Peace Service Small Groups: God loves us and showers us with grace. We respond to this good news by joyfully offering ourselves in service to others.
For more information on how to get involved in any of the following ministries, you can contact us here.
For more information on how to get involved in any of the following ministries, you can contact us here.
We have several small groups that serve our community. Below is a list of outreach service groups that Peace supports. To get involved, please reach out to the group leaders who can give you information on upcoming serving events.
To help fund these outreach ministries, please click here to DONATE.
To help fund these outreach ministries, please click here to DONATE.
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Bed Brigade
Bed Brigade is a non- profit organization that builds and delivers beds for people who need them all over the Columbus area. Bed Brigade Columbus began in Grove City, Ohio with a church camp experience for teens. Today, there are people all over the Columbus area who are sleeping on the floor, on broken air mattresses, on a couch, or sharing a bed with siblings or parents. Peace partners with Bed Brigade to deliver beds and bedding. Bed Brigade is delivering more than a bed and a bedding. Each gift sends the message that God sees them and cares for them and so do we. Donations are always being accepted for new or very gently used sheets, blankets and pillows to Peace or volunteer to help with the deliveries. Contact Minda Bickley for more information. |
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Bells of Peace
The newest of our music ministries, Bells of Peace is a great opportunity to make music together. In bell choir, every person is equally important, as the full set of bells (10-25 ringers) functions as a single instrument. The sense of accomplishment created by performing together is unrivaled in other musical arts. This group rehearses for one hour a week, and offers music periodically at the traditional service. All are welcome, no experience necessary! Contact Que Jones to join this small group.
Bells of Peace practices weekly on Wednesdays at 8-9pm.
The newest of our music ministries, Bells of Peace is a great opportunity to make music together. In bell choir, every person is equally important, as the full set of bells (10-25 ringers) functions as a single instrument. The sense of accomplishment created by performing together is unrivaled in other musical arts. This group rehearses for one hour a week, and offers music periodically at the traditional service. All are welcome, no experience necessary! Contact Que Jones to join this small group.
Bells of Peace practices weekly on Wednesdays at 8-9pm.
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Blanketiers Group
Wednesdays, 9am-noon, fellowship Hall The Blanketiers make blankets for southeast Ohio and the Heinzerling Foundation (on the far west side of Columbus), an organization that assists severely handicapped people. We have a great time and always welcome new people. Fabric donations are also welcome! For more information about the Blanketiers, please contact: Joyce Brown. **This group is always accepting donations of thread, fabric, sheets and monetary donations to purchase batting. Please contact Joyce Brown. |
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The Bridge
The bridge is a collection of children’s books that enhance our understanding of God, neighbor and self. These books can educate both children and adults. They are books for those who are curious about the stories of others and seek to bridge any divides. These books can open a door for conversation that can lead to a better understanding, awareness and love of God, neighbor and self.
Our current collection addresses social justice issues related to racism and LGBTQIA+. Our future goals include adding books to include topics such as disabilities, mental health, immigration and life’s journey with God from birth to death. The books are available for a 2 week loan period.
For $20, you can be a part of growing The bridge collection and dedicate a book in memory or in honor of someone. The funds generated from book dedications will sustain and grow the collection of books.
Contact Minda Bickley for more information.
The bridge is a collection of children’s books that enhance our understanding of God, neighbor and self. These books can educate both children and adults. They are books for those who are curious about the stories of others and seek to bridge any divides. These books can open a door for conversation that can lead to a better understanding, awareness and love of God, neighbor and self.
Our current collection addresses social justice issues related to racism and LGBTQIA+. Our future goals include adding books to include topics such as disabilities, mental health, immigration and life’s journey with God from birth to death. The books are available for a 2 week loan period.
For $20, you can be a part of growing The bridge collection and dedicate a book in memory or in honor of someone. The funds generated from book dedications will sustain and grow the collection of books.
Contact Minda Bickley for more information.
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Contemporary ConneXions
This vocal ensemble leads our contemporary worship in both music and spoken parts of worship. This smaller group is great for those with a more soloistic voice, and the confidence and faith to be featured in front of congregants. Accompanied by our Praise Band, this ensemble is high energy and truly makes worship a meaningful experience for all. This group rehearses for one hour during the week, then meets Sunday morning to soundcheck and rehearse prior to worship. Contact Que Jones to join this small vocal group. Contemporary ConneXions practices weekly on Wednesdays at 6-7pm. |
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CRIS (Community Refugee and Immigration Services)
Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) is an independent non-profit organization that serves the refugee and immigrant populations in Central Ohio. They have over 50 staff members from all over the world who speak many different languages. Their wide array of programs and services aim to facilitate sustained self-sufficiency and successful integration for the people they serve.
Find out more about this program.
Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) is an independent non-profit organization that serves the refugee and immigrant populations in Central Ohio. They have over 50 staff members from all over the world who speak many different languages. Their wide array of programs and services aim to facilitate sustained self-sufficiency and successful integration for the people they serve.
Find out more about this program.
First English Lutheran Church
We will be sending a group once again be serving breakfast at First English Lutheran Church on July 21st and September 15th in partnership with Lord of Life Lutheran Church. We are always welcoming new volunteers for this service group! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Minda Bickley.
First English Lutheran Church is and ELCA congregation located on the near east side of Columbus. Peace walks alongside this congregation in their ministry. Along with the Lutheran Church Synod and other Lutheran congregations, we financially support FELC. Peace also provides volunteers in many aspects of ministry including preparing and serving meals, construction projects and support for their annual Block Party. FELC partnership is our opportunity to serve the deeply needy and working poor in the Columbus area. Watch for volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Click here for more information about FELC or contact Minda Bickley for information about Peace’s partnership.
We will be sending a group once again be serving breakfast at First English Lutheran Church on July 21st and September 15th in partnership with Lord of Life Lutheran Church. We are always welcoming new volunteers for this service group! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Minda Bickley.
First English Lutheran Church is and ELCA congregation located on the near east side of Columbus. Peace walks alongside this congregation in their ministry. Along with the Lutheran Church Synod and other Lutheran congregations, we financially support FELC. Peace also provides volunteers in many aspects of ministry including preparing and serving meals, construction projects and support for their annual Block Party. FELC partnership is our opportunity to serve the deeply needy and working poor in the Columbus area. Watch for volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Click here for more information about FELC or contact Minda Bickley for information about Peace’s partnership.
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Friendship Connections
Friendship Connections is Peace's outreach program with disabled adults. If you are looking for an experience with people who love life, enjoy the moment and help you to see the world in a beautiful and different way the Friendship Connections is for you. Through various monthly activities to a week-long residential camp in the summer, Friendship Connections changes the lives of those it serves, as well as the lives of those who serve. Find out more about Friendship Connections here, or contact Minda Bickley. |
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Free Community Lunch
A free lunch for all community members is available every Sunday for pick up from 11:30am-12:30pm. Contact Wendy Slates to join as a volunteer to help serve on Sundays. |
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Furniture Ministry
The furniture ministry is an opportunity to donate your household appliances in good working order, used furniture in good condition and household goods. Your donation will be picked up at your address and transported to southeastern Ohio to benefit Sojourners. Sojourners is a non-profit organization supporting youth in Vinton County to improve their lives. Your donation will help them make a difference.
*PLEASE NOTE: All furniture and appliance donations must be in fair and/or working condition and be stain free. Large sectionals, entertainment centers and armoires are not needed. Also it would assist the moving crew if the items (preferably) can be relocated to the garage for pickup.
Volunteers are needed to pick up donations and transport to southeast Ohio. For questions or to volunteer please contact Minda Bickley. Donations of furniture and/or household appliances can be scheduled for pick up.
The furniture ministry is an opportunity to donate your household appliances in good working order, used furniture in good condition and household goods. Your donation will be picked up at your address and transported to southeastern Ohio to benefit Sojourners. Sojourners is a non-profit organization supporting youth in Vinton County to improve their lives. Your donation will help them make a difference.
*PLEASE NOTE: All furniture and appliance donations must be in fair and/or working condition and be stain free. Large sectionals, entertainment centers and armoires are not needed. Also it would assist the moving crew if the items (preferably) can be relocated to the garage for pickup.
Volunteers are needed to pick up donations and transport to southeast Ohio. For questions or to volunteer please contact Minda Bickley. Donations of furniture and/or household appliances can be scheduled for pick up.
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GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need)
Peace is actively involved with GRIN in its mission to serve our immediate neighborhood. Click Here to learn more about our involvement and how you can volunteer, or contact Minda Bickley. |
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Gahanna Summer Lunch
Peace collaborates with Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) during the summer months to provide one week of lunches for Gahanna families. In 2022 we prepared 180 meals each day of the week. The need is great. Many families that rely on free and reduced lunches during the school year look to GRIN for help in the summer months. Peace volunteers prepare and serve lunch at 2-3 sites for a designated week. Other area churches and businesses do the same throughout the summer months. There are no criteria for families to receive the meals.
This year Peace is serving the week of June 3-7, 2024. Peace needs volunteers each day the week of service to help prepare the meals, transport them to the area sites and serve at the site. If you can give just one day or the entire week, your help would be appreciated. Watch for the opportunity to sign up.
Contact Minda Bickley or visit our Gahanna Summer Lunch Program for more information.
Peace collaborates with Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) during the summer months to provide one week of lunches for Gahanna families. In 2022 we prepared 180 meals each day of the week. The need is great. Many families that rely on free and reduced lunches during the school year look to GRIN for help in the summer months. Peace volunteers prepare and serve lunch at 2-3 sites for a designated week. Other area churches and businesses do the same throughout the summer months. There are no criteria for families to receive the meals.
This year Peace is serving the week of June 3-7, 2024. Peace needs volunteers each day the week of service to help prepare the meals, transport them to the area sites and serve at the site. If you can give just one day or the entire week, your help would be appreciated. Watch for the opportunity to sign up.
Contact Minda Bickley or visit our Gahanna Summer Lunch Program for more information.
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Haitian Timoun Foundation (HTF)
In partnership with HTF the Peace community hopes to make a difference. Peace's partnership began with an initial immersion trip in February 2016. An immersion trip brings us in relationship with the people HTF supports. No one can walk away from the experience of visiting partners in Haiti unchanged. The people of Haiti are resilient, hopeful and gracious in the face of incredible obstacles. Beginning in 2020 we have been unable to visit because of travel & regional restrictions. But the need persists. Your donations are critical in supporting education, leadership and emergency funding in Haiti. Learn more about HTF. |
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The Hardy Center
Peace partners with The Hardy Center for a variety of volunteer opportunities. The Hardy Center is an organization that serves young people with the mission "to provide inner-city children with the elements they need to become more viable within this society". Their goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment - free from bullying and intimidation. Learn more about how you can help with The Hardy Center, or contact Minda Bickley or Christ Broas. |
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Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center
Helping Hands is a community, faith based free medical clinic that serves uninsured adults whose income is below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you are a nurse, physician or other medical provider your helping hands are welcomed to provide and expand these services. Please contact Minda Bickley for more information or visit our Helping Hands page. |
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HOPE for All
The HOPE for All Team is dedicated to helping our brothers and sisters who are facing the many difficulties of being marginally housed, homeless, unemployed, are coming out of a re-entry, substance abuse, or human trafficking program. Our ultimate goal is to help them embrace God’s love and HOPE, promised to us all, for a better tomorrow. Learn more. Contact Chris Broas for more information. |
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Joseph's Coat
Joseph's Coat of Central Ohio is a non-profit organization located in Reynoldsburg. The mission of Joseph's Coat is to answer God's call to love and serve our neighbor by providing clothing, furniture and household goods to those who need them. Peace members serve in a variety of ways in the free store as well as by picking up furniture donations several times throughout the year. Contact Minda Bickley to volunteer and click here for more information about Joseph’s Coat. |
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LSS (Lutheran Social Services)
The mission of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS) is to "create a better world, by serving people in need". Peace partners with LSS to raise awareness and for special collections of food and dollars through Thanksgiving food donations and Super Bowl Sunday collections. In 2022 over 500 bags of food for Thanksgiving dinners were collected. Donations help Ohioans in 27 cities with nutritious food, safe shelter, and hope and healing. You can explore additional volunteer opportunities on their website at lssnetworkofhope.org. |
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Peace For Justice
We are called "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) The Peace For Justice ministry seeks ways to do that in our community. We are open to new ideas and ways to impact social justice. Learn more about Peace for Justice here! If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Kara Shell ([email protected]). |
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Peace Grounds Crew
Do you love being outside? Do you love doing yard work? Be a part of the Peace Grounds Crew!
We are always looking for volunteers to help make Peace stay beautiful. With our large land, big trees and multiple flower beds, it takes a team to get everything done!
Our amazing Grounds Crew helps with mowing, weeding beds, trimming bushes, raking, clearing sticks, power washing, and maintaining public areas such as the memorial gardens/columbarium, shelter house and playground. We are in constant need for volunteers, even if it's not on a regular basic.
Please contact Buzz Foresi ([email protected]) with questions or for more information.
Do you love being outside? Do you love doing yard work? Be a part of the Peace Grounds Crew!
We are always looking for volunteers to help make Peace stay beautiful. With our large land, big trees and multiple flower beds, it takes a team to get everything done!
Our amazing Grounds Crew helps with mowing, weeding beds, trimming bushes, raking, clearing sticks, power washing, and maintaining public areas such as the memorial gardens/columbarium, shelter house and playground. We are in constant need for volunteers, even if it's not on a regular basic.
Please contact Buzz Foresi ([email protected]) with questions or for more information.
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Peace Serves
Peace Serves is an annual Day of Service for our faith community. The Day of Service is typically in the Spring following a worship service. A sack lunch is distributed and then we disperse to various locations throughout the central Ohio area. Sites in addition to Peace include First English Lutheran Church, Gahanna Residents in Need, Joseph's Coat, Gahanna Parks & Schools, and private residences. All ages are welcome to volunteer for a wide variety of service opportunities including both indoor and outdoor projects. In 2022 Peace teams tackled 18 projects with over 200 volunteers. Peace Serves is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a congregation to meet the needs of our neighbors. Contact Minda Bickley with questions. |
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PLCW (Peace Lutheran Church Women)
Their purpose as a group is to grow in faith, affirm their gifts, support one another in their callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. For more information, Please contact Arlene Drumm ([email protected]).
PLCW Officers:
President: Arlene Drumm | Vice President: Judy Arnold | Secretary: Carol Watts | Treasurer: Lori Nelson
Their purpose as a group is to grow in faith, affirm their gifts, support one another in their callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. For more information, Please contact Arlene Drumm ([email protected]).
PLCW Officers:
President: Arlene Drumm | Vice President: Judy Arnold | Secretary: Carol Watts | Treasurer: Lori Nelson
Prayer Shawl Ministry
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month | 1:00pm | Fireside Lounge
Knit/crochet prayer shawls and lap blankets. These beautifully hand-crafted items are then given to anyone who is ill, grieving or as simply a reminder that God loves them.
**This group is always accepting yarn donations. Contact Kaitlyn Katko ([email protected]) for more information.
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month | 1:00pm | Fireside Lounge
Knit/crochet prayer shawls and lap blankets. These beautifully hand-crafted items are then given to anyone who is ill, grieving or as simply a reminder that God loves them.
**This group is always accepting yarn donations. Contact Kaitlyn Katko ([email protected]) for more information.
Sojourners Care Network
Sojourners Care Network, a nonprofit organization rooted in Appalachian Ohio, empowers young people to become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens now and in the future. Their programs leverage grant funding with local resources to address critical issues facing young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, and mental health issues. They also provide support to families providing foster and kinship care to children throughout the region, striving to bring normalcy and stability to these vulnerable members of our society.
Peace partners with Sojourners to support this vital ministry through furniture donations, Christmas Gifts of Peace, and the Hand Up program which offers a one-time financial assist for critical needs.
Sojourners was founded in early 1999 by two brothers, Marcus and Richard Games, who saw an opportunity in the region to use asset-based positive youth development principles to address critical needs. Sojourners has grown over the subsequent years, expanding its service delivery to include a variety of programs, beginning with foster care, to now include runaway and homeless youth services, employment training, diploma and GED support, mentoring, leadership development, mental and behavioral health supportive services, and service-learning opportunities.
Learn more about Sojourners https://www.sojournerscare.net/. Contact Minda Bickley for more information
Sojourners Care Network, a nonprofit organization rooted in Appalachian Ohio, empowers young people to become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens now and in the future. Their programs leverage grant funding with local resources to address critical issues facing young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, and mental health issues. They also provide support to families providing foster and kinship care to children throughout the region, striving to bring normalcy and stability to these vulnerable members of our society.
Peace partners with Sojourners to support this vital ministry through furniture donations, Christmas Gifts of Peace, and the Hand Up program which offers a one-time financial assist for critical needs.
Sojourners was founded in early 1999 by two brothers, Marcus and Richard Games, who saw an opportunity in the region to use asset-based positive youth development principles to address critical needs. Sojourners has grown over the subsequent years, expanding its service delivery to include a variety of programs, beginning with foster care, to now include runaway and homeless youth services, employment training, diploma and GED support, mentoring, leadership development, mental and behavioral health supportive services, and service-learning opportunities.
Learn more about Sojourners https://www.sojournerscare.net/. Contact Minda Bickley for more information
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Student Ministry Leadership Team
The Student Ministry Leadership Team is a group of passionate, committed, Jesus - following adults who care about students. This team gathers monthly to plan Youth Group, Bible study, and other events. They then lead and carry out the calendar they created. They learn alongside students, laugh, and share God's love in meaningful ways. Contact Amelia Shrum for more information and to join us! |
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The Traditional Choir
The Traditional Choir is an ensemble for those vocally inclined. Performing in at the 9am traditional worship, this group serves in the fall, winter, and spring seasons, taking a summer break. This group serves by offering up anthems that add to the daily message, leading congregational singing, offering solos, being liturgists, and so much more. This is a group of friendly individuals that rehearses for one hour during the week, and meets Sunday morning for a final rehearsal/run through prior to worship. Open to All! Contact Que Jones to join this small vocal group.
Traditional Choir practices weekly on Wednesdays at 7-8pm.
The Traditional Choir is an ensemble for those vocally inclined. Performing in at the 9am traditional worship, this group serves in the fall, winter, and spring seasons, taking a summer break. This group serves by offering up anthems that add to the daily message, leading congregational singing, offering solos, being liturgists, and so much more. This is a group of friendly individuals that rehearses for one hour during the week, and meets Sunday morning for a final rehearsal/run through prior to worship. Open to All! Contact Que Jones to join this small vocal group.
Traditional Choir practices weekly on Wednesdays at 7-8pm.
Weekend Supplemental Meals for Gahanna City Schools
We currently have a small team packing weekend food for area students every Thursday. We are serving 70+ students each weekend and providing 6 meals each. We are always looking for volunteers to join in this mission! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Minda Bickley.
WE NEED FOOD DONATIONS!
The link below is our amazon wish list of needed food items. Your donations will help reduce food insecurity in our neighborhood. You can have items shipped directly to Peace or you can drop off your donations on Sunday mornings or during office hours. This food gets packed and distributed weekly throughout the school year. Any donation is greatly appreciated. For monetary donations, please use our donations tab at t the top of our website.
We currently have a small team packing weekend food for area students every Thursday. We are serving 70+ students each weekend and providing 6 meals each. We are always looking for volunteers to join in this mission! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Minda Bickley.
WE NEED FOOD DONATIONS!
The link below is our amazon wish list of needed food items. Your donations will help reduce food insecurity in our neighborhood. You can have items shipped directly to Peace or you can drop off your donations on Sunday mornings or during office hours. This food gets packed and distributed weekly throughout the school year. Any donation is greatly appreciated. For monetary donations, please use our donations tab at t the top of our website.
If you are interested in joining a service small group or you would like to start a new group, please contact Minda Bickley or Que Jones for more information.