Ministries
Blessings Pantry Food Distribution
At Trinity Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, living out our faith means actively serving our neighbors. “God’s Work, Our Hands” is an annual event for all Lutherans in the wider church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, to celebrate who we are – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. But for us “God’s Work, Our Hands: is more than an event, or even a slogan; it our commitment to being the body of Christ in action every day, extending love and support far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. We believe that every act of service flows freely from God’s grace, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.
We invite you to explore the various outreach ministries and groups where you can share your gifts, build connections, and experience the joy of serving within our Las Cruces community.
Featured Ministries & How You Can Get Involved
Blessings Pantry
Our God’s Hands Food Pantry is our largest endeavors and helps address one of the most prevalent needs in Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley – food insecurity. Our food pantry distributes food the second Wednesday of every month at 9:00 AM.
How You Can Help: We are always grateful for donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries. Our current needs include canned soups and pastas (especially containing meat), cereal, dried pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, toiletry items, and school supplies. This month we are focusing on collecting jars of peanut butter.
Impact: Quote from a volunteer: “The need is overwhelming. There is always someone who thanks me for the church’s generosity, but I’m honored to be a small part of helping to feed hungry families.”
Quote from a recipient: “I lost my job and didn’t know how I was going to feed my family tonight. I don’t know how to thank you.”
Little Blessings Library
Complementing our pantry efforts, we also provide a Little Blessings Library for our Las Cruces community to use. This free resource offers books for all ages, promoting literacy and sharing knowledge as part of our commitment to serving the whole person.
The library is located in our church parking lot and is available 24/7.
Helping Hands Ministry
For many years, the The Helping Hands ministry has impacted the lives of many people through their community service activities that help those in need right here in Las Cruces. This group has engaged in ongoing quilting projects and planned initiatives to assist those in need. Currently, this group is seeking new members to sustain its efforts.
Meeting Information: Helping Hands meets sporadically throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring months. Contact the church office via the Contact Us page.
Our Work: We primarily create beautiful quilts that are donated where they are most needed. These quilts have provided comfort to residents at Gospel Rescue Mission and La Casa Women’s shelter. They’ve also been given to dialysis centers for patients who become chilled during procedures, and even to the Sheriff’s Department to offer comfort to individuals in shock after accidents or children removed from unsafe homes.
Join Us! We need YOU! At Trinity Lutheran Church we work together and we play together. We love to be together! You do not need to know how to sew to participate! People are needed to cut quilt squares, thread needles, and tie quilt squares to secure them. Some members also create baby layettes, including receiving blankets and changing pads, for hospitals and La Casa.
“In joining Helping Hands I no longer had a solitary hobby but could join others who enjoyed something I liked and made friends at the same time. It has turned out to be something that helps others.”
Ellen Fox
Helping Hands Volunteer
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee is dedicated to developing programs of Christian Fellowship for the congregation, including participation with other Christian organizations in the Las Cruces community. They also coordinate Social Ministries for the congregation, providing assistance to the sick, or aged.
Join Us! The committee meets informally on Sundays. We would love to have you involved! Contact the Church Office for more information.
Activities Include: Coffee and treats after Sunday worship, Lenten and Advent soup suppers, congregational potlucks, Ice Cream Sundays, funeral meals, and special fun days (like Apple Fest, Halloween treats, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s, Mexican Fiesta, and Ladies Tea).
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild plays a vital role in our worship community by ensuring our sanctuary is prepared for all services. Volunteers are responsible for coordinating the decoration and preparation of the worship space, preparation of Communion for weekly Communion services. They coordinate donations of flowers for the altar. They work diligently behind the scenes for Sunday, holiday, mid-week, and special occasion services.
Get Involved: We warmly welcome those interested in joining this committed service group. No previous experience is necessary; training is provided. Please contact the Church office via the Contact Us page.
Dedication: “Making worship meaningful for our congregation and friends is truly the Guild’s privilege”. Members work in teams of two. Periodic meetings are held for coordination and fellowship.
Greeters
Greeters play a vital role in forming a visitor’s first impression of a church and, perhaps to some, their first impression of Jesus Christ.
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
If you would like to part of this vital ministry, please contact the Church Office via the Contact Us page.
Prayer
Our Prayer Chain is a group of people dedicated to praying for our congregation as a whole and for the individual needs of individual people. If you are in need of prayer, contact the Church office via Contact Us page.
Choir
Lutherans have a long and rich musical tradition beginning with Martin Luther himself who wrote hymns, as well as translated hymns of his time into the language of the people. The Choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Las Cruces is small but mighty! We are honored to be led by Marco Antonio Jimenez, who also is our pianist extraordinaire. Marco is committed to a holistic choir approach in which everyone learns and experiences something new.
Join Us! Interested in joining or coming to see what is like? Choir practice is at 9:00 AM in the Choir Room during the fall, winter and spring months. We take a break in the summer.
Sound and Streaming Ministry
The Sound and Streaming Ministry is dedicated to enhancing in-person worship with appropriate amplification of the spoken word and music. Sound is also provided in the Mary Room and the front lobby. For those worshipping, streaming is done through a live broadcast via Zoom and both live and recorded broadcasts are on Facebook.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Las Cruces has been generously blessed with technologically superior equipment operated by a small but dedicated group of volunteers.
Interested in joining our group? Please contact the Church office via the Contact Us page.
Lectors and Assistants
Worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Las Cruces are not simply a pastor with a message and some hymns. In the Lutheran tradition the Word of God is read by Lectors each Sunday to be shared and inwardly digested. The Body and Blood of Christ are also shared weekly. Assistants serve at the altar with the pastor. This the Body of Christ at work in worship!
Interested in participating in our worship services in this way? Contact Pastor Catherine via the Contact Us page.
Ushers
The purpose of ushers in a service is to serve God and to facilitate the worship of those present in their worship experience. Ushers work quietly to ensure the servcie moves smoothly and seamlessly. If you are interested in being an usher, contact the Church Office via the Contact Us page.
Children’s Chapel
Teachers and Helpers
Learn more about Children’s Chapel on the Education page.
Teachers and Helpers are needed each Sunday. Nominally September through May to lead Children’s Chapel. Teams of at least two welcome children, teach a lesson, and offer a craft for children during the first half of the service. Lesson material is provided and teachers and helpers are Safter Gatherings certified (free of charge) in order to provide a safe space for our children. If you are interested in working with children in this way, contact the Church Office via the Contact Us page.
Volunteer with Us!
Want to learn more or get involved?
Ready to put your faith into action and become a vital part of Trinity Lutheran’s outreach and Las Cruces community life? We have diverse volunteer opportunities for you to share your time and talents. We are eager to help you find a place to serve and connect.