St. Luke's engages in a number of outreach efforts and is constantly seeking opportunities to further expand our giving. Our financial gifting to local and global programs address human needs. Weekly we collect canned goods to distribute locally to those in need.
As part of our annual Stewardship we identify and pursue additional opportunities to share with those in need. Over the course of the year we contributed to a number of organizations including the Virginia Theological Seminary as well as Alliance for Interfaith Ministries, Enrichment Alliance of Virginia, Montanova Stables, Elk Hill, Oklahoma Diocese, Trinity Church Bread and Roses Ministries, Chaplain Prison Ministry, and Salvation Army, Carpenter's Kids and a host of others.
Supporting the "4 the Wounded 5K" St. Luke's fields a run-walk-support team who participate in the "4 the Wounded 5K" annually to show support for wounded warriors and raise awareness of our ministry with veterans and active military. With our matching yellow t-shirts, we were a very visible presence on the course and along the sidelines. Several people asked about our church and were encouraged on the run by the psalm verse on the backs of our shirts: "You are my refuge and my stronghold." (Psalm 91.2)
Luv Mitts Ministry Created by parishioner Lydia Kessler, Luv Mitts are cozy fingerless mittens made from repurposed sweaters and embellished with beautiful stitches and buttons. Each stitch and button have meaning, and each pair is unique. They are given in love to provide comfort and express caring for the recipient. Sometimes recipients are given two pairs, with the instruction to “keep one and pass one on.”
To date, Lydia has crafted over 2000 pair and is now teaching others how to make them in church member workshops! Luv Mitts have been given and shared with people all over the country. She has an expansive vision to bring the Mitts to ever increasing numbers of people.
St. Nicholas Toy Sale St. Luke’s participates in the The Schoolhouse Thrift Shop’s Toy Sale by donating toys which are sold at 50% off retail to assist low-income families in buying toys for their children at Christmas. This benefits low-income families and community outreach programs and is supported by the churches of Region XV of the Episcopal church, with proceeds benefiting local charities.