Caring Ministries
Military Support
A new ministry of Maple Grove Lutheran Church committed to helping our military families and educating the community.
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The Challenge of Coming Home
Our Troops Need You!
Last summer, over 3,000 military personnel will be returning to Minnesota from their tour of duty. Maple Grove Lutheran Church and the City of Maple Grove co-sponsored an information-sharing event to help our community support these courageous women and men as they transition back into civilian life. Among those at this event were a panel of soldiers and chaplains who have returned from combat zones. The gathering was held July 15 at the Maple Grove Community Center. story...
Five ways we can show our support:
Welcome the troops home
Affirm what they did for us
Support them with patience
Encourage them to reengage in civilian life
Provide opportunities for them to succeed
Prayer List for Military Men and Women
Do you have a family member or friend in the military to add to our prayer list?
Contact Mary.
How You Can Help
Minnesota Nice
This program provides support and comfort to those serving in our armed forces and is committed to making a difference in the lives of those that are serving abroad in a time of conflict. more...
Donations
Packages of assorted items will be assembled and sent to those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.The Military Support ministry team is accepting donations to create and send packages. A list of items is available in the church office. Donations may be placed in the Military Support Ministries box located at the church entrance.
Contact Brenda at 763-420-2814
Maple Grove Starbucks
Purchase coffee at the Maple Grove Starbucks and they will mail troops.
Other Ways to Support our Troops
Vacations for VeteransThrough the generous donations of weeks from vacation homeowners and funds by others, Vacations for Veterans provide a 'free' week of vacation lodgings to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who recently have been wounded in action.
Free Cards Sent to the Troops
Visit: letssaythanks.com. Pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print the card and send to a soldier currently serving in Iraq.
Other ways to Support our Troops
Wear Red Every Friday
Support Military Family License Plates
Educational Resources
How to Make A Difference in the Lives of Returning War Zone Veterans
Dealing with Combat and Operational Stress
Returning to Work Following Military Duty
Supporting Military Personnel When They Return to Work
Returning to Single Life Following Deployment
Returning to Family Life After Military Deployment
Helping National Guard & Reserve Renter the Workplace
Resource for Returning Military Men and Women
Do you know a military man or woman in need of a job coach or financial coach? Free job and financial coaching for returning military men and women by a trained volunteer.
Contact Lani
U of MN Assists Student Veterans
Outside Links
Courage to Care Campaign
www.militaryonesource.com
Consultation, research, referrals, counseling, educational materials provided by the Department of Defense 1-800-342-9647, overseas: access code, 800 3429-6477.
Minnesota Veteran
Washington Department of Veteran Affairs
1-800-562-2308
America Supports You
An official program of the Department of Defense, that is a resource for learning what types of support are needed.
Warrior to Citizen Oral History Project and Exhibit
"Warrior to Citizen: Stories of Minnesota's Most Recent Veterans," a multimedia exhibit featuring personal stories and artifacts gathered from 30 service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
You can download audio excerpts from the interviews click http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cdc/warrior_to_citizen_campaign/exhibit.html
Coming Home: Grieving the Many Wounds of War Conference
mcdes.orgBeanie Babies for Soldiers
beaniebabyambassador.comTwo important new leave rights related to military service: http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/NDAAAmndmnts.pdf