What are the service hour requirements for each student?

Each student needs to complete 20 hours of service each year. They log their hours on the MobileServe app. Students can talk to their theology teacher for more information and details on how to log hours. 

Read more about our philosophy for service hours here:

• https://www.lhsparker.org/blog/saved-to-wash-feet
• https://www.lhsparker.org/blog/how-we-build-a-christ-centered-community-at-luhi

Visit the LuHi Canvas Service Page to find information on our ongoing service opportunities and how to get involved: https://lhsparker.instructure.com/courses/2174

Why We Serve

God gives us His grace freely through Jesus, who willingly died on the cross to save us in our desperate need for love and forgiveness from sin. By this, He gives us meaning and hope in our lives. In this truth, God transforms us and gives us a new life in Him. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

So as we, daily, in our desperate need for forgiveness, love, meaning and hope, dwell on the new life Jesus has given us, live out what God has done in us in service toward one another. 

This is our basis for how we live and serve. We hope to disciple and encourage students to understand this by helping them build a pattern of service throughout their lives.  

Minimum 20 Hour a Year Service Requirement

Every student at Lutheran High School is to fulfill a minimum of 20 hours of community service outside their home and family environment every year in order to graduate. All hours should be recorded ASAP during or immediately after the time of service by documenting the required information in the MobileServe app. Directions on how to download and use the app are found below. 

Guidelines

1. A minimum of 20 hours for each year will be completed by May 1. Any additional service hours after May 1 will be counted for the next school year. 
2. If a student completes more than 20 hours in one year, the excess does not count for the following year. 
3. Non-completion of service hours will result in an incomplete on the report card, withholding report cards/transcripts/diploma until hours are completed and submitted. 
4. Acceptable service hours are as follows: 
   1. Something other than for your immediate family. 
   2. Outside regular school hours.
   3. Service is volunteer (not receiving pay or academic credit).
   4. If there is a question about your plan for service, check with your Theology teacher. 
5. Examples of possible service: Mission trip (4 or less days = 20 hours, 5 or more days = 40 hours); any volunteer work at a church as worship leader; Vacation Bible School; childcare; helping with camps; Night To Shine; soup kitchens and other homeless ministry; food banks; help with elderly or those with special needs; serving at any nonprofit, etc. 
6. Some specific opportunities for service can be found on the MobileServe app and on the Lutheran High School website. 

How To Document Your Hours

As mentioned above, you will document your hours through the MobileServe app on your phone. MobileServe is available as a free mobile app in the App store and Google Play and can be used on most smart phones and tablets. If you would rather not use the MobileServe app, you can create and manage your MobileServe account from any internet-connected device at: app.mobileserve.comLinks to an external site. Simply skip the download instructions below and start with Create Your Account. 

Download the free app by going to the App Store or Google Play, then search “MobileServe”. Tap the Get or Install button next to the MobileServe App. 

Creating an Account on MobileServe

1. Select Sign Up.

2. Enter your name, birthday, and create a password. You MUST use your lhsparker.org email account (see LuHi email sent for set up information). DO NOT USE YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL. Skip the Employer/Organization box.

3. Select Next.

4. You may add a photo to your profile or skip this step.

5. Select Next.

6. Enter the 6 digit code for your class:

   1. Freshmen (class of 2030): E44592
   2. Sophomore (class of 2029): F5749D
   3. Junior (class of 2028): 72C1C7
   4. Senior (class of 2027): BD3F78

7. When the organization appears, select Join.

Logging Service Hours on MobileServe

All service hours should be logged immediately after service is completed to ensure accurate information. (Wait until after volunteering is complete to ensure you are present and engaged in service).

1. Open the MobileServe app and select “LOG HOURS” at the bottom of the app.

2. Enter the number of hours you served. Then select “DONE.”

3. Under “Service Org” enter the name of the organization where you served.

4. Choose a “Category” for the type of service you completed.

5. Answer TWO of the question prompts. Then select Next.

6. REQUIRED: Enter the name of the Supervisor (the person in charge of the work you did).

7. REQUIRED: Enter the email address of the Supervisor. It is very important for this to be accurate. This person will receive an email from MobileServe to verify your hours.

8. Optional: You can upload a photo from your service and/or get your supervisor’s signature as an extra form of verification.

9. Select “Submit Hours.”

Verification 

In order to be counted toward your 20 required service hours, all hours must be approved by your supervisor (see steps 6 and 7 above). It is important that you speak with the supervisor in person about this so that they know to look for this email and verify your hours. You may need to contact the supervisor again if the hours remain pending.

Final Thoughts

Our service to God and others does not save us. It doesn’t make us better than anyone else. It does allow us to see how God is at work all around us. It helps us get an idea of the gifts and talents we have been given by God to love others. As we get out of our comfort zone and ourselves, we start to see more of the amazing God we serve. We also are put into situations where God can show us His mercy in new ways.