Community Outreach
Responding to human need by loving service and seeking to transform unjust structures of society are two of the Five Marks of Mission adopted as priorities by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2009.
St. James offers parishioners a number of opportunities in which to be actively involved supporting these mission priorities. Church missions receive grants, with Vestry approval, based on review of grant proposals, site visits, and opportunities for participation.
A Day to Give Back is an annual event in the fall providing opportunities for all ages to participate in activities that will directly benefit persons in need. This year, we are partnering once again with Rise Against Hunger (see banner image, above) to package inexpensive meals with that are full of protein and grains. These meals have a 2-year shelf-life. Rise Against Hunger sends them out as needed to make a very real difference to people around the world who otherwise do not know when they would eat again.
Community
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of extraordinary challenges. Even so, during this time of uncertainty and need for so many, St. James is working with several community partners to make sure that we are providing help and hope to those who are deeply vulnerable right now — see links below for opportunities to serve and to give!
Bound Together, Pontiac
Bound Together, an after-school tutoring and nutrition non-profit for children in Pontiac grades 1-6, has been designated an emergency food site during the COVID-19 crisis in conjunction with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency. Currently, Bound Together is distributing food to children in Pontiac at its home site at All Saints Episcopal Church, 171 W. Pike, on a MWF schedule from 4-5 PM. Parents/guardians need only tell us how many children they have, no questions asked, and we distribute 7 days of breakfast, lunch, two snacks + milk.
Here's what's needed right now:
1. Volunteers. Shifts run from 3:30 -- 5:30 each program day. Sign up here! Gloves and hand sanitizer are currently available and we encourage you to wear your mask at all times. Guidelines for safety and social distancing are being observed, as mandated by the state and the Bishop.
2. Food donations. We have been cleared by our agency partners to offer food to families in addition to the meals from OLHSA. We are now able to accept either cash or in-kind donation of non-perishable food in unbreakable containers, with an emphasis upon protein and family-friendly items (think meat-based pasta sauce, shelf-stable milk, tuna, other canned meat, peanut butter, canned veggies/fruit/beans, pasta/rice.) You may donate online either by designating a gift through St. James, or directly to BT by clicking here. For in-kind donation: please call Michele at 248-875-5768.
3. Educational materials. We know that many of our families do not have access to needed technology, and therefore online learning platforms are not within reach. We are seeking graded workbook/activity books, children’s literature, and games to offer our families for enrichment now and in the coming summer months to help bridge the gap and keep our kids learning! You may donate online either by designating a gift through St. James, or directly to BT by clicking here. For in-kind donation: please call Michele at 248-875-5768.
4. Grocery bags. Some of our food items come to us w/out a means to carry easily -- and many of our guests come to us without transportation, and so are carrying things home. Plastic and paper bags are welcome, and there is a drop-off container for donations at St. James that will be delivered to us at All Saints.
Community Breakfast at All Saints Episcopal, Pontiac
St. James is supporting the Community Breakfast Program at All Saints-Pontiac by preparing sandwiches for delivery on a weekly basis. This program feeds the most vulnerable in Pontiac with kindness and a meal every Saturday morning from 8-10, and support from St. James means that there is lunch as well as breakfast for our guests. Please find more info and a sign up here to be a part of this crucial ministry.
Micah 6 Community
Micah 6 is a community in Pontiac working with its neighbors to address local needs such as food, housing, after-school activities, networking, and spiritual connection.
Additional community partners include:
Baldwin Center
Pontiac-based, the Baldwin Center feeds, clothes, educates and empowers those in need. St. James volunteers serve meals to homeless and low income residents, and collect food and clothing to support the work of the Baldwin Center. The youth of St. James participate in a day of service for Martin Luther King, Jr. at this community agency to honor his words of inspiration and encouragement.
Micah 6 Community
Micah 6 is a community in Pontiac working with its neighbors to address local needs such as food, housing, after-school activities, networking, and spiritual connection.
South Oakland Shelter
A rotating emergency program for homeless persons, SOS engages 60 partner congregations from Oakland County churches. St. James volunteers work with the First Baptist Church of Birmingham to prepare meals and provide other services during the week selected.
Santa's Helpers
Parishioners provide food and gifts to families selected from area human service organizations such as LA SED, Lighthouse, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, and the Township of Royal Oak Recreation Center. Our “elves” assemble the generous gifts and load and drive their vehicles to deliver our packages to the various agencies. Close to 200 individuals served by our partner agencies experience the caring of Christmas.