Outreach Volunteer and Giving Opportunities
CAIROK Refugee Resource Center
The CAIROK Refugee Resource Center opened in April 2022 in the St. John's School Annex. Since that time, dozens of families have received clothing, hygiene items, and household items through the center. St. John's parishioners have been generous with their time, talent and treasure to ensure that our new Afghan neighbors feel welcome and receive the assistance they need as they resettle. You are invited to help in any way you are able. Donations of money or goods, volunteering in the center, unpacking and shelving boxes of donations, and helping our neighbors fill their needs. Contact Cheri Tompkins or Emily Mooney for first-hand information and to connect with the Center.
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. Whether it’s by supporting the
ministries of other Episcopal churches - like Santa Maria Virgen, which
distributes Thanksgiving turkeys each year, or St. James,
which distributes groceries monthly to its surrounding community. Or helping
homeless services providers – such as the Homeless Alliance which provides
meals and clothing or Sisu Youth Services which provides an emergency overnight
shelter and other support to young people ages 18-24 – or connecting with
local nursing homes to provide holiday gifts, we know our efforts make a
positive difference in the community.
There is always more we could be doing. That’s where you come in!
If you have suggestions of other organizations we could help support, please
contact Deacon Lisa. In the meantime, please stay tuned for event and donation
collection events that are announced throughout the year.
Loops of Love
Loops of Love began as a Prayer Shawl Ministry, but has expanded to include baptismal shawls, scarves, warm hats, and mittens. All of these handmade items are simple ways to let others know we care.
You do not have to have amazing talent to be a part of this ministry! Many projects are simple and geared to beginner levels. There are knit and crochet patterns galore, as well as soft, inexpensive yarns, and free patterns. Don't know how to knit or crochet? We will teach you! Contact Patricia Riden or Kathleen Ferguson, and we will have you playing with yarn in no time!
Sunbeam Birthday Box Ministry
Every child deserves to be
celebrated on their birthday. In partnership with Sunbeam Family Services, St.
John’s provides birthday boxes for children, ages birth through 17, in foster
care, ensuring that these children have presents to open to on their birthdays, regardless of family resources.
Parishioners donate items
according to the monthly requests from Sunbeam. Gifts
for age and gender specific children are a great way to help out. And, for just $5, you can head to the dollar
store and get all the themed party items we need. Donations are accepted if shopping doesn’t
work for you. Contact Cherie Tompkins
Teachers’
Toolbox
Teachers' Toolbox is a ministry that provides supplies to the teachers of two of our neighborhood elementary schools: D.D. Kirkland Early Childhood Education Center and James Monroe Elementary School.
How can you help? You can donate supplies or the cash for supplies. You can shop online or in the stores. You can sort and bag or box the goodies here at the church. You can deliver them to some very grateful teachers at each of the schools - it's like our very own "Amazon smiles!" Contact Patricia Riden and be a part of this rewarding ministry!