Outreach Ministries

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KATERI MEDICAL CLINICS-NIGERIA

St. John’s has a continuing relationship with Kateri Medical mission. Recently, the Vestry voted to approve a $3,000 grant to support the critical work they do. Founded as a mission outreach of Trinity Episcopal Church, Tariffville, CT to provide simple, decent and affordable medical care in three Anglican Dioceses in the Anglican Church of Nigeria, to people who cannot afford it. Father Tom Furrer retired as Rector of Trinity in 2016 and has dedicated his time and leadership as he continues as President. Kateri opened their third clinic in April, 2018 in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Kafanchan, The Arthur and Esther Bradley Memorial Anglican Hospital in Gidan Waya. Their fourth clinic was expected to open in Gusau, in partnership with the Diocese of Gusau. The organization’s goal is to have 10 clinics open and serving people by 2025.

BRIAN DAGLE FOUNDATION

The Brian T. Dagle Foundation, established by Ann and Paul Dagle in the aftermath of their son Brian’s suicide several years ago, provides grief counseling, support services and other outreach programs in East Lyme schools and in other communities. St. John’s donates the use of our spacious property for parking for participants in their annual fundraiser, a 5-K run on the morning of the Niantic Light Parade. For more information and resources regarding mental health please contact the Dagle Foundation which is located just steps from the church.

Miracle League of Southeastern CT

St. John’s partners with The Miracle League of Southeastern CT as Venue Host of its Oyster Festival fundraiser. Miracle League of Southeastern CT, an independent affiliate of The Miracle League of Connecticut is dedicated to providing recreational facilities to children with physical and cognitive challenges. St. John’s Rogers Field was provided for the Oyster Festival.

CARE AND SHARE PARTNERS

At Thanksgiving time, St. John’s sponsors local families through Care and Share. Thanksgiving basket donation bins are located in the slype.

12-STEP RECOVERY MEETINGS

St. John’s is a host site for Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. These 12-step meetings meet in our parish hall and Guild room each week.

SHORELINE SOUP KITCHENS AND PANTRIES

Weekly since 2013, we have shared our building and volunteered with The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries (SSKP) as a faith-based food pantry site. For more information about all the ways that this organization helps our community, please visit their website at www.shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

NEW LONDON COMMUNITY MEAL CENTER

For over 35 years we have shared our time, talent and treasures by purchasing food, preparing, and serving dinner every 3rd Sunday of the month at the New London Community Meal Center, 12 Montauk Ave., New London. A team of four volunteers from St. John’s prepares the meal from 2:30 – 4:30pm, and another team of 10 serves the meal from 4:30 – 6:15pm. We also have a team of two people taking turns buying the food needed at Costco each month. Christie Hayes and Chester Fairlie are longtime leaders who welcome and train first-time volunteers throughout the year. Call the church office at 860-739-2324 for more information or sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office.

SAFE FUTURES

At Christmas and throughout the year, St. John's collect new clothing and household items for Safe Futures in New London. Safe Futures supports families in crisis. Read more about their important work at https://safefuturesct.org.

BAGS OF HOPE

We collect items and donate to Bags of Hope-CT, an organization dedicated to helping children in the foster system in Connecticut. Bags of Hope provides monogrammed duffle bags filled with comfort items for children in local foster care. Many children in foster care carry their personal belongings in a trash bag as they move throughout the system. Bags of Hope replaces those trash bags with personalized duffel bags. Read their story and mission here https://www.bagsofhopene.org.