| Opportunities | Local | SE Mexico | International |
Our Mission: We are gathered to celebrate God’s gifts and sent to respond to the needs of the world.
Since 1888, St. John’s Episcopal Church has provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate and proclaim its Christian faith. Our foundation and our bond rest upon both Word and Sacrament. Through our celebration and worship of God, we realize our strength and the power of the Body of Christ.
We believe the Church must provide the guidance that enables adults and children to follow their quest for a deeper understanding of God and the Church. We, therefore, remain committed to provide a positive and nurturing environment in which each person’s faith and comfort in the church community can grow.
The fullness of our fellowship enables us to support the members of our church and encourages us to show respect for their worth and compassion for their needs. From the strength of this fellowship and the shared experience of a community worshipping together, we are also able to look beyond the needs of this parish. As members of Christ’s Church, we accept our responsibility not only for ourselves but also for others who share our world.
Outreach opportunities
There are lots of new ways you can get involved in your community. Please fill out the attached survey and return it to the church office by e-mail, stjohnschicago@aol.com or mail it to: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3857 N. Kostner Ave., Chicago IL 60641
• Hands to Help Ministries: St. John’s participates in this local ministry which serves homeless people and those in danger of becoming homeless. We are the location for drop-in hours on Wednesdays, we have designated $1,000 annual for its work, our rector is President of the Board, and parishioners volunteer their time and resources to assist those in need. Visit www.handstohelpministries.org for more information.
• Annual Thanksgiving Dinner: Every year St. John’s opens its doors and hearts by serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for those who are alone or in need. This is a rewarding ministry and there are many ways you can contribute. We will need gifts of food and gifts of time–if you can donate a can of yams, or if you can help set the table, or help peel the 40 pounds of potatoes–no offer of help is too small! At the end of the day around 100 people get a home cooked,sit down meal served on china. Join us!
• Pence Blessing Program: St. John’s members have pence cans at home to put spare change in as a reminder of our blessings. The cans are collected three times a year and given to local, national and international organizations. Collections for local charities include: $560 for Lydia House (local alternative high school), $668 for Irving Park Community Clinic (free medical care for those without health insurance), $500 for Lawrence Hall Youth Services ( foster care), and $500 for Hands to Help Ministries (homeless ministry).
Partnership with San Juan Evangelista in Acayucan, Mexico
Kara with the people of San Juan
 Latin Dance Night! |
 New Church Facade |
 Leslye Martinez with Bishop Benito |
St. John’s works towards the Millennium Development Goals to cut poverty and disease in half by 2015 by setting aside 3% of our annual budget towards programs that reduce poverty. This year we gave $1,000 to Hands to Help Ministries (local group that works to reduce homelessness) and $1,000 to Episcopal Relief and Development (international aid organization). $1,000 is yet to be donated. To learn more about the ERD, visit their website.
Our Pence Blessing Program supports various international projects which are suggested by parishioners. Recently we collected money to help build a gym for St. Mary’s School in Sagada, Philippines. Parishoners Norman and Luisa Longid, and Edith O’Keefe traveled to Sagada for the dedication. We also supported Mama Cokito daycare center in Nicaragua, supported by parisioner Sylvia Kain.
Our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday offerings support the Anglican Church in Jerusalem.
