SERVICE TO OTHERS
As Christians we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
Just inside the doors closest to the parking lot is a small food pantry. The food pantry includes some food items as well as personal hygiene items and cleaning products. We are always collecting items for this Local Food Pantry - of particular need are personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Contact the office or Pastor Katie for access to the pantry.
Alongside the parking lot is a small community garden. Free of pesticides and full of good food, the garden is open to any who would like to care for the plants or enjoy the harvest! The garden usually includes tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs. Learn more here!
We are one of over 8,900 congregations participating in “God’s work. Our hands.” On the second Sunday of September, across the country, thousands of ELCA members will engage in service work to make a positive change in our communities, build and deepen relationships and share God’s love. Join us as we do God’s work with our hands! Learn more here.
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Harvest Street Mission is a Sunday Lunch Ministry for the homeless on the Northside of Pittsburgh. We gather with the homeless people to serve and be in fellowship with one another. St John hosts 1-2 meals per year. By providing this meal, it fills a gap for many living on the streets of Northside and downtown that may not otherwise eat. In addition to supporting a meal, St. John collects necessities for those served by Harvest Street Mission. Learn more here.
We are excited to help support our local quilters as they assemble quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Making Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilts is a tangible way to express love to our neighbors in need. Quilts can be used as warm bedding, simple tents or floor coverings. Each one reflects God's loving presence in a world rife with suffering. Learn more about Lutheran World Relief quilts here.
In addition to serving with our time and talents, St. John serves with its money. A Mission Endowment Committee distributes earned interest from an endowment fund to local, national, and international ministries. Additionally, each quarter, St. John collects a special offering for a local ministry partner. Funds are passed directly to the selected mission.