Stewardship: Shenandoah Valley

Serving the community since 1957, Camp Caroline Furnace is a year-round retreat center with eight weeks of summer camp.  Caroline Furnace is in beautiful Fort Valley, Virginia, located in the Shenandoah Valley.  Hiring is underway for camp staff for the 2024 summer camps.  If you have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy being surrounded by nature, while also imparting valuable knowledge about God and His creation to children, then this opportunity is perfect for you.  Contact Monica for more information.  All are invited to be part of this Christ-centered community! 

A Small Hand is a specialist pantry for infants in need in Shenandoah County (newborn to 2 years old) and bridges the gap between where government assistance for infants stops and community support starts.  We have set up a gift registry on Amazon for folks to order diapers and wipes and have them shipped directly to us (be sure to check the box for delivery to A Small Hand).

The Good Shepherd Program of Shenandoah Valley Lutheran Ministries welcomes donations of paper towels, rubber gloves, and small bottles of lotion, shampoo, dish soap, and laundry detergent.  This ministry supports elderly in our community with care boxes that include items not covered through food stamps.  You can bring them with you to church any Sunday or let Pastor Katie know.

Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter's goal is to help prevent homelessness.  To do so, it provides temporary financial rental assistance through grant-funded housing programs.  The availability of these programs changes throughout the year and are operated on a first come first served basis.  To receive assistance, clients must document a crisis beyond their control, be within HUD provided income limits, and meet Fair Market Rent limits.  In-kind donations are always wecome.  Current needs include snack items that do not require refrigeration, toiletries, detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, socks, and backpacks.

Family Promise of Shenandoah County helps families experiencing homelessness and low-income families to achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.  It has started using its Division / Stabilization / Prevention grant to work with families needing help to catch up on rent or to move into new places.  They currently need mops, buckets, glass cleaner, 13-gallon trash bags, laundry soap, dryer sheets, and dish detergent.  All donations can be left in the entryway of the church, and we'll make sure they get delivered.

Are you or someone you know struggling with the memories of past abortion?  At the Pregnancy Center, they know that a past abortion choice can be difficult to deal with.  Some people experience anxiety, difficulty sleeping, sad memories, and even difficulties in current family relationships due to buried feelings from a past abortion.  The confidential Surrendering the Secret small group Bible study can help you find healing, help, and hope with a group of women who are on a similar journey. 

 Weekday Religious Education is an inter-denominational group of churches, business leaders, and community members in Shenandoah County who are coming together to provide faith-based education to 2nd - 4th graders in our public schools.  They are currently collecting:  glue sticks, colored pencils, construction paper, markers, scissors, and index cards.

The Shenandoah County Network Table is a group of volunteers currently working with Student Support Specialists in our schools.  They have found one of the greatest needs is related to transportation.  How can you help?  Consider donating a vehicle or volunteering to be available to occasionally drive someone.  Contact Sharon Kessler  for more information on ways to help.

Just Because is a non-profit organization sharing quarterly treat bags to all teachers and support staff of the Shenandoah County Public Schools.  They welcome donations of Twinkies, bulk-sized Skittles or Rainbow Goldfish, Tootsie Roll Pops, and other items to use in hand-crafted items to include in the bags.  Treat bags are distributed 4 times each school year.

Socktober is a Lions Club district-wide service project collecting new men's, women's, children's and infant socks for distribution to homeless and needy individuals.  The Edinburg Lions Club is collecting socks in our area.  If you would like to donate to this project, either bring the socks to the entryways of our churches or drop them at the VFW, F&M Bank, Wholesome Foods, or the county library.  

Founded in 1978, Search Group Home has been a place where residents with special needs can live in a family environment.  They are licensed for adults with intellectual challenges who are ambulatory and independent with their self-care needs.  

This thirft and consignment shop was established in 1969 by 2 wonderful loving women, and was the first local nonprofit thrift store.  They are located at 110 E. High Street, Unit C, behind the Express Mart and across from Emanuel Lutheran.  If you would like more information on how you can help with the ministry and thrift shop, please contact Michelle Edge.  Volunteers are needed!

Too many boys and girls go without a bed - or even a pillow - to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health.  Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. 

Organizing and cleaning out closets? Want a great way to support a favorite non-profit? Consider taking items you no longer need to On Second Thought Consign and Thrift in Woodstock. It is located in the shopping center at the north end of town, and you can either set up an account for yourself or leave your items in the name of an organization. Groups that currently have an account set up are: Family Promise, Furry Friends, Relay for Life, Response, Shenandoah Coalition for Christ, SC Pregnancy Center, and Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter. 

A new community choir has been forming for people ages 13-113!  No auditions required.  Shenandoah Singers are focused on fun, fellowship, and music, as they prepare to offer seasonal concerts.  Leaders are Kathy Rinard and Heather Diehl.  Currently meeting at 7pm on Thursdays at Brighter Days Bible Church.  All are welcome!