Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry

What began over 10 years ago as a response to hunger in the 53205 zip code has been growing year after year. Now, with the growing poverty in the community resulting from the loss of good-paying jobs, this ministry is even more critical and necessary. Some of the most important aspects of today's program include:

• Serving a hot meal most Wednesdays to more than 300 people living in poverty 
• Distributing food to 200 people in a choice-style food pantry
• Providing meaningful community for people who may be disconnected from any community
• Offering a strong spiritual support for those who have lost hope, through our weekly Bible study, which numbers from 80-100 persons each week
• Providing care and support for 60 men and women who are on a path of sobriety as well, as helping them to grow to a place of strength and positive self-esteem as they manage other life issues.
• On Thursdays, 11:30-1:30, there's also a Men's Wellness Group.

 Linda Radder (Parish Nurse) and Easter Dethrow (Neighborhood Minister) oversee Wednesday programming and facilitate AODA support groups. They refer clients to programs for additional treatment, counseling, health care, housing and social services. Lutheran Social Services provides additional counseling services to those who attend the AODA support sessions, and a job coach from Goodwill Industries is working with individuals highly motivated to find employment. 

 

Michael Adams leads our Job Readiness and Training.

 

The weekly food service is staffed by members of Cross Lutheran and volunteers from our many Partner congregations. We exist to empower the individuals in our community, meeting them where they are in life's journey by reaching out and lifting up.

 

We welcome you to stop in on a Wednesday and discover what a powerful and special place this is, one where you are guaranteed to receive great food, while experiencing laughter, warmth, and love. In the words of one of our regular guests, "Lives are being changed. People are being delivered from addictions, and hope is being restored."

 

Wednesday Services

Hot Meal ~ 11:45-12:45

Bible Study ~ 1:00-1:30

Men of Faith/Women of Faith ~ 1:30-3:00 

Food Pantry ~ 1:30-3:00

 

If you would like to find out more about the program please contact the church office at 344-1746 or contact us via email at clc@crosslutheranmilwaukee.org

 

Donations Are Always Welcome!

Non-Perishable Food Items:

Anything canned (including tuna, ravioli, spagetti, soups, fruits, and vegetables), peanut butter, jelly, mac & cheese, rice mixes, potato mixes, pastas, and more.

Hygiene Items:

Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, shaving cream.

(Full-size items are preferred)

 

BOHEM Success Story

Pastor Kenneth Wheeler, recent Director of BOHEM, shared the story of one man whose journey with BOHEM led him to employment. >>

 

Holy Ground testimony

Ezekil Averhart has an amazing story to share. Learn how Cross changes lives!

 

This ministry is done in partnership with Cross Lutheran Church

and a number of surburban partners:
* Advent Lutheran         Cedarburg
* Ascension Lutheran    Waukesha
* Christ Our Savior        Sussex
* Cross of Life               Brookfield
* Fox Point                    Fox Point
* RiverGlen Christian    Waukesha
* St. Matthew                Wauwatosa