St. John’s offers many opportunities for service to the community, its members, Americans and those around the world who are in need. 

ST. JOHN'S WOMEN OF THE

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Purpose Statement

“As a community of women, created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.”

EVERY WOMAN IN OUR CHURCH

IS A MEMBER OF

ST. JOHN’S WOMEN OF THE ELCA

St. John’s Women of the Church have been involved with the church since its beginning. The church was founded in 1857 and the woman’s organization was called Ladies Aid or the Fravenverein. Their purpose was to promote the spirit of benevolence, to minister to the sick and needy, to help in the decorations of the church, to foster the social life of its members, to interest the members in missions, and in general, to render to the congregation such service as was in its power. In 1933, the name of the organization became the Ladies Aid and Missionary Society. Merging with the Altar Guild in 1945, they became Women of the Church forming 10 individual circles (or groups).

This name stayed the same until 1961 when it became American Lutheran Church Women (or ALCW). Their purpose statement was: “There is a place for individuality and a place for being together in a united witness. There is room for differences of opinion, room for various degrees of commitment and persuasion. An ALCW is one who likes and accepts herself and others. We have all been given glimpses, insights, awareness, and sensitivities to God, which manifest themselves in different ways and for different purposes. We are together—ALCW—WOMEN IN MINISTRY.”

In 1988, when the Lutheran church merged, we became the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran in America (WELCA) abiding by the purpose statement above.

Click on the following link for more information about the Women of the ELCA.

www.womenoftheelca.org

Meetings

General Meetings – 2nd Thursday each month
In Pioneer Room – 9:30 am social 10:00 am meeting

Circle Meetings

Hannah Circle
Fourth Tuesday 9:30 am, in home

Miriam Circle
3rd Thursday 7:30 pm in homes


BENEVOLENCE

Our major benevolence is not money but with items of need. Every year, the Women of St. John’s collects items for different kits to be sent to third-world countries.   We ask the entire congregation to participate.   Anyone wishing to help may do so by bringing items to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 502 E. Nueva or by calling for a pickup at 223-2611. For further information on these kits, please visit the links provided. 

HEALTH KITS

http://www.lwr.org/parish/healthkit.asp

SCHOOL KITS

http://www.lwr.org/parish/schoolkit.asp

SEWING KITS

http://www.lwr.org/parish/sewing.asp

LAYETTE KITS

http://www.lwr.org/parish/layettes.asp

For further information, please visit the following link for Lutheran World Relief.

www.lutheranworldrelief.org

SAN ANTONIO METROPOLITAN MINISTRY

The San Antonio Metropolitan Ministry is a ministry to the homeless. Formed in 1983, SAMM provides emergency and transitional shelter and services to people in need, helping them with crisis intervention, long-term stabilization and achievement of self-sufficiency. The SAMM Center, SAMM’s Community Ministries Center, Dwyer Avenue overflow shelter and SAMM Housing Corporation provide a continuum of care models designed to help people of the poverty cycle permanently.  The mission of SAMM is to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless by offering shelter, housing and services with dignity and compassion. At the same time SAMM provides opportunities for volunteers to be nurtured as they serve.  St. John’s Lutheran Church members volunteer once a month at the SAMM Shelter which is located at 301 South Frio, San Antonio, 78207. 

For more information, click on the following links:

SAMM

Donate


CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE MINISTRY

With the help of 7 full-time and two part-time staff members and 300 volunteers, The Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) assists 120 homeless and low-income families each day with food, clothing, some financial aid, counseling, budget training, and referrals to other agencies. Over 48,500 individuals were assisted in 2003! Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 110 McCullough, 223-4099.

In February 2002, CAM started a new program targeted at the unemployable homeless who wander the streets in the daytime because they have nowhere else to go. The CAM Day Center is the first of its kind in San Antonio. Thanks to a facility provided by San Antonio First Baptist Church, CAM is able to offer shelter from the weather, laundry and shower facilities, a library, TV with VCR, as well as a central location for representatives from area agencies to meet with clients. An average of 55 guests visit the center on a daily basis. Thirty volunteers are needed each week to check in clients and serve as floor hosts. The Day Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 212 N. Alamo, 223-7461.

CAM opened a satellite on the grounds of University United Methodist Church in January 2002. With the help of 15 volunteers a week and a part-time social worker, CAM provides much of the same services as the 110 McCullough location—food, clothing, and some financial aid. Approximately 3,000 individuals were assisted in 2003. Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 5084 DeZavala, 697-5771.

Bible studies are led by volunteers at 8:30 a.m. for our clients in the CAM Chapel at 110 McCullough. Money management classes are also held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for clients receiving financial assistance. Each August, CAM gives uniform and shoe vouchers and school supplies to San Antonio’s needy children. CAM was able to assist over 700 children last year thanks to all who donated funds for the program.

For more information, click on the following links:

Christian Assistance Ministry

Volunteer opportunities

CHRISTIAN SENIOR SERVICES

Christian Senior Services began in the large kitchen of St. John's Lutheran Church under the leadership of Pastor Maurice Gold. This organization cooks meals for the neighbors in our community who would probably go hungry if not for them. Today Meals on Wheels under the auspices of Christian Senior Services does just that in an even bigger capacity than when St. John's had the program at the church. Located in the old Wyatt's Cafeteria on Babcock and Loop 410, they cook and deliver over 2,400 meals a day. 

For more information, click on the following link:

Christian Senior Services

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

St. John's is once again participating in the San Antonio Habitat for Humanity build and we have made it our major service project for this 150th anniversary year.  St. John's along with thirteen other Lutheran churches of the South Texas Lutheran Cluster will sponsor a full house build for a deserving family. 

For more information on Habitat for Humanity in San Antonio, click on the link below.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS NEEDED

St. John's is in need of Eucharistic Ministers to visit and take communion to our homebound members.  At the present time, we have 69 members and friends of St. John's on our home/nursing home communion list.  While we deeply appreciate those who are presently serving as Eucharistic Ministers, we need many more to carry on this very important ministry of our congregation. 

Please prayerfully consider whether this call for help is providing Holy Communion to our homebound is God's call to you to become a Eucharistic Minister.  Pastor Bob Braun will be available to answer any questions.  A special training session for new Eucharistic Ministers will be scheduled soon.

If you have one of the home communion kits in your possession and you are not currently communing someone on a regular basis, please return it to the church office or to the Sacristy as soon as possible.