Ministries
Zoar Lutheran Church offers a variety of ministries, or opportunities to give faithful service to the people of God. Our members and members of the community are encouraged to get involved and give your time and talents to the service of others.
Tuesday Community Dinner
Furniture Ministry / Love Inc.
Prayer Requests
Zoar Lutheran Church holds a free Community Dinner every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the lobby. Over 5,550 meals are served each year to people of all ages who meet to enjoy a free meal (contributions accepted) and socializing over 49 weeks.
A very loyal group of church members and members of the Canby Kiwanis Club prepare and serve the food, with both teams cleaning up.
We appreciate all these wonderful volunteers!
Donations to this ministry are always welcome!
Zoar Lutheran Church partners with Love INC of Clackamas County offering a furniture ministry.
Basic furniture, like beds, dressers, and chairs are available by appointment through Love INC at 503.650.0153. Housewares are also available by appointment.
Donations are accepted twice a month on Saturday morning. Click here for a list of our current needs.
Check our church calendar for dates and times. Upcoming dates are June 14 & 28.
This ministry is managed by dedicated volunteers from Zoar and other churches around Clackamas County.
Over 160 people made donations of furniture/houseware amounting to $35,000. In 2024, Love INC served 105 families and gave out $37,103 in furniture and houseware.
At Zoar, we know that God's love and mercy are available to all though the power of prayer.
Our members pray every week for those sick or in distress. We pray for the families of those who have recently passed or are near death. We pray for members of the military and our first responders. We pray for leaders in our community, nation, and world. We pray for peace and justice.
If we can offer special prayers for you, your family, or any situation where God's love and mercy will make a difference, please contact us at office@zoarlutheran.org.
This is the last event of our Renewal Experience. A time to learn about (see below) and experience two local Labyrinths, as well as enjoy true Zoar fellowship!!
Wednesday, July 30th (sign up in the narthex or church office.)
We will be visiting Spirit of Grace Church in Beaverton, and West Linn Lutheran.
Morning carpool departure time TBA, concluding with a picnic box lunch at Mary Young State Park in West Linn.
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So, what is a Labyrinth anyway?
The labyrinth has deep symbolic significance in Christianity. In the Christian walk, the labyrinth serves as a metaphor for the intricate journey of life, where believers encounter various challenges and decisions. The labyrinth reminds us that although the path may have many twists and turns, it is a journey towards spiritual discovery and truth—a truth that sets us free and enables our lives to flourish, as God intended.
From navigating life's challenges to seeking God's wisdom and guidance, the labyrinth serves as a metaphor for the intricate path of life as depicted in biblical stories. Stories like Joseph's journey, David seeking God's guidance in the Psalms, and Hagar receiving water in the desert resonate with the symbolism of the labyrinth, emphasizing trust in God's guidance and provision during life's twists and turns.
Walking/tracing the labyrinth in silence and reflection is viewed as a sacred and ancient healing experience, designed to allow individuals to slow down, reflect on their spiritual journey, and explore their identity in body, mind, and spirit. It opens their hearts to the healing action of God in order to respond to God's call for spiritual growth and renewal.
Spanish Language
Alcoholics Anonymous
Zoar is home to Canby's only Spanish language AA meetings.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings we host Groupo La Proxima Frontera.
Additional information is available at Alcoholicos Anonimos En Oregon.
Canby Independence Day Parade
Members of the Congregation are invited to walk / ride in the annual 4th of July Parade. The parade will start at 10:00 am, but we ask everyone to be at the float by 9:45 More information about the parade is on the city website: Canby Independence Day Celebration
Staging for the parade is on NW 5th between Cedar and Fir (in front of Eccles and behind Knight schools). Look for the big red pickup and trailer. Please dress appropriately! Sturdy walking shoes and light (but patriotic) clothes that offer sun protection. Don’t forget the water and sunscreen!
Last minute donations of candy are always appreciated – bring them with you or contact Carolyn Shearer or the church office.
Knotty Loopers (Knitting & Crocheting)
Click here for the latest from the Knotty Loopers!
Congregants of Zoar and community members alike come together for fellowship, to discuss and share our craft, and to use our gifts and talents to create. Weekly gatherings are held most Mondays September through June; check the church calendar for details.
One of our missions is to create prayer shawls for people who want to be wrapped in God's love, like those in hospice situations, shut-ins, and people with health issues. Prayer shawls are blessed by the congregation each spring and fall and are readily available when needed.
We also make a variety of craft items that are sold at our November Craft Fair. These sales support other ministries of Zoar.
Anyone, regardless of skill level, s welcome to join us!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will be at Zoar Lutheran Church July 22 - 24. The them for this year is "Mending God's World."
Additional information is on our youth education webpage.
Sewing Circle
Click here for the latest updates from the Sewing Circle!
The Zoar Sewing Circle is a dedicated group of volunteers from the congregation and community that make quilts for the Clackamas County Department of Human Services (DHS. Most of the quilts go to children entering the foster care system, but they are also used to create a warm atmosphere during family visits, given to families leaving a domestic violence situations, and to those in our community experiencing houselessness. Twice a year we bless the quilts during service and then the following day, host a potluck for staff from DHS where we present our donation. Almost 200 quilts were made and donated in 2024.
In addition to making quilts, the Sewing Circle makes and donates health kits that contain soap, shampoo, a towel and washcloth, a comb, a toothbrush, toothpaste, Band-Aids, and a nail file. At least 100 health kits are made and donated to DHS every year. They collect and donate stuffed animals, fleece car seat blankets, pillowcases, and other items that are needed.
We meet on Wednesday mornings and two Saturdays a month September through June, Please check the church calendar for our next meeting date. All volunteers are welcome regardless of skill level.