Food Ministry at St. John's
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-53), sometimes we
see Jesus most clearly when we are sharing a meal. Perhaps this is why, as
Lutherans who center our communal life around font and table, we embrace
feeding ministries. Not only do such endeavors feed our community, but as we
participate in them, we encounter God. If you are unsure about what you can
do, here is a list of ongoing social ministry efforts that focus on food.
Churches United Shelter
On the 18th and 19th of EVERY month, St. John’s prepares and serves dinner
at Churches United Shelter. You don’t have to be able to cook—you could
provide items like butter or juice. There is always a sign up sheet in the
narthex. If you’d like more information, contact either the Rev. David
Stewart (265.6897) or Ed Slattery (254.1750), volunteer co-chairs.
The Connection Cafe
In conjunction with the other three Bridge churches (St. Ambrose, St. Paul’s
and 1st United Methodist), St. John’s serves lunch to the homeless and
low-income population downtown every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and
Saturday! You may volunteer to prepare sandwiches, serve the lunch, or
provide the supplies. This is a great activity for groups (book clubs,
families, scout troops, etc.) as well as for individuals or ministry teams.
For more information, call Rob Hoover at • 771-1481 or email him at
theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com.
Iowa Homeless Youth
On the second Thursday of EVERY month, the Rainbow Ministry Team coordinates
meal preparers and servers for homeless teenagers. This meal is served at
the YWCA on 7th and Grand. Contact Bruce Remmey (222.1286) for further
details.
Des Moines Food Pantry
In partnership with other congregations in the Des Moines Area Religious
Council (DMARC), St. John’s collects dry food items for families in need in
our city. We’ve been collecting these items on the second Sunday of every
month, but intend to leave the grocery carts out EVERY SUNDAY from now on.
You may also write a check to the Food Pantry, and the staff there will
purchase items from a warehouse in bulk. Faithful volunteers helping include
Will and Maddie Parmeter, Anita Shodeen, and Charlie Torjesen.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of opportunities to serve. In fact,
there are many, many different ways you can reach out to our neighbors. If
you are looking for an opportunity to tutor or mentor youth, support
families who are getting off welfare, advocate for just legislation, contact
the church office at 243.7691.
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