Social Ministries at Pilgrim

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves...Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." - Romans 12, vv. 10&13.

 One of Pilgrim Lutheran’s core missions is to extend help and Christian compassion to persons in need throughout our community, the Greater Washington area, the United States, and abroad.  Pilgrim provides many opportunities to serve others through relationships with social agencies in the surrounding community as well as far-reaching organizations worldwide.

Nehemiah Project

This year, we are continuing with our “Nehemiah Project.” This was inspired by the story of Nehemiah, cupbearer of King Artaxerxes I (Nehemiah 1:11), who received the king’s permission to help rebuild the city of Jerusalem and its fortifications. Nehemiah mobilized the people of Jerusalem to repair and fortify the wall and gates, and was appointed their governor. During his time as governor, he decided to forego the food and land allotted to him due to his office, because he wanted these resources to go to the people of his province (Nehemiah 5:14–19). He also required the other nobles and officials to forgive the outstanding debts of the people, as well as to return all land and money that had been taken as taxes. This generosity allowed the people of Jerusalem to feed themselves and their families.

For our Nehemiah Project, we are choosing one organization, charity, or cause to support each month.

We are now in our sixth year of the Nehemiah Project program. Our Nehemiah Project for January was in support of those living in a girls safe home in Korce, Albania. Our February Nehemiah Project will benefit those served by the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS California Wildfire Relief Fund. The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have caused devastating damage, and your gift will go to serve those in need.

There are several ways to contribute. You may use your designated Nehemiah Project offering envelope, send a check to Pilgrim (with Nehemiah Project on the memo line), or click the yellow "Donate" button below to contribute via PayPal or credit card.

Check back each month to see what organization, charity, or cause we will be focusing on.

Martha’s Table

Pilgrim has a longstanding relationship with Martha’s Table, a wonderful local organization that supports children, families, and our community through increased access to high-quality education, healthy food, and family and community supports.

Our youth regularly makes trail mix for Martha’s Table and/or sandwiches for “McKenna’s Wagon,” their daily mobile food truck. We also donate food to Martha’s Table on an ongoing basis.

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ - Deuteronomy 15: 11 

Wycliffe Ministry

For nearly two decades, Pilgrim has supported the Wycliffe Ministry of Lynn and David Frank. Since 1982, the Franks have facilitated the translation of the Bible into numerous languages, including Saint Lucian Creole (New Testament) and Gullah (New Testament). They are currently serving as Bible translation consultants in Nigeria and the West African country of Guinea-Bissau. Visit their website to donate or learn more about the Wycliffe mission.

Clothing and Food Drives

We participate in ongoing clothing and food drives for local organizations such as Bethesda Cares and Martha’s Table. For example, in the winter, we partner with Bethesda Cares and area church workers to hand out blankets, hand and foot warmers, socks, and other clothing and toiletry items to those who are homeless in our community.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." – Hebrews 13:16