
SOCIAL MINISTRY
At Our Savior's Lutheran Church, we are dedicated to serving our community and a variety of impactful social ministries. We proudly support San Isidro Labrador in Guatemala, fostering connections and providing aid to those in need. Our commitment extends to Tarkanfi, where we work to uplift and empower individuals in that community. Additionally, we participate in the Community Backpack program, ensuring that local children have access to necessary school supplies. Our partnership with the Centennial Area Food Shelf allows us to address local hunger issues and provide essential resources to local families. Through our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, we support and give hope for those in need, reinforcing our belief in love and service.
Our Partners

San Isidro Labrador
in Guatemala
Our Savior's Lutheran Church (OSLC) has proudly partnered with San Isidro Labrador, a congregation of the Iglesia Luterana de Guatemala, since 2007. Throughout the years, we have fostered a meaningful connection through regular prayers, letters, and video greetings. Delegations from OSLC have visited SIL multiple times, where our Guatemalan friends have consistently welcomed us with generosity and warmth. In addition to providing annual financial support, we are honored collaborate on health initiatives and significant building improvements, including a new sanctuary and church kitchen.

Tarkanfi -
Start Walking
Welcome to Tarkanfi-Start Walking (TSW), a dedicated nonprofit based in Minnesota. Our mission is to share God's Love and Hope with marginalized communities in Ethiopia by partnering with local groups to enhance their quality of life. We provide support through project funding via generous donations and through the leadership of our founder, Worknesh Begi, who actively directs charitable and development initiatives on the ground. Together, we are making meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Community Backpack
Program
As thirty year sponsors of the backpack program, OSLC members continue to support children in need through their incredible support of this program. Together with generous support from the local community, we were able to provide school supplies for over 475 students in need in the Centennial District for the 2025-2026 school year. We are now gearing up for the 2026-2027 school year. There are two ways you can help: Click here to sign up to purchase and custom pack a backpack with supplies for an elementary student. Or, you can make a tax-exempt donation that will be used to provide backpacks and supplies for middle school and high school students, as well as extra supplies for the schools. You can click here to donate online (select backpacks and school supplies from the dropdown list) or write a check to OSLC with Backpack in the memo.

Centennial Area
Food Shelf
OSLC is committed to supporting the local food shelf, and we do so through several initiatives that engage our community. One of our key efforts is the First Sunday Food Drive, where we encourage our members and the community to donate non-perishable food items to help those facing food insecurity. In addition to collecting food, our members also make financial contributions. Furthermore, we take pride in our team of dedicated volunteers who regularly commit their time to work shifts at the Centennial Area Food Shelf, assisting with the distribution of food and offering support to families in our community. Through these combined efforts, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Habitat for Humanity
At OSLC, we are proud to support our enthusiastic team of volunteers who work to help build homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This incredible initiative aims to provide safe and affordable housing for those in need, and we would love to have you join us in this meaningful endeavor. If you are interested in making a positive impact in your community and would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact Ruel Carpenter. Together, we can make a significant difference and help create a brighter future for families in our area!
Local Programs
Programs OSLC members & ministerial staff support through time, talent, leadership and financial donations.
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Alexandra House Inc – provides practical support for this shelter for abused women
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Community School Supplies/Backpack Outreach - provides backpacks and supplies for local students in need.
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Summer Fun Programs – ensures the success of summer drop-in programs for local at-risk children
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Youthway Center – give monetary and practical support for this young people’s ministry in Centennial Square mobile home community
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Centennial Confab – a collaboration with the Centennial School District and other area leaders, aimed at sharing work and resources that benefit our youth
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The Centennial Food Shelf – provides groceries for families facing food insecurity
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Manna Market – a food rescue program that provides fresh food to people facing food insecurity
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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.
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