Ministries
Bible Study
Every Tuesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. we meet to study the weekly scripture readings via Google Meet. This Lent Lynne Kozlowski is leading us in a program, designed by the SSJE, on The Lord's Prayer. Please email Lynne Kozlowski if you'd like to join us!
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 importnatly, 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 plan to host a Field Trip on Friday, July 7 . (date subject to change, stay tuned!) This coming summer, as some of the site buildings need renovations, we will be serving at St. Stephen's in the South End. We hope to be sharing the Field Trip with CHS and will know soon!
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, Cassidy and Caroline are volunteering at Cradles to Crayons in Newton, sorting girls clothing that will go to children in need.
Below, our Church School kids made beautiful Valentine cards for family members and St. John's our homebound elders! Our next project will be making easy-tie fleece blankets that can be distributed by our high school youth on the CityReach overnight in March!
Classes in March will be as follows:
March 5th: K-5th grade, Middle School
March 12th: K- 5th grade
March 19th: K- 5th grade, High School
March 26: K- 5th grade
On Saturday, March 4th, 8:45- 11:45 a.m., our Middle School youth are invited to volunteer at the Norwood Food Pantry. Please email Emily if you can join us! High School youth will be participating in the CityReach overnight on March 10 -11. (see details in nearby column). In the photo below you can see some of the participants at our small but lively bowling party at Ron's in Hyde Park on Saturday, February 11th. The youth who attended didn't make this photo as they had to return to a swimming competition. Our guests from Ecclesia Ministries had a great time and loved the homemade ice cream!
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, April 3. 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, April 12. We still need a couple more volunteers. Please 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!