"I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me
in your homes, naked and you clothed me..." Matthew 25
SERVING others is a large part of our mission. Through our Outreach Team, we gather food for local food pantries, volunteer in soup kitchens, and make runs with the Loaves and Fishes RI truck. We knit hats for newborns and prayer blankets for those who are struggling. We raise money every month for local and global groups that serve those in need. We help to provide duffle bags full of personal items for Rhode Island children in foster care through Bags of Hope. We sponsor children in Honduras, providing the materials they need to get a good education, and helping to make their Christmas celebration joyful.
It seems as though every time we hear about a new opportunity to serve the world God loves, we are ready to go! Come find out more about how you can serve with us, and check out the links below for more information about three of our favorite places to serve!
"Its the people of St. James who keep me coming back. I feel like the people are my extended family---and together we reach out
and help others who are less fortunate than we are. We continue to make a difference and help people in our community. All of
our ministries would not be possible without the caring and giving of my church family." JF
OUR OUTREACH MINISTRIES INCLUDE:
ThriventThrivent, formerly Thrivent for Lutherans, is a financial organization that offers, insurance, annuities, investments, and other financial advice and solutions. Their motto has aways been GENEROSITY, and members are able to access programs to support their communities through Action Teams and Choice Dollars. St. James has benefited through countless grants over the years. |
Loaves & Fishes Rhode Island
Through our partnership with Loaves & Fishes of Rhode Island, we provide food and clothing to historically dis-invested communities via "the truck," which is shared through the Loaves and Fishes organization with other churches in the area. Saint James serves more than 100 meals that we prepare ahead of time, as well as clothing and personal care items, once a month (on the first Sunday). When we aren't using it, other churches might be operating the truck as part of Loaves and Fishes.
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Feed RI
St. James partners with Feed RI (formerly We Share Hope) to provide food and personal care items to people in our community and around the state. With our congregation's support, Feed RI has grown from a small two-person operation, collecting and distributing surplus food from local businesses, into the powerful organization it is today. Feed RI now mantains a permanent location and is supported by committed staff and an active board, alongside their longstanding, dedicated group of volunteers, which includes many of our congregation's members. Saint James has actively supported Feed RI's mission for many years, because we share the belief in the extraordinary positive impact of consistent food security.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island
For the past several years we have partnered with Big Brother Big Sisters of Rhode Island, serving as a collection site for donated clothing and household goods. These items are then sold and the proceeds go to help support the Big Brothers Big Sisters vision of all youth being afforded adequate opportunities to find success and support. This is achieved through the creation and support of one-to-one mentor relationships that can introduce youth to additonal systems of support and opportunities.
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Tap-In
For forty years, Tap-In has been a trusted, volunteer-powered resource for residents of Rhode Island's East Bay. They are dedicated to improving lives by combating food insecurity and economic hardship. Those that need it can access food and essential supplies including children's clothing and transportation to medical appointments. Furniture is even occasionally accepted! Tap-In has always been entirely dependent on donations, grants, and their volunteers, some of which are members at Saint James.
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Christmas in Honduras
This ministry started in 2009 at the urging of a member of our congregation who shared a passion for serving children in poverty. Each year we send funds that are used by Father Midense to purchase gifts for the children and to provide a Christmas party.
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Lutheran World Relief
Lutherans all over the United States contribute to LWR in hopes of ending poverty, injustice and human suffering in East and West Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. Founded at the end of WWII, the organization continues to carry out its mission in the world.
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Lutheran Disaster Response
LDR serves people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the US and around the world. Domestically, this assistance has helped people who have been victims of flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. When such a disaster occurs, the people at St. James are generous with their donations.
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Teddy Bears
The Teddy Bear Project was funded by a grant from Thrivent. Its mission was to provide teddy bears for members and friends who were homebound or hospitalized. Each bear wears a tag that says, This teddy bear has been present in worship services and comes to you with the prayers of the congregation.
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End Hunger New England
We have hosted meal packing events with End Hunger New England. They provide the ingredients and tools and we provide the manpower to pack the meals. Most recently, we packed boxes of mac-and-cheese that are ready for recipients to eat because they only need to "just add hot water." In one day, we packed enough meals to feed 8,000 people.
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SBPerimeter Ride
'This organization helps bring families home after natural disasters. The church helped fund a member's 2023 USA Perimeter Bicycle Ride that raised $361,000 to bring 12 families home to New Orleans after disaster.
www.wpri.com |
Mission of the Month
Each month, St. James selects a cause or organization to support. Weekly offerings are taken and the funds are donated to the charity. Charities range from hospital programs, to national wildlife groups, disaster relief, food for the homeless, Camp Calumet; animal rescue groups, etc.
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