Outreach

Outreach is defined as "to reach beyond", "the act of extending services to a wider section of the population, as in community work".  This is exactly what the Outreach Board was created to accomplish.  It was created by the Vestry in the early 1990's to respond to our community, region and world in mission and ministry on behalf of St. John's.  The primary focus of the board has been the distribution of funds designated by the Vestry for outreach. The board identifies projects to involve the congregation in outreach activities.  Outreach can be found throughout the St. John's community as we give our Time, Talent and Treasure to help those in need.

Pennywise

St. John's Pennywise Shop has been in business since 1966.  As part of our Outreach, Pennywise receives donated goods to sell in our store or channel to other not for profit social service agencies. Proceeds from the store are distributed by our Outreach Board each year to local, regional, and international organizations. The store is open 30 hours and week thanks to our manager and dedicated volunteers from our parish and the community. Volunteers assist in sorting and displaying donations and helping customers.

Trinity Sandwich Board

The Trinity Sandwich Board has served the Aurora community for 35 years.  Volunteers from St. John's serve lunch to the homeless and those in need on the first Thursday of February, April, June, August and October and December.  This ministry involves parishioners donating food, preparing the meal at St. John's and then serving the meal at Trinity Episcopal Church in Aurora.

Feed My Starving Children

This non-profit Christian organization is committed to feeding hungry children in both body and spirit.  The approach is simple.  Volunteers hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, which are then shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world.

Hesed House

The Hesed House Meal Ministry of St. John's provides a full dinner and bag lunch four times a year to the clients living and visiting Hesed House, the homeless shelter in Aurora.  Our average costs are $650.00 per meal to feed up to 200 people.  Funding for this ministry is from free-will offerings and fundraising events.

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry:

St. John's has been donating food and money to this pantry for many years.  Loaves and Fishes is located in Naperville where individuals and families in need are able to get food every week.

Revive Ministry Christmas Baskets:

Each year for over 30 years now, St. John's has supported this outreach ministry by "adopting" families in need, seniors and the homeless to provide them with a special Christmas.  Donations include a gift for each family member and a gift card for the purchase of a Christmas dinner.

Youth Mission Trip

The High School and College youth of St. John's have been participating in mission trips since June, 2009.  They have traveled to Minnesota, Mississippi and Kentucky.  The Mission Trip Committee sponsors many fundraisers to help with transportation costs and other various costs for the students and chaperones.

Our parish also supports various other ministries, such as:

  • Life Spring Women’s Center
  • Naperville Police Chaplains
  • Young Life Naperville/Aurora Chapter
  • Episcopal Charities
  • Natural Disaster Relief
  • Holy Family Ministries
  • Interfaith House
  • Diocesan Youth Camp
  • Lawrence Hall
  • All God's Children