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, including Episcopal Relief & Development, Meals on Wheels, and Lifestyles of Maryland.
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.
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Begun in 2017, our free Community Festival 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, mobile library join us. Click here for photos from the 2018 party. This year’s Fall Festival will take place Saturday, October 19, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
CHURCH-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
In 2017 we formed a partnership with Eva Turner Elementary School, our neighborhood school. Along with providing school supplies twice a year and supporting students and teachers throughout the yearThere 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.
Breakfast Crew—Several times a year we provide breakfast to the hard-working faculty and staff the school.
Christmas Dinner—In conjunction with ETE staff, we help host an annual Christmas dinner and toy workshop.
FARMING 4 HUNGER
Twice a year we go to Serenity Farms in Benedict to harvest, pack, and distribute fresh produce to local food banks. The next service date is Saturday, July 27, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch, sunscreen, and water with you.
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.
OUR PLACE SOUP KITCHEN
2019-2020 Schedule
Mondays: Oct. 7, Dec. 3, Feb.3 , Apr. 6,
Thursdays: Sep. 5, Nov. 7 , Jan. 2, Mar. 5, May 7
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. This is a perfect activity for children and adults.
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.