Environmental Justice
The Faith Lutheran Green Team focuses on caring for God’s creation by promoting waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency within the congregation and at home. They offer education, engagement, and advocacy opportunities related to environmental stewardship. Current efforts include partnering with Interfaith Power and Light on climate action, improving church energy efficiency (including exploring solar power), encouraging recycling, maintaining a pollinator garden, and supporting local habitat restoration projects. The team meets monthly on the fourth Monday.
Micro-Pantries
Faith Lutheran supports the community by maintaining two 24/7 micro-pantries stocked with food and personal care items—one at the church and one at the Okemos Library. A volunteer team checks and restocks the pantries daily, with most supplies purchased by the church using donated funds. Due to rising need, costs now exceed $1,000 per month, making financial contributions especially important. The church also accepts donated items, including non-perishable foods, hygiene products, and paper goods, with seasonal limitations based on temperature. Hunger-resource brochures are available at the pantries to further assist those in need.
Michigan Refugee Hope
In 2017, Samaritas faced an unprecedented crisis: 18 refugee youth were about to age out of care in 2018 without the federal documentation required to remain safely housed. Without it, they risked homelessness, jail, deportation, or even death if returned to their home countries. With no government assistance available and limited legal options, Samaritas sought help from community faith leaders. As awareness grew, donations began coming in, and Faith Lutheran Church took a leadership role in housing these youth. Individuals from multiple faith traditions united to form a collaborative support network, ultimately creating Michigan Refugee Hope.
Committees
Faith Lutheran is committed to meeting the basic needs of our neighbors—locally and globally—through giving, service, and community engagement. Our congregation offers many ways to get involved, from supporting micro-pantries and caring for members in need to engaging in education, outreach, environmental stewardship, fellowship, worship, and more. A variety of committees lead this work, each dedicated to strengthening our church community and extending Christ’s love into the world. To participate or learn more, contact the church office at office@faithlutheranokemos.org.