coordinating with Glocal Mission to schedule an International Mission Trip soon.  If you are interested in participating in a trip, or helping out with fundraising events to offset costs for a trip, contact Pastor Gehrke at pastorgehrke@copperluth.org .

For more information about Glocal Mission, go to:  https://www.glocalmission.org/