In 2013, the 4 million-member ELCA celebrated its 25th anniversary with the first “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. ELCA members of all ages engaged in service projects that helped address critical needs in their neighborhoods and communities. Activities included cleaning parks and beaches, collecting food and preparing meals for people who are homeless, assembling care packages, and visiting the homebound and the elderly. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Since 2013, the ELCA has designated a day in September as a church-wide service day in our communities.
Bethel has participated in “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday for many years: with Project Cope in 2013, with a Catholic Charities project (park and housing) in 2014, cleaning up Western Cemetery in 2015, cleaning up yards at private residences in University City in 2016, and collecting diapers for the St. Louis Diaper Bank in 2019.