Outreach @ RVC 

outreach (n.) The act or process of reaching out.
  
At RVC our constant pursuit is to reach out to people in our sphere of influence, which includes everyone from our families, co-workers and neighbors to our communities, cities, states, nation and world!  We desire to be ‘others oriented’, thinking beyond the four church walls and ourselves and in turn being obedient to the mandate given in the Word of God in Matthew 25.  Whether it is in the form of a hug, an encouraging word, or an act of cleaning a toilet or a financial gift we strive to be Jesus’ hands and feet on this earth.  We long to be a blessing to others, especially those in need financially, spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically.  No matter what your area of interest, we have some place for you to plug in and be involved, hands on or behind the scenes, face to face or through an act of service.  Please check out the opportunities below or for more information contact Lisa Engelking at lisa.engelking@rivervalley.org or 952-997-2222 x247.  God is waiting to use you in a tangible, mighty way!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Get Involved!  Upcoming Outreach Opportunities @ RVC...

Inner City Christian Ministries – we are ramping up our level of hands on involvement with ICCM.  They have needs in every area from cleaning, sorting, and painting to professional needs such as vehicle repair and maintenance to a job for a general contractor.  Basically, if you are able and willing they need your help.

Do you desire to be used of God in a mighty way? 

If so, join us every Friday evening at ICCM (1812 Park Avenue, Minneapolis).  It all starts with a time of prayer and praise and worship at 6:00 p.m. and then around 7:00 p.m. we head out.  Where we go varies, but some examples are: bridges/underpasses, shelters, parks, busy street corners, etc.  We provide hot dogs or some type of snacks/food and beverage and then offer prayer.  This is a tangible, hands on way of sharing the love of Jesus with people and reaching out ‘to the least of these’.  If you don’t feel comfortable praying with people and just want to be the designated beverage pourer or hot dog server, that is perfectly fine.  Just come and find your niche; you will be so glad you did!

For these Friday evenings to be successful we always need a good supply of the following, so any tangible donations or financial donations are appreciated.

Paper plates
Paper cups – please no Styrofoam
Hot dog holders/boats
All beef hot dogs  - some nationalities do not eat pork
Hot dog buns
Condiments – mustard, ketchup, relish
Individual bags of chips
Powdered drink mixes (Lemonade, Gatorade, ice tea, hot chocolate)
Napkins
Other miscellaneous snacks
Plastic tongs
Plastic gloves
Garbage bags
 
Also donations of miscellaneous items to be provided if necessary are great too, for example:

Warm clothes in wearable decent condition
Gloves
Hats
Scarves
Long underwear
Socks
Shoes
Shirts
Sweatshirts
Jackets
Blankets
Little hand warmer packs
Personal hygiene items – toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, brushes, combs, shampoo, chapstick, etc.
 

When arriving at ICCM, please find Jan Hall or Scott Stover, they will be able to provide further direction.  Please note there is not someone from RVC there every Friday night, we go and join whatever team is going out.  Please leave all valuables and money at home or locked in your car.  While this is a safe outreach, it is often tempting to help people out (by giving them some money or your contact information) that you meet or are ministering to – this is strictly prohibited.  We are there to provide them with some food and prayer if they would like it and offer information on churches & Christian programs in the area – to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth!

Monique’s – ICCM’s thrift store is in need of donations, especially furniture items.  If you have something you were thinking of getting rid of and it is in decent condition please call Pastor Chris DeLaurentis at 612-670-5613. 

Annual Golf Tournament - Tuesday, May 20 is ICCM’s Miracle in the City Golf Tournament and Fundraiser at The Wilds in Prior Lake.  We need volunteers for check-in, registration, contests, etc., if you are available and would like to help please contact Lisa.  The hours volunteers are needed will be around 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Or if you would like to golf in the tournament you may register at www.iccmonline.com, play solo or bring a foursome.

Ronald McDonald House, down by the University of Minnesota is an ongoing outreach of RVC.  Please join us as we prepare and serve lunch to the residents, fellowship with the people, do some light cleaning if needed, and play with the children.  We meet at RVC at 10AM to carpool; you must be at least 12 years old to participate due to the weakened immune systems of the patients.  Space is limited to 10 people each time, so sign-up right away.  If you aren’t familiar with the Ronald McDonald House, check out www.rmhtwincities.org.   For 2008 we have the following dates scheduled:

Saturday, May 17

Saturday, June 21

Saturday, July 19

Saturday, August 16

Saturday, September 20

Saturday, October 18

Saturday, November 15

Below is the Ronald McDonald House’s current wish list of needed items.  If you would like to donate them, you can bring them to the Apple Valley Campus church offices during the week and we will make sure the Ronald McDonald House gets them.

Non-perishable food items including
Pop tarts
Spaghetti sauce
Bottle juice
Cooking oil
Brownie and cookie mixes
Single serving snacks
Boxed complete meals
Canned fruit
Cereal – individual servings
Canned meat
Microwave popcorn
 

Paper cups
Facial tissue
Clorox or sanitizing wipes
Plastic utensils – stronger variety
Styrofoam ‘to-go’ containers
Dishwasher detergent
Laundry detergent
Bleach
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Cleaning supplies
Sponges
Swiffer wet mops & refills
Queen & twin size mattress pads
Queen & twin size blankets
All size batteries
19-2” digital televisions

Adopt-A-Park – RVC has adopted Johnny Cake Ridge Park in Apple Valley.  We are committed to cleaning them a minimum of three times per year, obviously not in the winter months when they are covered in snow.  The park clean up is a great outreach to get the whole family involved in, kids can carry a plastic bag and pick up trash and then if they get bored they can play on the playground while you finish.  It gives them a taste of what parents go through picking up after them; it also ensures they won’t litter themselves as well as teaching them the value of serving in the community.  We meet at 10AM in the parking lot of Johnny Cake Ridge Park, the one right off of 140th between Pilot Knob and Johnny Cake; we always finish by 11:30am.  For 2008 the following park clean up dates have been set:

Saturday, May 31

Saturday, July 12

Saturday, August 2

Saturday, September 6

Adopt-A-Highway – RVC has adopted two sections of road, one in Dakota County and one in Scott County, our commitment is to clean them a minimum of twice per year.  This is a great outreach to do as a small group or as a little social outing followed by ice cream or a BBQ.  When the weather is nice it is quite enjoyable and the items you find along the sides of the road are fascinating.  We provide the garbage bags and bright colored vests so you are highly visible to all traffic.  Watch this page and the bulleting for clean-up dates.   Children under 16 years of age are not allowed to participate.
 

Walk for Life through Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center is Saturday, May 17, 2008.  If you desire to support the ministry of Amnion, which is a Christ centered, pro-life ministry, this is a great way to get involved.  For more information check out www.amnioncpc.org or call 952-898-4357.

Interested in prison ministry?  Working one on one in a mentoring fashion with an incarcerated man or woman?  Leading a small group?  Or perhaps working with the families, the spouses and kids of incarcerated individuals?  If this is an area you would like to get involved with please contact Lisa, the opportunities are endless.

Do you feel like you could help coach someone through life or difficult times?  We are adopting a low-income family in the area through Starfish Ministries (www.starfishMN.info).  So I am looking for some coaches – coaches are not experts or know it alls – they are ordinary Christians who have the opportunity and privilege of coming alongside others and helping them succeed in fulfilling their God given potential.  The coaching process includes: clarifying goals, brainstorming plans, trying them out, revising them, trying again and celebrating successes.    A coach helps people answer three questions:  where am I?  Where do I want to go?  How will I get there?  Coaches must exhibit the following characteristics:  ability to readily see potential in people, tolerance with mistakes, flexibility, patience, perspective (see the big picture and how to get there), ability to encourage others, etc.  Being a coach does not cost you anything but a time commitment and dedication; there is NOT a financial commitment involved.  A three hour orientation/training is given before you begin coaching.  If interested please contact Lisa.

If you don’t see an area on here that strikes your fancy or interests you, but have something in mind please feel free to contact Lisa Engelking.  RVC wants to help you get involved and serving in the community.  If you are passionate about troubled youth, the elderly, abused women, whatever it may be, Lisa can help facilitate getting you involved.

For more information, contact Lisa Engelking at lisa.engelking@rivervalley.org or 952-997-2222 x247.