Below is an overview of just a few of the internal, local, and regional ministries we participate in.

Hunger Team

The current state of the economy and record setting inflation levels continued to show the need in helping our neighbors with ongoing food insecurities. With continued congregation support, we were able to rise to the occasion and supply food to various families through these programs; Easter & Christmas Food Baskets, provide weekend meals to Fountaindale Elementary School students via Micah’s Backpack, offer fellowship luncheons to residents of Potomac Towers, stock the Haven Blessing Box, provide support and food to the St. Mark’s Food Bank, celebrate Haven’s Annual Souper Bowl, and share fresh crops and baked goods from Haven’s Garden Buddies. 

Blessing Box

Haven's Blessing Box is intended to function as a small neighborhood pantry, offering shelf-stable items to those who need them. 

At Haven, we strive to assist our neighbors through this and many other outreach ministries.  

Micha's Backpack

Haven currently sponsors 12 children each week with nutritious food for the weekends.

Micah’s Backpack is a partnership between Washington County Public Schools, HARC, MD Food Bank, and more than 50 sponsoring churches and community organizations providing bags of food to feed hungry students over the weekend, the Micah’s Backpack program in Washington County follows a model established in Blacksburg, VA.  The program is designed to feed hungry students through a partnership between each elementary school and one or more churches/organizations in its community.  The program now serves more than 1,200 students in 37 schools (80%). More than 10,000 students in Washington County Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced meals and for many this lunch will be the last hot meal of the day. Children are especially hungry over the weekend when school is not in session. 

You can find more details about this program on the HARC website.

Haven’s Garden Buddies 

Haven members tend to various plots within our garden and are able to share vegetables and homemade baked goodies with the congregation for a free-will offering, which is then used towards Havens various Hunger Ministries. Additionally, crops are also shared with the Haven Blessing Box. 

Hands of Hope Ministry

Hands of Hope meets on the first Thursday of each month in Haven West. Our ministry focuses on fabric and yarn projects that benefit local organizations, such as Washcloths for Wellness and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. We meet 10 to 12 Noon on the first Thursday of the month. If you are unable to meet at that time but are interested in our projects we can provide you with supplies, material lists, and instructions to volunteer from home. 

HARC Food & Clothing List

HARC, Community Action Council, REACH, and numerous houses of worship (including Haven Lutheran) work together to keep the following list of food pantries, soup kitchens, clothing banks, and household supplies up to date. For more information please contact Kathy Powderly at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

Local food and clothing resource list