Tarkanfi - Start Walking
Tarkanfi-Start Walking (TSW), a MN nonprofit, shares God's Love and Hope with marginalized communities in Ethiopia by supporting projects that honor and partner with community groups so that the quality of life improves for all.
TSW provides support in two ways: 1.) project funding, through donations, and, 2.) project leadership through our founder Worknesh Begi who spends most of her time in Ethiopia, in volunteer mission, directing charitable and development projects.
OSLC and San Isidro Labrador, a congregation of the Iglesia Luterana de Guatemala, have been in partnership since 2007. We regularly pray for one another and communicate via letters and video greetings. Delegations made up of members and pastors from Our Savior's have visited SIL numerous times. During these visits, the members of SIL have been generous and gracious hosts. OSLC provides annual financial support to the congregation and has partnered with them in ILAG’s health initiatives (dry latrines, water filtration systems, ONIL stove project) as well as extraordinary building improvements including a new sanctuary and church kitchen.
Click on photo below to watch a welcome video from our Partner Congregation (2021)
Community Backpack Program
In 2023, through generous donations from adopters and financial donations from throughout the community, we were able to provide backpacks packed with school supplies for over 390 of the neediest students in the Centennial District.
Our program is largely supported through adopters providing a backpack and supplies for a student. Click here to adopt a backpack for one or more students.
If you prefer to donate money, please click on the GIVE tab, select Backpacks and School Supplies from the drop-down list, or write a check to OSLC with Backpack in the memo.
Quilter Group
The quilting group has been blessed to be able to continue its ministry of sewing and distributing baptism quilts and bags as well as quilts to members and others in our community in need of comfort because of severe illness or loss.
Anyone interested in joining or helping can contact the church or visit us
on Tuesdays from 10 am – 2 pm.
Yardeners
The Yarden group (yard and garden) is always looking for people who are willing to spend some time and effort caring for one of the many areas around the church. The current ‘yardeners’ tend their plots when it is convenient for their schedule.
If you are interested in taking on one of the garden plots, please contact Bob and Jeanne Zaske . In the spring, they will be happy to meet with you and show you the many areas still needing caretakers.
Thanks for considering this caretaking opportunity at our church!
Local Programs
Programs OSLC members & ministerial staff support through time, talent, leadership and financial donations.
Alexandra House Inc – provides practical support for this shelter for abused women
Community School Supplies/Backpack Outreach -provides backpacks and supplies for local students in need.
For more information click HERE
Summer Fun Programs – ensures the success of summer drop-in programs for local at-risk children
Youthway Center – give monetary and practical support for this young people’s ministry in
Centennial Square mobile home community
Centennial Confab – a collaboration with the Centennial School District and other area leaders,
aimed at sharing work and resources that benefit our youth
The Centennial Food Shelf – provides groceries for families facing food insecurity
Manna Market – a food rescue program that provides fresh food to people facing food insecurity
Advocates for Racial Equity – A work group of the Saint Paul Area Synod aimed at emboldening public witness by empowering God’s beloved to confront privilege and racism in and through the Saint Paul Area Synod.