Common Cup Ministry provides help to those who have needs not provided for by other social programs. The ministry supplies spiritual help in the form of free Bibles as well as vouchers — rather than cash — for lodging, food, transportation and other basic needs.

This nonprofit agency moved to new office space late last fall. It is part of Faith Lutheran’s Hope Center at 215 Main Street S., in downtown Hutchinson. Housed with Common Cup is Heartland Community Action and Crow River Habitat for Humanity. Joining the group later this year is McLeod County United Way.

Since its founding in September 2002, Common Cup Ministry has developed into a viable and well-respected link in the chain of emergency support for the needy. On-call volunteers meet with people seeking help to determine the kinds of assistance that would best aid them according to their individual situations.

When the organization was founded, most local churches had their own Good Samaritan-type funds and dispersed them according to their own guidelines. The idea of pooling local resources grew out of the local pastoral association. A similar program had been started in Marshall and it was successful in providing a one-stop place for people who needed financial and spiritual assistance.

Common Cup Ministry expanded its outreach services to the Glencoe area by opening a satellite office last year.

For help, call (320) 587-2213. The Glencoe office is at First Lutheran Church, 925 13th St. For help, call
(320) 864-5511.