tenants

Simple Lifestyle - The volunteers live on a small stipend and in a low-income neighborhood to help them become more aware of the daily realities of those with whom they work. Life can get complex. Sometimes we need to strip away some of that complexity in order to remember what is truly important. Focusing on simplicity allows us to reconnect with what is essential and allows us to be free to give ourselves in service to others. Simplicity can mean refraining from excessive material consumption. Simplicity can also mean refraining from other “stuff”

that gets in the way of hearing our true selves and beliefs: television, music, busy-ness. Finally, simplicity can mean doing something such as taking a walk in nature. Simplicity is not poverty, which is always degrading and dehumanizing. Through simplicity, participants can explore and question how their own lifestyles are connected to and interdependent with the lives of others.

Community - Many religious traditions teach that we are always individuals in community. Each individual is sacred, but so is the community. An African proverb puts it this way: “I am because we are; and we are because I am.” There are many communities involved in LSC: the volunteers, the social service agency, the north Omaha community and beyond. We strive to build positive relationships in each of these arenas. We realize that participants are not simply individuals who experience LSC on their own, but rather that they are persons in a group who can support and challenge one another throughout their experience. We provide participants the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of community and community-building.

Spirituality - The volunteers' experiences give them the opportunity to strengthen their faith, and to grow spiritually or personally. Their beliefs may be integrated in their community life with the other volunteers, as well as with those with whom they work. The volunteer may come to have a better understanding and response to the Gospel, and can be nourished by taking time to reflect on their experience. Living simply can give us the opportunity to pray
or reflect more.

Home Mission and Vision Tenets of LSC LSC Benefits Service Sites Application Process Newsletter Frequently Asked Questions Support Our Ministry Alumni Information Events Links Hillstrom House 6220 N. 30th St. Omaha, NE 68111 (402) 457-5890 lscomaha@lscomaha.org Janelle Domeyer, Executive Director Mike McMahon, Spiritual Growth Facilitator Bill Davis, Board President	Simple Lifestyle - The volunteers live on a small stipend and in a low-income neighborhood to help them become more aware of the daily realities of those with whom they work. Life can get complex. Sometimes we need to strip away some of that complexity in order to remember what is truly important. Focusing on simplicity allows us to reconnect with what is essential and allows us to be free to give ourselves in service to others. Simplicity can mean refraining from excessive material consumption. Simplicity can also mean refraining from other “stuff” that gets in the way of hearing our true selves and beliefs: television, music, busy-ness. Finally, simplicity can mean doing something such as taking a walk in nature. Simplicity is not poverty, which is always degrading and dehumanizing. Through simplicity, participants can explore and question how their own lifestyles are connected to and interdependent with the lives of others. Community - Many religious traditions teach that we are always individuals in community. Each individual is sacred, but so is the community. An African proverb puts it this way: “I am because we are; and we are because I am.” There are many communities involved in LSC: the volunteers, the social service agency, the north Omaha community and beyond. We strive to build positive relationships in each of these arenas. We realize that participants are not simply individuals who experience LSC on their own, but rather that they are persons in a group who can support and challenge one another throughout their experience. We provide participants the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of community and community-building. Social Justice - Volunteers will have the opportunity to become more sensitive to the cycle of oppression in our society, to develop humility in working and living among the poor, and to understand the common needs among all people. We utilize social analysis to explore issues that affect the people in the community. This social analysis helps us to understand the importance of both personal responsibility and social structures. Despite the presence of many injustices in the world, we gain hope by learning from individuals and organizations who are dedicated to working in and improving their communities. Spirituality - The volunteers' experiences give them the opportunity to strengthen their faith, and to grow spiritually or personally. Their beliefs may be integrated in their community life with the other volunteers, as well as with those with whom they work. The volunteer may come to have a better understanding and response to the Gospel, and can be nourished by taking time to reflect on their experience. Living simply can give us the opportunity to pray or reflect more.