Here at Sun Grove we strive to be an active body of believers that are not just hearers of the WORD, but doers of the WORD. Scripture exhorts us to give to the earthly needs of the weaker and vulnerable of our society, (the poor, the sick, widows and orphans), and thereby live out the love of Christ. That being said, we also want it clearly understood that these works do not save us in any way, that is entirely the work of Jesus’ death then resurrection from the grave. But as obedient followers of Christ, He has certainly laid out expectations of how we should conduct our affairs while here on earth. (Please reference these verses: Matt. 25:31-46, Heb. 10:24, Heb 13:16, James 1:27, James 2:15-16. 1 John 3:17-18).
Currently the scope of this outreach ministry is partnering with local non-profits that are already functioning to meet needs in our community. We attempt to facilitate the involvement of individuals, families, groups, or the entire congregation in the giving of time, talents and/or money. Geographically, we have targeted Elk Grove, South Sacramento and Galt.
If you have an idea for addressing a need that is not listed, please contact Phil Machek, Community Services Outreach Coordinator at (916) 690-4687 or e-mail salmonsleigh@aol.com.
For information on individual community outreach services, view the information below:
Current Service Opportunities
Fishers of Men homeless feedings.
On the 1st and 3rd Sat.’s of the month, people from SGC meet at the church office parking lot at 7:30 am and car pool down to 1401 N. B Str in Sacramento. There we set up food serving tables, clothing tables and serve food, clothes and compassion to people in need. Usually, you’re back at the parking lot by 10:45 am. It’s a rain or shine, cool or hot, any Sat. or holiday serving opportunity. Come as an individual or if in a group, please call Phil Machek at (916) 690-4687 or e-mail: salmonsleigh@aol.com.
Elk Grove Food Bank
Rummage sale- The Sun Grove rummage sale comes around every Sept. at Joseph Kerr elementary school with items that have been donated by members of SGC and the community. Hundreds of hours go into this undertaking, but the rewards are worth it. Besides the close camaraderie experienced by the volunteers, the proceeds from this event have enabled SGC to donate $8,700.00 to the Food Bank over the last 2 years.
Steppin’ up for kids shoe drive- This will be the 9th year for the SGC shoe drive. During the month of Nov. members bring in prs. of new, or clean, gently used athletic shoes to Sunday service, or the church office. Then church members go with volunteers from the Food Bank to pre-arranged Title One elementary schools in Elk Grove and south Sacramento, (A Title One school has an economically depressed student population). Once you’re there, selected students come in classroom by classroom to be fitted by caring hands. Many of these students come in with holes in the soles, but they walk out with a new pr. of shoes and a smile on their face. This is a great event for a parent and child to do together. In 2010 SGC members fitted 571 prs of shoes on elementary school children representing about $8,000-$8,500.00 worth of shoes. For more info please call Jane Mahan (916)686-9942 or e-mail her at: janecr5ten@comcast.net.
PATH (people assisting the homeless)- Yes, there is a homeless issue here in Elk Grove! PATH is a committee of concerned citizens who meet 1x/month at the EG Food Bank to help people resolve their issues with housing, bills, transportation and work skills. Since it’s inception, we’ve established a bank account to help pay for temporary shelter, car repairs, gas cards and bus passes. Through diligent grant writing, we also have a parttime caseworker to work one on one with clients and we partner with Sacramento Self Help Housing to find places for people to live. If you or your group want to get involved with “adopting” a homeless family, or have some skill that could mentor an individual, please contact: Debbie Schoeneshoefer (shane-o-safer) cell number: (916) 224-2178, or e-mail: debschoe@yahoo.com. Or call Renee West (caseworker) at (916) 525-5285, e-mail: caseworker@EGFBS.org.
Benevolence Ministry
Designed to help people who are going through tough times and need help with food and shelter-related issues. If you know of someone who needs help in these areas (for example, in paying a utility bill, buying food, paying rent), please contact: Abbie Carey at abbie46299@yahoo.com Home phone – (916) 682-4371, Cell phone – (916) 628-9884 or, Rachael Landon at smsykes@aol.com Home phone – (916) 686-3281
Meals Ministry
Our Meals Ministry provides meals for families with a new baby, someone recovering from surgery, etc. For information on this ministry, please contact Abbie Carey at (916) 682-4371. “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
Chicks In Crisis
Founded in 1997 by Inez Whitlow, Chicks In Crisis (C.I.C.) helps pregnant women and teens find safe, loving choices for their babies who might otherwise be abandoned, abused, killed or placed in foster care. Since its inception, C.I.C. has facilitated an average of 25 babies per year in open adoptions and currently is working with 100 women offering assistance with or referrals to legal, medical, psychological counseling, job training, parenting skills, food, baby supplies, housing and clothing. C.I.C. receives no government funding and relies solely on donations, corporate and individual grants and fund raising to support its programs. Offices are conveniently located here in Elk Grove. If you or your group would like to get involved or donate items, here is a list of needed items and services:
Diapers – size 2 – 6
Clothing – infant to adult sizes.
Maternity bras and clothing
Formula – any brand
Personal hygiene products
Volunteers to teach:
Parenting skills
Culinary arts
Independent living skills and hygiene
Educational
Moral Values Program (MVP)
MORAL VALUES PROGRAM (MVP) Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit. Frank and Monica Victorio founded MVP in 1994 to help rescue young lives that were being lost to gang membership. MVP advocates for children, the homeless, and the poor. 95% of the participants come from families receiving AFDC and/or with incomes below the poverty level. Currently at their facility at 2901 32nd Avenue in Sacramento, they homeschool 16 boys and girls through the state-accredited California Virtual Academy (CAVA) as well as feed another 40 – 50 kids in the surrounding neighborhood. They receive no state or federal funding. The members of Sun Grove Church have partnered with MVP over the last five years on various building projects, feeding programs and tutoring sessions. If you, your family, or your home group would like to get involved, here are the people to contact:
Tutoring. You don’t have to be a teacher, just patient and loving. Hours are 8:30am-12noon, M-F. Session has already started, but you can still come one day a week, or all five. You will be trained on how to present the materials. If you’ve never been to MVP you’re in for a real treat as the kids are very courteous and polite. If you have further questions before you decide, please contact Celine Hironaka or Christina Marshall who are both experienced with the program.
Celine Hironaka; (916)429-1384, e-mail: cphiro@juno.com.
Christina Marshall (916)685-0725, e-mail: marshall@ardennet.com.
For details of specific needs for MVP contact Sara Wildermuth at (916) 812-7272 or sand3js@frontiernet.net.
*If an individual or a group would like to undertake preparing and serving an evening meal to the students, please contact Molly Owens at (916) 684-1068.