Outreach at St. John the Divine: Answering Christ’s Call

“Feed My Sheep”: A Mandate for Every Season

The story in John 21 is not just a historical account; it serves as a living invitation. Jesus stands on the shore, preparing a meal for His disciples after a miraculous catch of fish. In a moment filled with grace and purpose, He asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responds, “Yes,” and Jesus replies, “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep.”

This exchange isn’t just for Peter. It’s Christ’s enduring charge to us at St. John the Divine: Our love for Him is measured by our care for others.

Our Junior Warden Discusses St. John’s Outreach Program.

Why Outreach Matters

Outreach isn’t merely a program; it’s the heartbeat of the Gospel. Jesus’ parables and miracles consistently point us beyond ourselves, to the hungry, the stranger, the marginalized. In Matthew 25, He reminds us that serving “the least of these” is serving Him.

At St. John the Divine, we’ve long embraced this call through initiatives like:

• Thanksgiving Dinners (a cherished tradition we hope to revive)
• Trunk or Treat (building bridges with our community)
• Partnerships with Love Inc., TLC Hospitality Center, El Amor de Patricia (Guatemala), and more.

Yet the needs around us are ever-present, and so is our opportunity to respond.

Our Vision: Intentional, Impactful Outreach

To deepen our witness, we’re embracing a sustainable approach:

• Prayerful Giving
  • Seed Funds: Ongoing campaigns designed to kickstart specific projects, such as providing school supplies or disaster relief.
  • Outreach Pledges: In addition to annual stewardship, these contributions ensure ongoing support for our mission partners.
• Tangible Connections
  • We focus on building relationships with organizations that create a positive impact, such as funding bunk beds for children’s safety in Guatemala or providing backpacks to local students. Knowing who we’re helping enhances our generosity.
• Every Member’s Role
  • Give: Please consider contributing to seed funds or making outreach pledges as you are able.
  • Serve: Consider joining the Outreach Committee or volunteering for our events.
  • Advocate: Please suggest any new partners or needs you have identified in our community.

The Question That Guides Us

A pastor once asked, “If our church were to vanish tomorrow, would anyone outside these walls notice?” At St. John the Divine, we strive to answer “Yes!”—not for accolades, but because Christ’s love compels us..

As seasons change and needs evolve, one truth endures: When we feed His sheep, we encounter Christ Himself.

Next Steps

• Discover our current outreach partners by contacting the office or visiting our bulletin board.
• Reflect on how God is inviting you to get involved.
• Please be generous when distributing seed fund envelopes.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Where We Give Our Outreach Time and Money

We will update this list as needed.

Love, Inc.

Christian Wilson from Love Inc. spoke to us about their efforts to assist individuals in our community.