Our Social Ministry supports
two area organizations:
Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, OK, and
Decatur Public Schools in Decatur, AR.
Oaks Indian Mission:    During the months of July & August we are collecting personal care items that could include face and body wash & lotions, anti perspirant and shampoo. Place items in the basket for Oaks Indian Mission.   
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Oaks Indian Mission
     Providing Hope 
          Through 
     Humanitarian Aid
(a message from Oaks Indian Mission)
At Oaks Indian Mission, our Humanitarian Aid Program is dedicated to providing a safe place and a fresh start for individuals and families escaping domestic violence. We understand that leaving an abusive situation is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make, and no one should have to face that journey alone.
Our program offers temporary housing, essential resources, and compassionate support while participants work toward stability and independence. Residents receive assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, transportation, employment resources, and connections to community services. More importantly, they are welcomed into a caring environment where they are treated with dignity, respect, and hope.
Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs but also to empower survivors as they rebuild their lives. Through encouragement, practical support, and faith-based compassion, we strive to help each individual regain confidence, establish self-sufficiency, and move toward a brighter future.
Every life matters, and every person deserves the opportunity to live free from fear. Together, we can provide hope, healing, and a path forward for those seeking refuge from
domestic violence.

The core ministry of Oaks Indian Mission is its care program for American Indian boys.  Most have suffered some form of abuse or neglect. Many are orphans. Others have been abandoned. Some come from loving homes where it is simply no longer possible for parents or grandparents to provide the needed food, clothing and education. The children range from age seven to age seventeen.
United's involvement with Oaks Indian Mission is one of long standing.  For perhaps as many years as United has existed, we have helped Oaks provide for their residents. Each month we receive a list of things needed, and we ask our members to provide what they can.  Currently, Oaks is serving young boys at the Mission.
 Our involvement with Decatur Schools has developed because one of our members, Kelsey Sojka, is a first grade teacher at the school.  Most of the parents of these children are truly hardworking, but they are often in jobs that do not pay well.  Sometimes these parents have to choose between food and housing for their kids.  By providing extras like snacks, schools supplies, personal care items, etc, we can make their lives a little easier.
TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
Teachers often purchase classroom supplies with their own money to ensure every student has what they need to learn and succeed.  United Lutheran Church invites you to help support Decatur Public Schools through our Tools for Teachers campaign. Pick up a shopping bag from the Narthex. Attached to each bag is a list of requested school supplies. Simply fill the bag, return it to the church by August 31and  Kelsey Sojka will deliver the supplies to the teachers to use in their classrooms or distribute to students as needed.  Our goal to collect 50 bags of supplies, so, as each bag is returned we will mark off another apple in the school house. Your generosity helps provide the tools teachers need to create successful learning environments for all students. Thank you for helping us support our local schools, one classroom at a time.