South Summit Christian Church

Serving Others

 

"Room in the Inn - Ministries of Compassion and Justice”

We remember that Jesus came into this world in difficult and trying times. Through his whole life, ministry, death, and resurrection, we understand Jesus’ ministry to be one of compassion and justice. He invited all people to consider themselves beloved children of God. The One who came into the world with "no room in the inn," lived a life of making "room in the inn" for others. He preached the Good News that all people have a special place in the heart of God where there is room for everyone. South Summit Christian Church is deeply committed to Jesus’ ministry of “making room” for all who have been alienated, whatever the reason, from God, the church, or human community. Below are some of our current ministries of reaching out and making room for others.

Partnership with Uplift

Uplift is an organization meeting the needs of homeless persons in the KC Metro area. Volunteers travel a minimum of three times weekly to the streets taking hot meals, clothing, and most of all, compassion. Uplift volunteers are non-judgmental. They listen, talk, and sometimes give and receive heartfelt hugs, rare treasures on the street. Members of SSCC currently are providing support by volunteering to cook meals, and to date, have prepared over 1500 meals.  Chellie Maxon faithfully organizes this ministry for SSCC.

Belarus Ministry

For 10 years, SSCC has been developing a relationship with an orphanage located in the tiny, former country of the Soviet Union, Belarus. The orphanage is in the town of Mogilyov and it along with the rest of Belarus suffered some of the greatest fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1984. SSCC has collected and sent many packages of supplies (vitamins, shoes, clothes, bibs) to Baby Orphanage #1 in Mogilyov.

Summer 2008 marked the 7th consecutive summer that we have hosted several Belarussian children ages 9-15 to spend 5 weeks living with member families, receiving medical and dental care, and enjoying clean air, food, and water. Besides developing friendships, these “recuperation” visits, as they are called, strengthen the immune systems of these children whose general health is compromised due to radioactive contaminants in the Belarussian environment. Because of an incident that caused disagreement between the Belarussian and United States governments, we were not able to host children thru South Summit during the summers 2009, 2010 and 2011.  In the summer of 2009, we sent two persons from our congregation to Belarus delivering blankets, visiting children in three locations and spending time at the orphanage. Our annual "monkey bread" sales helped raise money to be sent to the orphanage again in 2010 and 2011, along with donations that helped purchase a computer, printer and software needed to help with medical documentation. We look forward to the time when we are again able to host these special children in our homes and church family.

Mission Costa Rica

The Mission Costa Rica Project was considered a success by all!  The Team of ten people from South Summit was in Costa Rica from January 9-16, 2010 and were able to help with some mission projects, worship with the Costa Rica people and experience the generosity, love and hope that was shown to them throughout the week.  Many lives were touched during the week! Another trip to Costa Rica is being organized and planned for January 2012.  If you would like more information, please contact Jan Nelson.

Our newest ministry team, the Mission Ministry Team, meets on the third Wednesday evening of the month.  This Ministry Team works with all of the global mission projects at South Summit, offering support to the Belarus Ministry, as well as to individuals who have travelled with other Mission teams throughout the world.  If you are interested in more information, please contact Jan Nelson.

"Feeding Friendzy" Food Pantry

The Outreach Ministry Team has established on ongoing food collection program at South Summiy.  Any week, we will accept donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be taken to local food pantries such as Lee's Summit Social Services, Hillcrest Transitional Housing or Harvesters for distribution to those in need.

Polar Plunge

Talk about cold!  Polar bears from SSCC showed up at Longview Lake to take the plunge for Special Olympics!  It was a cold but fun event and raised money for a great cause!  Check out some pictures on our Facebook page!

Project Shine

A team from SSCC gathered at Sycamore Hills Elementary School in Independence, Missouri to help with Project Shine, a volunteer program set up to assist with the yearly maintenance, cleaning and beautification efforts of the schools in the Independence School District.  The team from SSCC were included in the 275+ volunteers who showed up to assist at Sycamore Hills. 

Project Warmth and Hooked on Books

Do you have gently used clothing, coats, blankets and children's books that you would like to donate to a good cause?  Throughout the spring and summer, the Outreach Ministry team will be collecting gently used coats and blankets for Project Warmth, as well as gently used clothing that will be collected in August/September. We will also be collecting new or gently used children's books for Hooked on Books.  Please print off the labels below or pick up a box at church, store your items and bring them to church in the Fall!  Thank you so much for helping SSCC help others. 

Red Bag Program

South Summit CC will participate again this year in the Red Bag Program as our Christmas mission project.  The Red Bag Program provides gifts to children in foster care or group homes.  Participants are able to provide a gift or two for one of the three children that SSCC sponsored, or are able to sponsor a child and fill a Red Bag on their own!  

Adopt-A-Street

SSCC adopted a stretch of Ward Road in Lee's Summit and has promised to pick up trash once per quarter to support our environment and community.  Cindy Bauml leads the volunteer group who help keep this area clean.  Watch for the next trash pick-up day!

Children’s Mercy Hospital

Books and Blankets are needed supplies at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. South Summit has responded and will continue to do so as needed.

Week of Compassion

The disaster response ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is known as “Week of Compassion.” South Summit regularly contributes to this global ministry and helps with supplies. We’ve also been involved in the past with the “Disciples Relief Effort” on the gulf coast, and most recently with efforts for tornado victims in Joplin.