Neighborhood Ministry
Community Ministries for Neighbors in Need
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Time and again in scripture, Jesus commands us to love one another. He’s never subtle about it! Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated for us what it meant to tend to the sick, the suffering, and the outcast. He also tells us, as recorded in Matthew 25:40, that “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” Whenever we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, or visit the sick or imprisoned, we are serving Jesus himself.
St. John’s engages in a variety of outreach activities throughout the year with the intent of joyfully living Jesus’s commandments. We can do this best by connecting with other established service providers in Oklahoma City. We are actively involved with the following:
- Supporting the ministries of other Episcopal churches: Santa Maria Virgen, which distributes Thanksgiving turkeys each year and St. James, which distributes groceries monthly to its surrounding community
- Homeless Alliance: providing meals and clothing for those experiencing homelessness
- Sisu Youth Services: providing an emergency overnight shelter and other support to young people ages 18-24
Connecting with local nursing homes to provide holiday gifts
There is always more we could be doing. Calls for event and donation collections are announced throughout the year. If you have suggestions of other organizations we could help support, please contact Deacon Lisa.
Loops of Love
Loops of Love began as a Prayer Shawl Ministry, but has expanded to include lap blankets, scarves, warm hats, and mittens. All of these handmade items are simple ways to let others know we care. Beginners are encouraged, and we'd be happy to teach you how to knit or crochet. Join us as we create handmade gifts that bless others. Contact Patricia Riden or Kathleen Ferguson, and we will have you playing with yarn in no time!
Teachers’ Toolbox
Teachers' Toolbox is one way St. John's supports our local community by providing much-needed classroom supplies to teachers at D.D. Kirkland Early Childhood Education Center and James Monroe Elementary School. By helping equip local educators, we help create a better learning environment for the children they serve. There are many ways to get involved! You can donate school supplies, make a financial contribution to purchase needed items, shop online or in local stores, help sort and package donations at the church, or deliver supplies to grateful teachers. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours to give, your support makes a meaningful difference. If you'd like to learn more or become part of this ministry, please contact Patricia Riden.