Clothing Household Goods – Pipestone UMC, Pipestone
The ministry is called The Shepherd’s Robe, and offers free clothes, shoes and small house hold items, and occasionally food. We also offer free hygiene products. (Shampoo, deodorant, tooth paste and brushes) The Shepherd’s Robe is open once a week on Tuesday afternoon and evenings. The community of Pipestone has been in economic decline for quite some time and there is a sizable group of people who struggle to make ends meet. So, we offer these free items to help alleviate some of the financial stress they are under. I became aware of this stress when talking with a group of low income families that expressed that they were struggling with even affording the clothes at the local thrift store. The clothes are free for everyone, our moto is that “There are no rules”, which means we ask no questions and have no qualification guidelines. Our quests are free to come as often as they like, take as much as they need for themselves or others.
It has helped this church to connect with a segment of the Pipestone population that has been largely missed by other churches. Though many in the congregation are still hesitant and suspicious of the people who come to the Robe, the ministry is helping them to understand that Pipestone is much more diverse than they realize. It has also helped them to understand that the economics of the community has changed greatly over the last several decades. We solicit donations by going to garage sales and sharing with the folks about the ministry and invite them to donate any items that do not sell. We leave them with a card with our contact information.
When we greet our guests we also invite them to share contact information with us if they desire, and that we are always praying for them and will take prayer requests. Often we pray with people on the spot. We are now going to offer Bible studies and small group opportunities for the folks.
As our reputation as a church that cares grow, I am having more conversations with families about having children baptized, marriage ceremonies’, end of life concerns and life struggles.
What were the first three steps in launching your outreach?
1.Finding a group of people who were passionate and committed to the ministry.
2.Getting permission from the church leadership and securing a room or rooms in which to set up as a clothing store. This would requires the intentional planning for a sorting space and the acquisition of clothing racks, hangers and some shelving. You will have some start-up cost, so ask your church to cover them. Ask permission to take a monthly special offering to cover the cost of hygiene products if you chose to offer them.
3.Gathering donations, filling the shelves and getting the word out about hours of operation on facebook, the church web site, by posting flyers in apartment buildings, laundromats, at the Human Services offices, sheriff’s department, etc.
For more information: Nicki Schultz 507-825-4418