Outreach
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 Carpenter's Kids St Luke's supported Judy Crosby on her mission to Dodoma, Tanzania, to work with the Carpenter's Kids Program for one year. We committed almost $5300 from our 2014 annual Stewardship. "The Carpenter's Kids Program is open to all children, regardless of religion. Started in 2005 as a partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of New York, partners now include the Dioceses of Virginia, Atlanta, and Rochester (NY) as well as churches and individuals in California, New Jersey, Long Island (NY), Southern Virginia, Washington, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika is based in the city of Dodoma, in the central region of Tanzania, East Africa. It has about 550,000 members spread across 200 parishes. Initial surveys suggest that there are at least 200 HIV/AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children in a typical parish. Using this estimate, we believe there to be a total number of 40,000 or more HIV/AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children within the Diocese. Without parental support, these children are unable to afford the uniforms and supplies necessary to attend school. They may be ostracized and end up on the street. The aim of the program is to ensure that each "Carpenter's Kid" receives a school uniform, a pair of shoes, and adequate school supplies to enable them to attend primary school. These children will also be provided with breakfast on school days." Partner parishes also send members on "pilgrimages" to their adopted villages, where they assist with a variety of projects including building and water projects. The Carpenter's Kids Program has been tremendously successful and well received. People who have traveled to Tanzania as part of a Pilgrimage describe their trip as life changing. The website has some wonderful videos. Supporting the "4 the Wounded 5K" St. Luke's fielded a run-walk-support team of 18 who participated the "4 the Wounded 5K" Saturday, 7 June 2014 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) |
Diaper Ministry
Under the leadership of our Deacon, Brian Hutcherson and his daughters Kate and Maggie, and in coordination with Love INC, we initiated a diaper ministry whereby the congregation donates diapers, wipes or money to help parents in need. We initially began with two families and 3 children expanding to four families and 8 children. A special thanks to Lou Lamb, Lil Salley, Judy Crosby, Debbie King, and Ashby Kindler for reaching directly to these families and delivering these essential resources. 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. Supporting our Troops and Veterans Troops: We are collecting donations, working with the Blue Star Families of Central Virginia in support of our troops. This organization collects and ships to our Troops serving overseas. For winter boxes going out, warms gloves and hats are appreciated. See the following website http://bsfcv.avenue.org/Suppport%20troops.htm for a list of items . Veterans: In follow up to our Veterans Day Open House, we are collecting for local Veterans, toiletries and gift cards for groceries, gas, and clothing in order to create 1-2 baskets per month. A few parishioners will be making blankets and lap covers as well A basket for both of these opportunities labeled “Veterans Outreach” is in Berberich Hall for your contributions and will be delivered. Any questions, please contact Lou Lamb at bobloulamb@gmail.com |
