We are passionate about serving others, learning from and with our neighbors, and continuing Jesus’ healing work in the world. Along with relationship-based service opportunities, we also provide grants to local and international organizations.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Wednesday and Saturday evening, 8:00-10:00 p.m. in the basement of the church.
BUILDING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
Established in 2017, Building the Beloved Community (BBC) is a ministry focused on issues of justice and reconciliation. In 2017 we hosted an opioid awareness forum and narcan training; we also read Just Mercy and discussed issues around racial disparities in the criminal justice system. In 2018, we read Evicted and partnered with our local chapter of the United Way to study issues of affordable housing. Plans for 2019 are currently in the works.
SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
Begun in 2017, our Summer Block Party is an opportunity to share joy and love with our surrounding neighbors. Along with games, food, dancing, and a bounce house, representatives from the sheriff’s office, fire department join us. Click here for photos from the 2018 Block Party.
CHURCH-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
In 2017 we formed a partnership with Eva Turner Elementary School, our neighborhood school. There are many ways to get involved:
Reading Buddies—spend 30 minutes each week reading with an assigned buddy
Weekend Backpacks—Volunteers are needed to fill weekend backpacks of food to go home with kids who otherwise have little eat.
Embrace-a-Family—This year we are embracing one family at Eva Turner by providing support, friendship, and other assistance as needed throughout the year.
FARMING 4 HUNGER
Two to three times a year volunteers go to Serenity Farms in Benedict to harvest, pack, and distribute fresh produce to local food banks.
FOOD PANTRY
The Food Pantry is open each Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Volunteers greet clients and pack and distribute food with a smile. People are also needed to help purchase and drop off the groceries at the church. You can also serve by donating food for the pantry.
February and March Donation Focus: cereal, oatmeal, raisins and dried fruit, whole wheat crackers, nuts, and soups and beans.
OUR PLACE SOUP KITCHEN
Winter/Spring 2019 Schedule
Mondays: Feb. 4, Apr. 1
Thursdays: Jan.3, Mar. 7, May 2
Once a month, St. Paul’s cooks and serves dinner at Our Place Soup Kitchen (located at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Waldorf). Volunteers are needed to help set up the dining room, cook the meal, serve the meal, and clean up.
RELAY FOR LIFE
Every June, St. Paul’s raises money and “walks the track” to benefit the American Cancer Society. Volunteers are needed to assist in the annual “Ledo’s Night” that helps to raise funds for our team.
SAFE NIGHTS
Hosted in conjunction with Lifestyles of Maryland, Safe Nights provides overnight shelter to individuals and families who lack permanent housing. Volunteers help prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provide evening activities for adults and children. St. Paul’s is a host the first week of January.
WALK TO END HOMELESSNESS
Annual fundraiser and walk in downtown La Plata benefitting the Safe Nights Winter Shelter.
