Oak Grove is always looking forward to being involved with service projects and putting our Christian faith into action. There are some service projects that are traditions at Oak Grove and others that are just getting started. We are particularly excited when elementary, middle school, or high school students approach Oak Grove faculty or staff and say “What can I do to help?” We have been blessed over the years to help with tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and Sudan relief projects, all at the suggestion and under the leadership of Oak Grove students.

Servant leadership is modeled for us by our Savior. In Luke 22:26-27, Jesus says, “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Our relationship with Jesus Christ compels us to serves others. Ephesians 2:10 encourages us to serve, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

If you want to serve our community, our nation, or our world, all you need to do is ask. We would love to work with you to determine a project that is appropriate to Oak Grove’s mission of “loving service throughout the world.”

Some examples of recent/current Oak Grove “Service Opportunities” are as follows:

Northwood (2007)

Oak Grove raised over $1300 individually and about $4500 in combination with Park Christian, Shanley, West Fargo, Fargo North, and Fargo South. This was a student-driven project. Student representatives from Oak Grove presented a check at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks before a home football game for Northwood.  Supplemental funds were provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Homeless & Hungry (2007)

In partnership with an effort spearheaded by First Lutheran, Oak Grove students and members of numerous churches in Fargo-Moorhead raised nearly $95,000 and collected almost 10,000 lbs. of canned goods and non-perishable items.

Operation Christmas Child (2007)

Oak Grove Lutheran School elementary students delivered 301 completed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in Moorhead on Monday, November 19.  The fifth grade class took the shoeboxes to the church for the entire school. The project this year was also a competition between the classes to collect the most shoeboxes, with the winning class receiving a pizza party. With 66 boxes, Mr. Kading’s third grade class won the prize. This is the second year the elementary school has participated in the Operation Christmas Child project.

Under the leadership and guidance of several middle school moms, students made 75 blankets that were donated to Churches United for the Homeless and the YWCA. We’re excited about how God blessed this project and how we were able to impact our community and show the true spirit of Christmas.

Eventide (2007-2008)

Oak Grove middle school students visit with residents of Eventide in Moorhead throughout the school year as a part of their Christian Studies courses.

Mexico Missions (2008)  

In March, Oak Grove sophomores will travel to Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico (just south of San Diego) to renovate homes and spend time at the San Juan Bosco Orphanage.  Another group will travel to Reynosa, Mexico to work at Children’s Haven International. 

Heifer International Project (2008)

The Oak Grove fifth grade class will be holding a Rummage Sale for Heifer International Project (H.I.P) on April 12 at the south campus from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  H.I.P. helps underdeveloped countries by giving livestock to struggling families, giving them a renewable source of income.  The class has a goal of raising $5,000 to buy an “Ark,” consisting of two of fifteen different animals. 

Mission Trip to Guatemala (2008)

This summer, close to 40 Oak Grove students and parents will travel to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. Oak Grove Missions Coordinator Bob Noel will lead the groups to this beautiful Mayan town, nestled between the shores of Lake Atitlan and the Toliman and Atitlan volcanoes. In addition to intentional learning about the culture and community, Grovers will be involved with service projects.

???? (2008)

Where will God lead Oak Grove to serve in 2008?