Community Outreach Programs At St. John's

Thrift Shop

Thrift Shop Report

In March there were sales from 473 customers. Thirty seven individuals were served. We helped 5 with water; 1 gas; 2 DP&L and Vectren; 1 rent; 1 prescription; Holy Angel’s Soup Kitchen; and 1 special case. We had a bag sale March 3rd thru 22nd. The first two weeks at $5.00 a bag or 2 for $7.00. The last week we reduced it to a $1.00 a bag, and still had 108 large garbage bags of clothing for Mr. Miller and his ministry. March was a very cold, icy, and snowy month. We closed one full day, closed at 1p.m. one day, and didn’t open till 11a.m. another day. Last March we didn’t have to close any days. I do not count the clothing that we give to Mr. Miller in the give-away report that could amount to several thousand dollars, plus how many people? We had a great turn out for change over. Fourteen on Monday after Easter, they had everything removed and even cleaned and rearranged items on the shelves. On Wednesday and Thursday we had thirteen each day helping to restock. Thank you for all who were able to help!

We are in desperate need for Volunteers. Please call if you think you can help with this Ministry (492-2175).

Phyllis

THRIFT SHOP DIRECTOR TAKING APPLICATIONS

After 25 years of ministry, Phyllis Seving is retiring as Director of St. John’s Thrift Shop. Her final day will be June 30th . In preparation for her retirement, we are now taking applications for that position. Currently the Shop is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Currently out of those 33 hours, Phyllis is to be there 30 hours. The position requires someone to oversee the entire operation of the Shop which includes everything from working with the volunteers to making the tax payments. For a full job description, please contact Pastor Jon or the Church Office. In addition you will receive a copy of the Vision Statement that was completed last fall for the Thrift Shop. His includes goals to expand the ministry. This is a significant ministry of our congregation and has a tremendous impact on the people of our community. I continue to be amazed at how much is done through this Shop and the number of peoples’ lives who are truly helped.

Our goal is not to replace Phyllis – she has done a tremendous job and has left her mark on this ministry. Our goal is to find the person God desires to take it the next step and put their mark on the ministry. God has blessed us with the leadership of Phyllis and I know God will bless us with the right person for the next director.

Pastor Jon

Fix-it Crew

Are there jobs around your house you or a neighbor could use a little help with? Call St. John’s Fix-It Crew. Dean, Linda, Dan and Ted are organizing this out reach ministry. They invite others to participate. The goals – take their experience in Mississippi and implement it here at home. What are some of the projects they are willing to take on? Raking leaves, cutting limbs, painting, clean gutters, change out light bulbs, change batteries in smoke detectors, minor repairs, removal of old carpet, dry wall, etc. The desire is simply to be of service to people within the community, especially those who may not be able to do the work themselves or be able to pay for the work. 

If you have a job or know of someone who would benefit from this ministry, please contact the church at 492-8047

If you are interested in participating in this ministry contact the church or speak to any of these folks.

Ocean Spring Trips

To Be Announced

Eucharist Ministers

Due to a clergy shortage and the fact we are not located in Dayton or Columbus, the chances of finding a visitation pastor anytime soon seem slim. My greatest concern at this point is providing the Sacrament of Holy Communion to our homebound folks. As a Eucharist Minister, you would simply be distributing the elements after worship, much like lay folks help in worship, only this would be in people’s homes.

If you are interested, curious, have questions,  please contact Pastor Jon at the church office.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is active again at St. John’s!

During the past six months we’ve trained two new Stephen Ministers who join ten previously trained Ministers to offer one-on-one care to members of St. John’s who need someone to help them through a troubled time.

Every Christian is called by God to reach out to those in need. Too often we feel inadequate for the job. Stephen Ministry requires, and offers, 50 hours of training to anyone interested in learning how to listen, comfort, and encourage those who are hurting. Grief, divorce, job loss or illness are some of the situations in which we find ourselves needing a special friend—a spiritual friend.

A Stephen Minister can be that friend. Talk to Pastor Jon if you know someone with such a need!

Stephen Ministry is a care-giving ministry enabling trained lay people to be involved in significant areas of ministry and care giving. Following an extensive training period - 50 hours worth, Stephen Ministers are paired up with care-receivers. Some are short-term in nature, others are long term. This is normally a one-on-one situation.

Stephen Ministers have made a wonderful difference in the lives of many people. It is a powerful, exciting ministry, one that truly makes a difference.
Stephen Ministry is a congregationally based program where members are trained to be equipped to participate in a caring ministry. Typically a Stephen Minister is assigned to an individual for a period of time to offer comfort, support, and care as they move through a challenge, crises, time of grief, other issues. As a Stephen Minister, you will be called upon to listen and to pray, to offer the comfort and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So come and join us in an exciting ministry opportunity.

Scouting

Anger Rage Control

Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.

AA Meeting

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:00 noon., Thursdays at 7 P.M.

NA Meeting

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 noon.

Workcamp/Mission Trips

A yearly project in various communities across the country

Home Home