Welcome to the inaugural issue of our monthly Ministry Spotlight! Taking the place of our previous Monthly Message series, this newsletter will help us get to know the people, ministries, and stories that shape our life together at St. John’s. Our theme this year, Be Known. Be Loved., invites us to deepen our relationships and discover how God is at work among us. Each month, we’ll shine a light on the ways our community worships, learns, serves, and cares for one another—and offer opportunities for you to connect and participate. Our hope is that these stories will help you recognize familiar faces, discover something new, and see how your own gifts and story belong in the life we share. There are so many ways to be known, be loved, and belong at St. John's, and we are here to help you find your place in this community. See who is in the spotlight this month!

• ...The June Rummage Sale brought in over $29,000, our only Outreach fundraiser?
• ...St. John's generous parishioners donate large quantities of food which go towards many ministries here at SJEC?
• ...With over 40 volunteers, including some of SJEC youth, volunteers packed 10,152 meals in just two hours for Rise Against Hunger?
• ...The SJEC yearly Coat Drive provides an abundance of coats, scarves, mittens and gloves to friends at Bea Gaddy in Baltimore?
• ...Christmas and Easter at SJEC bring about an incredible amount of donations for Holiday Baskets, coming from both St. John's Church parishioners and families of the Parish Day School?

The annual St. John’s Rummage Sale brings together an enormous number of dedicated

volunteers for this week long event. The enthusiasm and hard work are matched only by the true excitement shown by St. John's parishioners and community shoppers. This primary Outreach fundraiser raises money which goes towards over 15 individual ministries who benefit both locally and abroad. This parish wide sale is a win-win for the community as we offer low cost items for the community as well as organizations that benefit from the rummage remains. A true community-wide sale that benefits so many people! This is a must be-a-part of event!

Wow, can St. John's cook, donate food and give their time in serving this food! The many ministries that St. John’s are involved in, where food donations are so important, include the Grassroots Day Resource Center at Leola Dorsey, the Grassroots Emergency Shelter, the UMBC Retriever Essentials Food Pantry, the Children’s Home in Catonsville and our newest ministry: summer produce collection that benefits immigrants through Columbia Community Cares. 748 pounds of food were collected in this inaugural food drive effort!

With the rising costs of food, these vital ministries benefit so many members of neighborhoods surrounding St. John's. Come be a part of making a casserole, donating food or serving monthly dinners at the DRC!

Rise Against Hunger, an annual September tradition here at St. John’s, welcomed 12 new volunteers, along with 40 repeat parishioners, as well as many from SJEC youth groups. In two hours, the group packed a tremendous amount of meals that will be arriving in the Philippines, where food insecurity is a very real problem. What an incredible ministry that fills the souls of those participating in the ministry, as well as those who benefit from the donations.

The Coat Drive at St. John’s has been a Thanksgiving tradition that has occurred for many, many years. This drive, which begins the end of October and runs through the middle of November is a collection of new or gently used coats and winter accessories. The donations help to keep friends in Baltimore City warm and comfortable during the cold, winter months. The bins and bins of donations are taken to Bea Gaddy Family Centers by Thanksgiving. The smiles on the faces of those who receive these items are simply priceless. It is surely better to give than to receive.

The Holiday Basket Ministry is a staple at St. John’s. The incredible donations of non-perishable food items, along with small household items that fill bins, bags, boxes and baskets during the Christmas and Easter seasons are simply over top! St. John's Church partnership with the St. John’s Parish Day School makes this ministry even more special and meaningful. The Day School families donate toys and coats during the Christmas season, as well as Easter baskets and food donations during the springtime. The large number of parishioners who participate in this ministry enable friends at The ARC of Howard County group homes, as well as the families at the Kirk P. Gaddy Youth Community Center (formally the Club at Collington Square), to have such blessed holiday seasons.

Also of note:

A long-standing Service Over Self event is the gathering of approximately twelve adults who get together in the Fall at The Children’s Home in Catonsville. The service projects that Outreach has participated in range from painting the rooms of the residents, outdoor yard work and, most recently, organizing large closets where donations such as clothes, school supplies and personal items are stored. Outreach provides breakfast items that morning for 45-50 youth between the ages of 12-21. The residential care facility provides therapeutic long and short term services for at-risk youth, while promoting the well being and success for young people who have faced abuse, neglect, violence or abandonment.

Rebuilding Together of Howard County is an organization which St. John’s has been involved with over the years. Held in April, a team of adult and youth volunteers gather for a Saturday to work on projects in an assigned home doing needed repairs to low-income homeowners, seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and families with children. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday with fellow parishioners helping fellow neighbors!

Interfaith Refugee Ministry is a ministry which began at Christ Church in Columbia. Many SJEC parishioners are involved with this organization, which assists in aiding refugees in the area.

Volunteers provide transportation, tutoring, helping with job searches, seeking needed donations, and so much more. Volunteers are always welcome in this vital community effort. Click here for an in-depth history and description of the program by Christ Church, Columbia. Click here for St. John's information.

For more information on any Outreach Ministry, contact: