Missions

“Serving as Christ’s hands and heart in St. John’s County and beyond…”

We are so blessed by the giving nature of this community. Nothing is impossible!  Here are some of our many ministries:

St. Patrick’s Garden

Currently we have 12 4′X8′ raised planting boxes and a composting area. We are growing seasonal organic vegetables to provide fresh nourishing food to the less fortunate. We appreciate your kitchen compost and yard waste if it hasn’t been treated with chemicals. If you would like to assist with the garden, see Cathy Guevarra.

Angel Tree

During November and early December we receive names of children in our Feed My Lambs program. Our angel tags are on a tree. The tags record gift requests. You pick an angel, purchase and wrap the gift attaching the angel as a gift tag and return it to the tree. We thus make sure that these needy should receive a gift in Jesus’ name every Christmas.

Backpacks/Totes for School

In conjunction with the Feed My Lambs program, each July-August we fill school supply bags for the disadvantaged children at Crookshank Elementary. Teachers give us supply lists and how many bags will be needed and we fill them. It means a lot to the children and parents alike to know their kids will start school on an equal footing with those who are more fortunate.

Cuba and Peru Missions

We have a sister parish, La Transfiguracion, in Cuba. Father Evelio is their pastor. Occasionally parishioners are able to travel there to get to know the folks there and to share our passions, successes, needs and worship. When possible, Father Evelio and some of his parishioners make a visit here.  Recently we have begun a similar relationship with folks in Peru.  Watch for more information about this new ministry.

ERD: Bringing healing to a hurting world

Episcopal Relief and Development, through your generosity, makes it possible for people to feed their families, earn more income, and move from poverty to prosperity. ERD also responds in time of crisis to disasters all around the world, ensuring that people had the immediate assistance they needed as well as long-term support to rebuild their lives and communities. Partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development is evidence of our strong commitment to serve others in Jesus’ name.

Feed My Lambs

Each month St. Patrick’s Church and Church of Our Saviour (COOS), buy and deliver groceries to approximately 50 families whose children attend Crookshank Elementary School in West St. Augustine. This program is unique because we deliver the food directly to each family and spend some time catching up on their school and other activities. We take along treats, or books, warm jackets, and other items depending upon the time of year. This program helps to give these families a helping hand at the end of each month when things are the toughest financially. School personnel have verified that “our lambs” are better behaved and doing better in their studies because of this feeding program. We can always feed more families, so we always need more people willing to “shop for our lambs”. You may choose to fill a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or combination bag each month (or all 4 if you choose to!). You could also volunteer to go with our delivery team. Delivery is usually the 4th Saturday of the month.

Michele Perry, Missionary to Sudan

St. Patrick’s supports the work of Michele Perry. Michele is aligned with Iris Minitries in Sudan.This is a war torn area and Michele ministers to the orphans and other children at risk for exploitation because of poverty, displacement, sickness, or violence. so they can be integrated into the community upon adulthood. Through Michele’s ministry the children will experience love, Michele’s and God’s, learn about God’s Word, and receive healing and restoration.

Operation Christmas Child

. Each October-November, we participate in Operation Christmas Child. This project packs “shoeboxes” full of goodies to be distributed to children around the world. In the past our boxes have gone to Africa, Afghanistan, the Baltic, and Asia. We enclose notes and sometimes even receive replies from the children who receive our gifts.

United Thank Offering (UTO)

The UTO is a women’s ministry sponsored mission of the Episcopal Church. Women, men and children give daily thanks to God for their blessings, by twice a year filling their little blue boxes. These contributions throughout the year raise $2 – $3 million every year in the Episcopal Church for domestic and international projects. Over 100 grants are awarded each year for buses, pre-school projects, food banks, clinics, etc, anything that will help the church spread Christ’s message throughout the year. Our offerings are made in the spring and fall of each year, on the Sunday we affectionately call “Noisy Sunday” when we fill our buckets with offerings.

Even with all these activities, we still feel called to do more. What is your passion?