SERVE

Serve

Jesus is clear in his call to us to serve each other. “So if I, you Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14). In order to be a beloved community and seek Justice for all, we must continually be learning, praying and acting with our neighbors. Here are a few of our partners that can give you ideas for ways you can learn, pray and act.

Kid’s Hope – a mentoring program for elementary school-aged children in the White Bear Lake School District. We volunteer at two schools tutoring and walking with students who need a companion. Our Kid’s Hope coordinator is Dave Seitz. You may reach him at djseitz@comcast.net or 651-468-5494.

White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf – we collect non-perishable foods and funds for our neighbors experiencing hunger. Volunteers serve at the food shelf packing foods for school-aged children to take home and also shopping for adults at the food shelf site. The WBLAFS has many opportunities to serve in the community. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Rev. Margaret Thor at deacon01@stjohnwilderness.org or 651-324-1086. Pam Hove coordinates in-gathering of food. You may reach Pam at pamhove@comcast.net or 651-247- 0456.

MICAH – Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing meets monthly via Zoom to learn about the needs for affordable housing and to advocate for those experiencing homelessness and housing inadequacy. MICAH lives out the prophetic vision that calls us "to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God". (Micah 6:8). MICAH envisions a metropolitan area where everyone without exception has a safe, decent, accessible, and affordable home. The meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 8:00- 9:30am. The Rev. Margaret Thor and George Gorbatenko at gorby@umn.edu or 651-656- 7759 can give you more information.

Many Faces (one of our newest partners) – The mission of Many Faces, a collaboration of organizations from the greater White Bear Lake Area, is to strengthen community by providing opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and engage in conversations and actions that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. You are invited to check out their website at manyfaceswblarea.org to learn more about our community.

If you are interested in growing our Outreach program, please see the Rev. Margaret Thor or contact her at deacon01@stjohnwilderness.org or 651-324-1086.

WHITE BEAR EMERGENCY FOOD SHELF

Donations are collected to provide non-perishable foods. In addition, St. John’s is responsible for staffing volunteers for every “5th Saturday” at the Food Shelf as food is given to those in need.

Contact:

Pam Hove
pamhove@comcast.net
651.247.0456

GIVING GARDENS

Giving Gardens is an exciting ministry founded and sustained by a member of St. John’s Church. The main thrust of this outreach ministry is to help address food insecurity issues in our community by providing residents with the ability to grow some of their own food. Volunteers help to create raised beds in people’s backyards using donated materials. In exchange, these people donate much of their produce to the hungry of our community. Through this growing and exchange of food, neighbors come to know each other, relationships are established, conversations ensue, and communities are changed for the better. St. John’s has a Giving Gardens plot on its grounds and our youth group volunteers labor to help build and weed raised beds.

Contact:
givinggardnsmn.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity, whose faith-based goal is to build affordable homes. In partnership with other area churches we participate in a one week build in various communities. Several parishioners are involved each year in a project that is overseen by professional Habitat for Humanity staff.

Contact:

George Gorbatenko
gorby@umn.edu
651.216.4125

KIDS HOPE USA

A mentoring program for elementary school children. This is our fourth year at 2 schools in the White Bear Lake district. Several of our parishioners participate in this critical ministry to young people.

Contact:

David Seitz
djseitz@comcast.net
651.468.5494

THE GATHERING

The Gathering, offers fellowship and fun activities while giving respite to caregivers of people with memory loss.

Contact:

Helen Gehrenbeck
hgehrenbeck@yahoo.com
651.246.5832

HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY HOME

Hope for the Journey Home, seeks volunteers to spend time at an overnight shelter for homeless families.

Contact:

Bryan DeSmet
Bdesmet1@yahoo.com
651.494.2555