The word minister in the Latin means ‘servant’. In baptism, we believe that persons are fully initiated by water and by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the church. So the work that we do as members of Christ’s body is a response to our baptismal call and a service to Christ in the church and in the world around us.
The people of St. John’s are involved in a variety of ministries and activities that represent a major part of the life of our church. As a vital congregation there are many opportunities to engage in a variety of activities.
Currently St. John’s local outreach efforts are focused on providing food and meals for needy families in the Lockport community. In addition, at Christmas time the church collaborates with another local church and our local Department of Children & Family Services, to sponsor a project that helps ensure that children in need have presents for the holidays.
Other Outreach activities which regularly involve St. John’s include:
- Supporting FISH Food Pantry (the local pantry which is able to provide items not supplied by our micro-pantry)
- Supporting Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) by monetary donations
- Angel Ministry: This cold-weather initiative provides hats, gloves, new socks, and scarves, as well as some basic hygiene items to those in need. Bins are set out at the church, Lockport Public Library, and Lockport Police Department. The community is encouraged to take what they need, and donate what they can.
- Supporting recovery groups: We support HA (Heroin Anonymous) and are open to other recovery groups who need a location for their meetings
- Providing (as we have available) gift cards to local grocery stores and other businesses
- Prayer Shawls: Our knitters and crocheters are busy creating lap robes and prayer shawls for those in need. These are blessed by clergy, and are available to anyone who is in need of the comfort of these garments.