God’s Work, Our Hands

“God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday is September 8, 2024!

About God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday

For over 10 years, ELCA congregations across the country have celebrated God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.

At St. Martin’s, this day is all about our love for our home of Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

We believe when local communities work together, big change is possible. That’s why we are excited to reach out to Cross Plains residents, organizations, and businesses to show the world that Cross Plains stands for loving our neighbors and serving people in need. Many of the projects we will accomplish together will benefit people in the local Madison area, while others serve people around the world. Either way, for us the love of service starts right here in Cross Plains.

Activity Schedule

All activities take place at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 2427 Church Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528

  • 9:00 AM - Worship

  • 10:00 AM - Coffee & Orientation

  • 10:30 AM - Morning Service Projects

    • Bed Build Shift 1

    • Quilt Tying

    • Personal Care Kit Assembly

    • Children’s Activities (Supervision Provided)

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch

  • 12:30 PM - Afternoon Service Projects

    • Bed Build Shift 2

    • Advocacy Letter Writing

    • Children’s Activities (Supervision Provided)

2024 Service Projects

  • Bed Build

    “Until no child sleeps on the floor." That is the mission behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, our partners for this year’s God's Work, Our Hands. For this service project, volunteers will help assemble wooden bed frames to be delivered to children in need throughout the greater Madison area. Although there will be an option to use power tools, there are other tasks suitable for anyone who prefers. There is work for all ages and skill levels.

    Morning and afternoon shifts available with space for up to 50 per shift.

    Please note: volunteers for the bed build are required to register in advance with both St. Martin’s (below) and Sleep in Heavenly Peace (click here).

  • Quilt Tying

    Each year, St. Martin’s delivers 80-100 handmade quilts to various organizations both local and global. Many quilts are distributed through Lutheran World Relief to disaster areas or refugee camps. Other quilts stay in the Madison area either through Sleep in Heavenly Peace or to aid community neighbors experiencing a household emergency. Sewing skills are not required for this project! If you can tie your shoelaces, you have all the skills you need.

    Morning shift only. Advance registration appreciated, but not required.

  • Personal Care Kits

    For a family that is escaping war or a person trying to recover from a natural disaster, a toothbrush and a bar of soap make a world of a difference. Lutheran World Relief distributes personal care kits to people in need all around the world. Volunteers for this project will assemble individual kits comprised of basic hygiene tools like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair comb, nail clippers, washcloth, etc. This is a task that can be done either standing or sitting.

    Morning shift only. Advance registration appreciated, but not required.

  • Advocacy Letters

    Writing letters to representatives on various causes has always been a part of the Lutheran witness. In this project, volunteers will learn how to write an effective advocacy letter to local, state, and national representatives on a variety of causes, particularly advocating for increased funding and government support for Wisconsin food banks and hunger agencies. Kids are encouraged to join, too!

    Afternoon shift only. Advance registration appreciated, but not required.

Join us on Sept. 8!

Everyone is invited to join us on this day of family fun, neighborly bonding, and community service. Review the service project options and sign up below!