Ministries
Bible Study
Every Tuesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. we meet to study the weekly scripture readings. You can join us in person in the Conference Room, OR join via Google Meet. Please email Lynne if you'd like to join us! You can always fidn the link in our weekly email.
Contact Lynne Kozlowski
lynne.kozlowski@gmail.com
CityReach Program in Boston
On March 10 -11, six of our high school youth attended the CityReach overnight to learn about
homelessness from folks who have experienced it. On Friday evening we heard many stories about how unhoused people survive in Boston, and on Saturday, from 9am - Noon, we will provided lunch, hot drinks, lots of warm clothing, and perhaps most importantly, kind listening and conversation.
Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, we donated an abundance of clothing and toiletries! On Sunday, March 19, some of our youth will share their experiences with the congregation. We have had a long -term (over 20 year!) relationship with Ecclesia Ministries, and believe that consistent, relational ministry is much more important that "one-shot" experiences. Hence, we invite members of Ecclesia out to us each year for bowling in the winter and a Hale picnic in summer. We also provide a monthly lunch, along with Epiphany, Walpole. If you'd like to learn more about Ecclesia Ministries, check out their website:
B-Safe summer program
For many years we have supported the B-SAFE program for elementary school kids from Mattapan at our partner parish, Church of the Holy Spirit. This summer we will provide groceries for 60 families on Thursday, July 6, and will host a Field Trip on Friday, July 7 . This coming summer, as some of the site buildings, including CHS, will have renovations, we will be serving at St. Stephen's in the South End. We will be sharing the Field Trip with CHS and will keep you posted!
B-SAFE is run by the St. Stephen's Youth Programs at several Episcopal parishes in underserved neighborhoods of Boston. If you would like to learn more about the B-SAFE program, please check out this website: http://www.ssypboston.org If you have any questions:
Children's & Youth Ministry
Above: Middle and High Dchool youth serving at Epiphany School in Dorchester!
Below: on the left, our kids are greeting Jesus with their palms, and earlier, dyeing eggs at the Path to Easter Program. To the right, our acolytes on Easter Day!
Classes in May:
May 7: K-5 and High School
May 14: K -5
May 21: K-5
On Saturday, May 7, our Middle School youth volunteered at the Norwood Food Pantry.
On Wednesday, May 17, High School youth prepared supper at Epiphany School in Dorchester. We had a full team of 8 helpers and had a great time preparing both dinner and breakfast for the Ephipany students. In the fall Epiphany will resume family-style meals and we will get to have more interaction with the kids. This is a wonderful outreach opportunity!
Below is a photo of our youth after their presentation on the CityReach overnight.
Contact Emily Sugg
youth.minister@stjohnswestwood.org
Feeding Ministries
Oasis Ministries –we provide a monthly hot dinner to approximately 60 homeless neighbors at Old West Church in Boston one Monday a month. We deliver lasagna, salad, fresh fruit & cookies. Please contact Jane: jane.kaveney@gmail.com, if you would like to be involved by either cooking or purchasing a 11 x 14" tray of lasagna, or providing fresh oranges or bananas, and cookies! Our next dinner will delivered on Monday, June 5. Please reach out to Jane if you want to be part of this wonderful ministry.
Ecclesia Ministries outreach – This year we are continuing to provide sandwiches and fresh fruit once a month, with the help of Epiphany, Walpole. Thanks to all who have been involved! Homeless women and men in Boston need our assistance, and Ecclesia is grateful that we are continuing to help out! Our next delivery date will be Wednesday, June 14. You can sign up on the Google doc or email Emily at: youth.minister@stjohnswestwood.org if you'd like to participate! Thank you!
Westwood Food Pantry - Please help fill our designated shelf in the narthex with healthy, non-perishable food items or cleaning products. We would always welcome more volunteers to help make a monthly delivery to the Council on Aging, 60 Nahatan St. in Westwood. Many thanks! There is just as much need during summer months as during the rest of the year. Thank you in advance for helping!