Missions & Outreach
News & Upcoming Events
Harvest Pack Event ~ December 4th 2022
Thank you:
Many families and individuals of all ages have been a part of each Harvest Pack event at St. Mary’s. Thank You to all of you volunteers and donors! These events would not be possible without your hard work and dedication. The food shelves are in need and boxes of oatmeal from our event will be delivered to Joyce, CES, and Simpson Pantry. CES uses one box of oatmeal per day.
Update From December’s Event:
It was a beautiful Sunday with over 50 volunteers assembling and packing 15,100 meals of oatmeal in the two hours following Divine Liturgy. St. Mary’s volunteers even exceeded our goal by 100 meals. By the grace of God, it is a blessing for the food shelves. There are many asking for food as they run low or out of food after exhausting all other sources.
Many volunteers made comments of gratitude for the opportunity, “I wanted to give something back.” Or, “we always enjoy this event and the people that volunteer here.” Your efforts will help Joyce Uptown Food Shelf, CES (Community Emergency Services), Simpson House, FOCUS, and Every Meal (especially for their Summer Program to ensure children have food). As of June 15, all our meals are with food shelves. The food shelf staffs tell us “Our clients love to see these meals.”
“Share Your Shelf” Weekly Program
Thank you St. Mary’s parishioners for your generous donations to our weekly food shelf collections.
February’s Recipient: Simpson Food Pantry
Food Shelf Needs:
- Pancake Mix & Syrup
- Hygiene Items
Please do not bring any opened packages as they will be discarded.
The need is even greater now than ever as food insecurity in our community continues to skyrocket. You can bring bags of packaged or canned food to St. Mary’s during weekday business hours, or on Sunday mornings prior to the Divine Liturgy. We also have a collection box for monetary donations to help food shelves purchase needed food items. Checks should be made out to “St. Mary’s” with “Share Your Shelf” in the memo line.
2021 Highlights
Thank you St. Mary’s for your generous support in 2021!
Together we:
- Packaged 20,000 meals for local food shelves through Harvest Pack
- Served 210 meals at Metro Hope / Healing House
- Collected 1,500 pounds of food for St. Stephens, Joyce, CES, and Share YourShelf
- Donated $1,400 for Simpson House to purchase three nights of meals
- Delivered 4,000 pounds, that’s two full pallets, of water to St. Stephen’s
- Raised over $10,000 for Bishop Neofitos during Missions Sunday
About Missions & Outreach and Getting Connected
These organizations bring to life our Parish’s Vision: Hear, Pray, Grow, Serve and Share
The Missions & Outreach group also provides guidance to newcomers who want to learn more about St. Mary’s and the Orthodox faith.
To get connected and find volunteer opportunities, stop by the Welcome & Information table in the Great Hall after Sunday Liturgy, or email the office to be put in touch with Missions & Outreach.
Featured Photos
Committee Members
Larry Dunham, Chair
Alex Schatz, Treasurer
Maria Smith, Board Liaison
Fr. Jason Houck
Cheryl Dragotis
Ina Dunham
William Fazio
Terri Leckas
Bob Kennedy
Hope Kennedy
Tia Muchulas
Don Shipp