Ministries to the Community

In addition to the ways Luther Memorial fulfills the mission to be welcoming to all, there are a number of ministries that use the facilities each day, week, or month.  The church is used by some group of the church or community each day.  The following is the list of those ministries that serve the community.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous

To Our House--Luther Memorial is a support congregation for this program which provides thermal shelter for homeless men in the New River Valley during cold months.

Newcomers Club—at group that meets monthly in the Fellowship Hall.  It is open to all new residents of the community.  They also sponsor a wide spectrum of activities like a book club, hiking group, or sewing circle to encourage friendships.

 

Mornings--international women of the university gather each Wednesdays during the academic year.  The purpose of this group is to provide fellowship and share information that will allow participants navigate doctors’ appointments, social situations and other cultural pointers that will help integrate them into the community. This program is by the staffed through Cranwell International Center of Virginia Tech.

 

Parents Morning Out—is a parent cooperative that creates regular opportunities for parents to have free time while the children are in play group. 

 

Polling Place—the Fellowship Hall is used during state and national elections.

 

Scouts—Brownies and a Boy Scout troop meet in the building on a weekly basis.

 

Special Meetings—The  church makes its facilities available to a number of community groups throughout the year.

 

von Bora Haus—The Katherine von Bora house is named for Martin Luther's wife who took in a number of refugees during the Reformation.  This house, owned by Luther Memorial, is operated in cooperation with New River Community Action to provide shelter for up to 90 days for families who find themselves homeless.  Members also assist those living in the house with transportation and relocation needs.