Social Action
SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY TEAM
Mission: To Invite and Connect People to God and One Another Through Christ’s Love
Vision: To equip and empower St. John’s members to walk together in God’s mission in our local community and our world.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
Team Meetings: First Tuesday of each month, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm, Multipurpose Room. We invite you to be in prayer with us for projects, ministry outreach, and to experience walking together in service with the Holy Spirit.
Contact: R.J. Whitworth, (309) 830-6886
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Food Pantries
St. John’s supports a number of local organizations established to feed the poor, including Midwest Food Bank, Mt. Pisgah Food Pantry, Clare House, Home Sweet Home Mission, Safe Harbor, The Jesus House, and Center of Hope, among others. We also address food needs through Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Relief.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat is an ecumenical nonprofit organization that partners with people to help them build their own homes. Families are chosen to participate and must earn 500 hours of sweat equity, learning life skills in the process. St. John’s helps with both finances and labor. Work days are typically May through September. Contact: Marvin Rasch, (309) 585-0930.
Hopedale Growing Project
St. John’s partners annually with Lutheran World Relief, Hopedale Mennonite Church, the U.S. government and Foods Resource Bank. Several Hopedale farmers designate land in which to plant, grow and harvest a selected crop. Monies raised from the harvest are transferred to Foods Resource Bank which assists people in developing countries become more self sufficient. Each October, St. John’s joins with Hopedale Mennonite Church for a celebration including hayrack rides and a cookout. In November, St. John’s collects funds to offset expenses incurred by the Hopedale farmers. Contact: Paula Porter, (815) 848-2408.
Lutheran World Relief/Lutheran Disaster Relief
When natural disasters strike, St. John’s calls for special offerings and food collections in tandem with these ELCA affiliated organizations. On the last Saturday of each October a regional collection held at St. John’s is gathered into a semi and sent to our global neighbors in need. Volunteers load the semi with school kits, sewing kits, medical kits, clothing (though not with political or religious symbols) and quilts (St. John’s Quilters meet regularly). Material for quilts is always needed. Contact: Doris Robertson, 451-3541 or Vickie Robertson, 663-6336.
Red Cross Blood Drive
St. John’s hosts blood drives twice annually, once in the spring and once in the fall. You can help by donating blood, plasma, time as a volunteer, or by bringing snacks to the drive. One unit of blood can save up to three lives! You can schedule an appointment in one of several ways: call Lynn Carpenter at (309) 663-9345, call the church office, sign up at Welcome Centers, or access the Red Cross’ website listed above. Please bring your photo ID to your appointment. For eligibility questions, contact the Red Cross at (800) 448-3543.
Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor, the Salvation Army homeless shelter, feeds men and women each day and houses them at night. Many groups from St. John’s take or help prepare meals and get to know new people who have fallen on hard times. Our official night is scheduled almost monthly. Any small group can sign up for a meal by calling the mission. Contact: R. J. Whitworth, (309) 830-6886.
Social Justice Advocacy
Participate annually in Lutheran Day in Springfield, Illinois through Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
Storybook Project
(www.lssi.org/Service/StorybookProject.aspx)
Working though Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, this prison ministry helps parents and children stay connected. Trained volunteers enable incarcerated parents to record and send a book to their children. St. John’s members are encouraged to donate books, funds, clothing, gift cards and their time. Contact: Laura Veal, 661-7802.
