In this episode we talk with Pastor Jim Rutherford from Oak Hills Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We discuss their community garden and the ways they have been intentional with building relationships and engaging with the refugee community.

Episode 01 - Starting a Community Garden

In this episode, we talk with Executive Pastor Brian Stroh from Hillcrest Church and former Principal Dr. Jackie McNamara about church/ school partnerships. The local public school allows for a great opportunity for churches to partner and come alongside and demonstrate tangible care for the school, its staff and students.

Check out Brian Stroh's Book - Bridge the Gap: How One Church Partnered with a Public School (Amazon)

Episode 02 - Church and School Partnerships

In this episode, we talk with Nate Rygh Program Manager for The Community Outreach, and Pastor Randy Gehring from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. We discuss the need for transitional and affordable housing and how Our Savior’s Lutheran partnered with Community Outreach to start the Hezekiah House Initiative.  

More info go to www.TheCommunityOutreach.org

Episode 03 - Transitional Housing Hezekiah House

In this episode, we talk with Jeff Backer Pastor of Evangelism & Outreach from First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. We talk about the need for distribution of practical goods that are not available with SNAP benefits such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, and some personal care items. We also talk about the challenges of food distribution and transportation in Sioux Falls.

More info go to www.flcsf.org or email Jeff Backer jbacker@flcsf.org

Episode 04 - Necessities for Neighbors Distribution

In this episode, we talk with Mary Morgan and Deb Thalhuber from Good News Church in Sioux Falls. We talk about transportation for those needing healthcare. Imagine... Having one car and needing to get to an appointment, but your spouse is using it for work.  Or maybe, you just had a surgery that restricts you from driving and have no friends or family to drive you to your physical therapy.  What if you lived too far from the bus stop to walk, or you lived outside of the bus limits?  What if the cost of a taxi was not something that was in your budget?

More info go to www.hisgoodnews.com​ or email Mary Morgan at marym@hisgoodnews.com or Deb Thalhuber at rdthalhuber@gmail.com

Episode 05 -​ Willing Wheels to Wellness ​

Empower Sioux Falls strives to bring local Christian churches together to significantly increase the impact of the Church in bringing hope to those in poverty.  We desire to encourage Christians to make an even bigger impact in our community through enhanced education, collaboration, and coordination.

Empower Church Network

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