Outreach Projects

OUTREACH PROJECTS

Each month, St. John's, through the help of the outreach committee and congregation, participates in an outreach project. The purpose of these projects is to help those in need within the community as well as those that are not located in this community. As Jesus said, "It is more Blessed to give than to receive."

December 2022 Outreach Project – Help A Family in Need from Indian Hollow Elementary School Celebrate Christmas

Our December Outreach is providing gifts for a family at Indian Hollow Elementary School. A list of items for each child is listed below.
Please give any monetary donations to Amy Maphis, Doug Williams or Pastor Sonya. If you prefer to purchase items yourself, please let them know so we can update the list for items purchased.

Child #1 - Boy, age 8

Shirt and Hoodies Size: Boys 10/12
Pant Size: Boys 10/12
Shoe size: Boys 3
Wants: Pokemon cards; Likes: Pokemon, Spiderman, and Baby Yoda

Child #2 - Boy, age 15

Shirt Size: Men's Medium
Hoodies Size: Men's Large
Pant Size: Boys 16
Shoe Size: Men's 9
Wants: Likes to bake - so supplies to make cookies and cakes etc.
Needs: Both long and short sleeve shirts

Child #3 - Boy, age 17

Shirt and Hoodies Size: Men's Large
Pant Size: Men's 28x30
Shoe Size: Men's 10
Wants: Walmart gift card
Needs: Hoodies, Jeans and Shoes

Thank you for helping provide a wonderful Christmas to those in need!

November 2022 Outreach Project - Collect New Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Gloves, Mittens, and Hats (Men’s, Women’s and Children’s) for CCAP

Help us share the warmth of God’s love through donations of new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats (men’s, women’s and children’s) for CCAP. You can hang your gloves and mittens on the "mitten tree." All other items go in the woven chest. Please contact Sue Goodwin or TIna Clutter with any questions.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to CCAP:

41 - Blankets
6 - Pillowcases
6 - Pillows
78 - Hats
96 - Pairs of Gloves
25 - Scarves
9 - Hat and Glove Sets

October 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for Bright Futures Winchester-Frederick

Bright Futures - Frederick/Winchester is an organization formed to help families who experience food insecurity. Poverty and hunger are among the many challenges some students face on a daily basis and often become a barrier to their success in school. The Food Pack Program aims to help families who experience food insecurity and currently serves over 1,200 students at all grade levels in all Frederick County and Winchester City Public Schools each week. Each food pack includes enough food to cover two breakfasts and two lunches. The food packs also include fruit, vegetables, and drinks. Over 4,000 food packs are provided to students each month. More than 5,000 non-perishable food items are needed monthly to meet the current need. We would like to support this program by providing food or monetary donations. Please contact Sarah Murphy with any questions. You will find a list of the items needed as well as what is not needed below :

FOOD PACK NEEDS

Ready-to-eat Breakfast Items:

Cereal treat bars
Granola bars/protein bars
Oatmeal (single serving - no large canisters)
Pop-tarts
Single-serve boxes of cereal (no large boxes)

Canned Vegetables

Drinks—6 or 8 oz. bottled water

Ready-to-eat Lunch Items: (nothing that requires a can opener)

Beef stew/chili/etc. (single-serve pop-tops)
Ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, etc. (pop-top and ready-to-eat)
Ready to Eat Soup (soup on the go/soup at hand, etc.)
Ready to Eat Meals (Campbell’s ready meal for example)

Canned Meat items: Ham, Chicken

Healthy, Child-Friendly Snack Food Items—Single Serve (no chips)

Trail Mix, Pretzels, Chex-Mix, etc.
Rice Crispy Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Animal Crackers, Goldfish Crackers, etc.
Popcorn
Real fruit snacks
All-natural fruit crisps
Single-serve cookies
Raisins/fruit n’ yogurt snacks

Food items should be something a child 5–18 years of age would eat.

Please--NO glass containers, NO expired food

Update: We collected an abundance of items for the October Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. The items have been delivered. Thank you very much to those who contributed!

88 - Nutri-Grain Bars
18 - Cereal Cups/Boxes
4 - Chef Boyardee Mini Cups
2 - Campbell's Cups
90 - Goldfish Packs
243 - Nature Valley Granola Bars
8 - Cans of Chef Boyardee
2 – Cans of Chicken Breast
1 - Box of Mac and Cheese
16 - Packs of Peanut Butter Crackers
60 - Packs of Animal Crackers
128 - Packs of Oatmeal
48 - Cans of SpaghettiOs
36 - Packets of Applesauces
4 - Mac and Cheese Cups
2 - Cheez-It Cups
3 - Teddy Grahams Packs
14 - Rice Krispies Treats
20 - Nabisco Packs
22 - Cereal Bars
18 - Raisin Packs
40 - Fruit Snacks
2 - Beef Stew/Spaghetti Dinners
28 – Pop-Tarts
6 - Granola Bars
12 - Moon Pies

September 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Needed Items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA and Other Local Shelters

We’ll be collecting the items listed below. Please see or email Sue Eyre with any questions you may have. You may also click here for a copy of the list to take with you when you go shopping.

Kitty Litter
Cat Treats
Cat Toys
Dog Treats
Dog Toys
Rope toys
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Lysol
Bleach
Windex
Dish Soap
Scrubber Sponges
Towels
Blankets
Bath Mats
All size Kong toys, Kong stuffers, and Nylabones
Fabuloso
Dry or Canned Cat/Kitten Food (Purina preferred)
Dry or Canned Dog/Puppy Food (Purina preferred)
Office supplies

Update: The September Outreach Project was a joint effort between Gravel Springs and St. John’s. Wow! Thank you so much for supporting our furry friends! The list below is what St. John's collected for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA and other local Animal Shelters and will be divided between the shelters and delivered to them:

1 - Large Pillow
2 - Small Pillows
62 Pounds - Kitty Litter
87 Pounds -Dry Dog Food
12 - Cans Dog Food
50 Pounds - Dry Cat Food
87 - Cans Cat Food
89 - Dog/Cat Toys
6 - Collars/Leashes
1 - Dog Brush
55 Ounces-Cat Treats
1,010 - Dog Treats
54 + 24 Pounds - Dog Bones
3 - Bottles of Clorox
2 - Bottles of Joy Dish Detergent
2 - Bottles of Pine-Sol
2 - Packages of Paper Towels
3 - Towels

All God’s creatures have a place in the choir!

Blessing of the Animals is Sunday, October 2, 2022 and all are welcome to bring their critters!!

August 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Supplies for The Laurel Center

Our Outreach for the month of August is in support of the Laurel Center (Intervention for Domestic and Sexual Violence). A list of items needed to support these women and their children is listed below and may also be obtained for your shopping purposes by clicking here. Please bring your donated items to worship and place under the poster. Please note that due to limited space, the shelter is not able to accept travel size items. Please contact Kelly Camp (you may also email her by clicking on her name). Thank you for sharing God's love in this effort.

Gift Cards

Grocery Stores (Martin’s, Walmart)
Pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)
Retail Stores (Target, Walmart)
Craft Stores (Jo-Ann Fabric, Michaels)
Uber (for client transportation)

Cleaning Supplies/Paper Products

Swiffer Cleaning Liquid and Pads
Bathroom Cleaner
Kitchen Cleaner
Glass Cleaner
Glade Air Products
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Tissues
13 Gallon Trash Bags

For Clients Exiting Shelter

Pots/Pans
Utensils
Flatware
Dishes
Storage Containers

For Sheltered Clients

Hair Brushes
Water Bottles
Twin Sized Comforters (Not Blankets)
Whistles
Phone Chargers (Androids & Apple)
Phone Charging Station
Microwave Heating Pads (not electric)

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 1,478 total items to The Laurel Center. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

4 -Packs of 62 Paper Towels
2 – Rolls of Paper Towels
1,000 - Trash Bags
102 - Rolls of Toilet Paper
5 - Boxes of Tissues
2 - Bottles of Cleaning Solution
Silverware Tray with Silverware
1 - 7 Piece Cookware Set
60 - Tall Kitchen Bags
40 - Trash Bags
2 - Bottles of Clorox Toilet Cleaner
1 - Bottle of Windex
1 - Bottle Spray Cleaner
6 – Packages of Lysol Alcohol Wipes
2 - $25 Martin’s Gift Cards

July 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

We will be collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary school. Please contact Tina Clutter or Megan Clutter with any questions. You may also print a copy of the list of required items by clicking here. The supplies needed are listed below (please note that the items in bold are some of the most needed items on the list):

Earbuds/headphones for Chromebooks
Hand sanitizer
Clorox wipes
Vinyl pocket folders
Marble composition books
Spiral notebooks
Notebook paper
1” binders
#2 pencils
Highlighters
Pencil boxes/bags
Glue sticks
Dry erase markers
Ziploc plastic bags (quart and gallon)
Kid’s scissors
Tissues
Pink erasers
Crayons
Backpacks

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 3,249 items to the Indian Hollow Elementary School. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

39 - Composition Notebooks
29 - Spiral Notebooks
32 - Erasers
372 - Pencils
28 - Pairs of Scissors
4 - Whiteboard Erasers
900 - Sheets of Wide Rule Paper
3 - Boxes of Tissues
56 - Highlighters
3 - Clorox Bottle Wipes
1 - Hand Sanitizer
1 - Pencil Sharpener
10 - Markers
400 - Post-it Notes
2 – Book Bags
2 - Pencil Boxes
4 - Binders
104 - File Folders
125 - Dry Erase Markers
106 - Glue Sticks
128 - Headphones
600 - Crayons
300 - Baggies

June 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Diapers and Wipes for The Red Wagon Ministry

Diapers (especially size 5 and 6)
Baby Wipes

Many parents are single mothers making minimum wage with little or no benefits. They may face financial struggles with loss wages due to the lack of transportation, an ill child, or sick caregiver. Through God’s grace and with your assistance, we can provide an important service that can possibly change the course of a young mother’s life and her child.

We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Update: Thank you to all who so generously donated. The items have been delivered. The following items and funds were collected:

1,736 - Baby Wipes
1,557 - Baby Diapers
1 - Container of Destin
1 - Box of Cotton Swabs
$30 Donation

May 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Donations for the Building Fund

During the month of May we will be collecting donations to support the Building Fund to help grow our church with a Steeple, replacing the plexiglass covering the stained glass windows, replacing the carpet in the Narthex and the Sanctuary, and buying a new building. Please contact Sue Goodwin with any questions.

Update: Thank you to all who so generously donated to this outreach project. We collected enough money to construct a substantially sized building which will provide adequate storage of our picnic tables.

April 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Books, Headphones and Earbuds for Indian Hollow Elementary School

During the month of April, we will be collecting books, headphones and earbuds for the Indian Hollow Elementary School. The students use headphones and earbuds while using the desktop, laptop and ipad computers. Please see or email Laura Saville with any questions.

Update: We collected a total of 28 headsets and 20 books. Thank you to all who so generously donated. The items will be delivered to Indian Hollow Elementary School this week.

March 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Individually Wrapped Candy, Small Toys, and Money for CCAP West Easter Baskets

We are collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys, books, and cash for CCAP West Easter baskets. CCAP West, also known as ”Mountain Falls Blessings” Mobile Food Ministry serves our local need for Mountain Falls, Shawneeland, and Back Mountain Road. We hope to prepare 40 baskets to be given out at Mountain Falls Park to local children. These items need to be at the church by no later than Sunday, April 3, 2022. For more information, please see Linda Allamong.

Update: The Easter baskets were delivered this morning. Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed and to those that helped prepare the baskets!

February 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Funds to Benefit ELCA World Hunger

Our February Outreach is to support the ELCA World Hunger initiative. ELCA does this by connecting people with the resources they need to produce food and gain access to clean water, education, health care and sources of income, long-term, sustainable change can be accomplished. Please help support this wonderful cause by making a charitable donation. We will also be doing a "Noisy Collection" throughout the month of February, so dig into your couch cushions and under your car seats for change. Change will be collected in the white wooden box during the regular offering. You can make out a check to St. John’s and put ELCA World Hunger in the memo line, you can donate loose change each week during offering or donate online by clicking on the green "Give" button on the home page or click here. Once you've done that, select "To:" then scroll down and select the option for "Special - ELCA World Hunger". If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock.

For additional information click here. ELCA World Hunger initiative

Update: The total amount collected during February was $398.54 Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed!

January 2022 Outreach Project - Collecting Food/Cans of Soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 13, 2022

Our outreach project for the month of January will be to collect food/cans of soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 13, 2022. Please bring your donations and "pass" your cans into the tote under the goal post. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Clutter. Thank you for your support!

Update: Through our "Souper Bowl Sunday" Outreach Project during the month of January 2022, we collected 307 items for CCAP . No matter which team you root for during the Super Bowl - Team St. John's came together to make Team CCAP a winner! Touchdown! Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed! The items will be delivered soon.

December 2021 Outreach Project – Help A Family in Need from Indian Hollow Elementary School Celebrate Christmas

Our outreach project for the month of December will be to help a family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate Christmas. A list has been created, but most of the items on it have been purchased. There are, however, additional items still needed and our shoppers are willing to do the shopping for us. Please see Tina or Doug to make a monetary donation. In addition, you can make a donation through the website. Go to the St. John's website homepage and select Give, then select Special Christmas Family under the To: Option. See pictures below.

November 2021 Outreach Project - Collect New Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Gloves, Mittens, and Hats (Men’s, Women’s and Children’s) for CCAP

Help us share the warmth of God’s love through donations of new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats (men’s, women’s and children’s) for CCAP. You can hang your gloves and mittens on the "mitten tree." All other items go in the woven chest. Please contact Sue Goodwin or TIna Clutter with any questions.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 380 items to CCAP, they are as follows:

11 - Pillows
25 - Blankets
41 - Pairs of socks
134 – Pairs of Gloves
97 - Hats
50 - Scarves
22 - Throws

October 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for Bright Futures Winchester-Frederick

Bright Futures - Frederick/Winchester is an organization formed to help families who experience food insecurity. Their Food Pack Program currently serves over 1,100 students in Frederick County and Winchester City Public Schools (FCPS and WPS) providing over 4,400 food packs per month. We would like to support this program by providing food or monetary donations. Please contact Sarah Murphy with any questions. You will find a list of the items needed as well as what is not needed below (if you would like to print a copy of the list to take with you when you shop, click on the list located below.

Update: We collected an abundance of items for the October Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. The items have been delivered. Thank you very much to those who contributed!

4 - Packs of crayons
4 - Packs of notebook paper
6 - Composition notebooks
3 - Single subject notebooks
1 - 3-Subject notebook
2 - Packs of 10 pencils
1 - Pack of 6 erasers
3 - Clear glues
2 - Packs of 3 glue sticks
3 - Packs of 24 colored pencils
192 - Packs of peanut butter crackers
2 - Campbell's soup cups
26 - Cans of Vienna Sausages
40 - Fruit cups
4 - Large cans of Spaghetti and Meatballs
4 - Large cans of Beef Ravioli
64 - Bags of popcorn
16 - Pudding cups
10 - Chef Boyardee single serve cups
8 - Macaroni and Cheese cups
4 - Chicken Noodle cups
82 - Snack packs of cookies and crackers
110 - Instant Oatmeal packs
72 - Fruit and grain bars
6 - Cup of noodles
122 - Granola bars
8 - Packs of Cheddar Cheese crackers
36 - Poptarts
4 - Cans of chicken breast
12 - Individual cereal boxes/bowls
240 - Slim Jims
12 - Oatmeal cream pies
18 - Applesauce cups
90 - Packs of goldfish

September 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Supplies for the SPCA and Other Local Animal Shelters

Outreach for the month of September is collecting needed items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA. We’ll be collecting the items listed below. Please see or email Sue Eyre with any questions you may have. You may also click here for a copy of the list to take with you when you go shopping.

Kitty Litter
Cat Treats
Cat Toys
Dog Treats
Dog Toys
Rope toys
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Lysol
Bleach
Windex
Dish Soap
Scrubber Sponges
Towels
Blankets
Bath Mats
All size Kong toys, Kong stuffers, and Nylabones
Fabuloso
Dry or Canned Cat/Kitten Food (Purina preferred)
Dry or Canned Dog/Puppy Food (Purina preferred)
Office supplies

Update: The September Outreach Project was a joint effort between Gravel Springs and St. John’s. Wow! Thank you so much for supporting our furry friends! The list below is what we collected for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA and other local Animal Shelters and will be divided between the shelters and delivered to them:

660 - Milk Bones (total for small, medium and large 40 pound dogs)
196 Pounds - Dry dog food
95 Pounds - Dry cat food
19 Pounds - Dog treats
4 Pounds - cat treats
1,000 - Dog chew sticks
14 - Dog chews
118 and 36 – Dog and Cat toys and balls
10 - Cans dog food
56 – Cans of cat food
43 Pounds - Cat litter
1 - Dog toy basket
2 - Dog collars and leashes
1 - Dog brush
5 Jugs - Bleach
4 Bottles - Windex
2 Bottles - Dawn dish detergent
1 Bottle - Lysol
100 - Wipes
5 - Sponges
1 Bottle - Laundry detergent
4 Rolls - Paper towels
2 Bags - Towels

August 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Supplies for The Laurel Center

Update:

The Laurel Center is very grateful for the generous donations that were received from St. John’s Lutheran Church. Your gifts do make a difference in meeting the needs of women, children, and men who are going through very difficult times due to domestic and sexual violence experiences. Thank you sincerely; donations are the backbone that supports the work we do every day and allows us to provide a multitude of services and supports to victims staying in our shelter. Providing a clean and safe environment with the necessary items that allow for their comfort and success.

Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to The Laurel Center:

2 - bottles of Ibuprofen 500 tab
3 - pack container of Lysol wipes
1 - 2 - pack of Bounty paper towels
1 - Germx hand sanitizer small
3 - pack of Crest 3D white toothpaste
1 - package of 40-bag of tall kitchen bags
1 - single roll of paper towels
3 - rolls of paper towels
1 - package of Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes
1 - bottle of Windex
6 - mega roll toilet paper
2 - Scott rolls
1 - package of Crest Toothpaste
1 - Swiffer duster kit
1 - bottle - 100 tabs Equate Ibuprofen
1 -package of Gain dryer sheets
1 - bottle of Safeguard hand sanitizer 12 oz
2 - bottles of Gold Bond lotion
1 - 20-pack of Band-Aids
1 - package of Lysol bleach multi cleaner
1 - 16-pack of Nutella and go snack pack
1 - bottle - All 20 load laundry
4 - pack of Kleenex
3 - boxes of Bounce dryer sheets
1 – 24 pack-deer park spring water
1 - 360 duster kit
1 - packcage of Clorox 75 wipes
3 - packs of Lysol wipes
1 - package of Clorox 35 wipes
3 - pack container of Lysol wipes
1 - bottle of Jergens lotion
1 - 21 pack of Tide power pods
1 - bottle of spray glass cleaner
1 - 12 pack of large paper towels
2 - bottles of Suave 8oz hand sanitizer
1 - bottle of Clorox 30 fl. Oz
1 - 20-pack Band-Aid
6 mega roll toilet paper
1 - 10-pack Band-Aids
1 - bottle of Lysol cleaner spray
1 - bottle - 100-gel cap Tylenol
1 - container of large hand sanitizer 33.8 oz
1 - bottle of 100-tab Advil
31 - small bottles of Germx hand sanitizers
1 - 2-pack toothbrushes
3 - large packs of Bounce 240 sheets each
2 - small toothbrushes w/ toothpaste
3 - packages of 240 Lysol wipes
1 - box - Aim toothpaste
1 - package of 160 Bounce Dryer sheets
3 - Pack of Crest toothpaste
1 - pakcage of 115-load of Purex laundry detergent
2 - containers of Comet
1 - 12-pack of toilet paper Charmin
1 - box of Bounce dryer sheets
2 - boxes of 200 count trash bags
1 - box of Kleenex w/ lotion
2 - packages of 40 - count Kirkland water
1 - package - 30 oz Clorox bathroom cleaner
1500 Band-Aids
2 - 10-packs - 13-gallon trash bags
1 - container of Lysol 32 oz all-purpose cleaner
12 - packages of 125 count Kleenex
4 - packs of Purex laundry pods
30 - paper towel rolls/large bulk box
80 - count Scott toilet paper bulk
2 - rolls of Bounty paper towels
1 - 6 pack of Charmin toilet paper
3 - containers of Clorox wipes

July 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

We will be collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary school. Please contact Tina Clutter or Megan Clutter with any questions. You may also print a copy of the list of required items by clicking here. The supplies needed are listed below:

Earbuds/headphones for Chromebooks
Hand sanitizer
Clorox wipes
Vinyl pocket folders
Marble composition books
Spiral notebooks
Notebook paper
1” binders
#2 pencils
Highlighters
Pencil boxes/bags
Glue sticks
Dry erase markers
Ziploc plastic bags (quart and gallon)
Kid’s scissors
Tissues
Pink erasers
Crayons
Backpacks

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 5,368 items to the Indian Hollow Elementary School. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

13 book bags
2 tissue boxes
26 folders
4 binders
26 spiral notebooks
26 pairs of scissors
3,550 sheets of paper
12 erasers
200 eraser caps
498 pencils
39 composition notebooks
20 highlighters
3 pencil pouches
130 markers
18 dry erase markers
64 glue sticks
60 pens
220 color pencils
4 containers of hand sanitizer
5 sanitizing wipe containers
45 Ziplock baggies
3 sets of head phones
400 sticky notes

June 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Diapers and Wipes for The Red Wagon Ministry

Diapers (especially larger sizes)
Baby Wipes

Update: We collected 1,745 diapers and 4,500 wipes as well as a $30 donation during the month of June. The Red Wagon Ministry was very excited and appreciative of the donations. A big thank you to the members of the congregation for your generosity.

May 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Donations for the Building Fund (Special Project)

This is not the actual pavillion planned for St. John's - it's just to give you an idea of what it might look like.

There will be envelopes in the bulletin each week for building fund donations. The focus for the building fund is to raise money to build a pavilion that can be used for outdoor worship services.

April 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Books for Indian Hollow Elementary School

During the month of April, we will be collecting books for the Indian Hollow Elementary School. Please drop your book(s) in the blue bin in the narthex. Contact Laura Saville with any questions. Indian Hollow consists of first grade through fifth grade. Consequently, it is recommended that the books you provide would be for children in this age group. Anything to help them learn to read and to encourage them to continue to read. Thank you, thank you!

Update: We collected a total of 164 books for Indian Hollow Elementary School. Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed!

Easter Baskets - 2021

Although our March 2021 Outreach project was collecting funds for ECLA World Hunger, we were still able to provide 59 Easter Baskets to be donated to Bright Futures. One of our local retailers generously donated unsold baskets to St. John's last year. They were stored and utilized this year. Through a Thrivent Card, we were able to purchase candy to fill the baskets and the plastic bags to wrap them in. Thank you to Linda Allamong and Colleen Loy who generously gave of their time to help put these together. God is Good!

March 2021 Outreach Project - Continue Collecting funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger

Our Outreach project for the month of March will be to continue to collect funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger.

We are continuing our “Noisy Collection” throughout the month of March for the ELCA World Hunger campaign. Dig into your couch cushions and under the car seats to contribute to our collection each Sunday in March! Place your donation in the wooden box. Please make checks to payable to St. John’s and write “ELCA World Hunger” on the memo line.

We are also supporting those that may be suffering from hunger right here in our community. Please bring 1 or 2 items each week for our Blessings Box. Some ideas for the Blessing Box are dry beans, canned meats, fruit cups, canned vegetables, mac & cheese cups, peanut butter, canned soups, oatmeal, small bottles of hand sanitizer, soap, detergent.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock.

Please click here ELCA World Hunger to find out more about how collections for this cause have benefitted others throughout the world. These things may seem trivial to most of us, but to those that have nothing, it means the world. Thank you for your support!

Update: The total amount collected during February and March was $526.26 Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed!

February 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger

Our Outreach project for the month of February will be to collect funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger.

We are having a “Noisy Collection” throughout the month of February for the ELCA World Hunger campaign. Dig into your couch cushions and under the car seats to contribute to our collection each Sunday in February! Place your donation in the wooden box. Please make checks to payable to St. John’s and write “ELCA World Hunger” on the memo line. We are also supporting those that may be suffering from hunger right here in our community. Please bring 1 or 2 items each week for our Blessings Box. Some ideas for the Blessing Box are dry beans, canned meats, fruit cups, canned vegetables, mac & cheese cups, peanut butter, canned soups, oatmeal, small bottles of hand sanitizer, soap, detergent.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock.

Please click here ELCA World Hunger to find out more about how collections for this cause have benefitted others throughout the world. These things may seem trivial to most of us, but to those that have nothing, it means the world. Thank you for your support!

January 2021 Outreach Project - Collecting Food/Cans of Soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 7, 2021

Our outreach project for the month of January will be to collect food/cans of soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 7, 2021. Please bring your donations and the children will collect them during the offering and "hand them off" and into the tote. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Clutter. Thank you for your support!

Update: Through our "Souper Bowl Sunday" Outreach Project during the month of January 2021, we collected 443 cans/boxes of soup for CCAP . No matter which team you were rooting for during the Super Bowl - Team St. John's came together to make Team CCAP a winner! Touchdown! Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed! The items will be delivered soon.

December 2020 Outreach Project – Help A Family in Need from Indian Hollow Elementary School Celebrate Christmas

Our outreach project for the month of December will be to help a family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate Christmas. Please see Tina or Doug if you would prefer to make a monetary donation.

Child #1 – Female age 8
Size 16/18 kids/small adult, loves the descendants, our generation doll accessories, LOL stuff, books, art, bike, anything teal.

Child #2 – Male
Size 8, loves wrestling, monster trucks, dirt bike toys, bike, science experiments.

Child #3 – Male
Born in Nov – size 3-6month clothing, board books, sensory toys, baby wipes.

November 2020 Outreach Project - Collect New Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Gloves, Mittens, and Hats (Men’s, Women’s and Children’s) for CCAP

Our Outreach Project for November 2020 will be to collect new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats (men’s, women’s and children’s) for CCAP. Help us share the warmth of God’s love by donating new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats for CCAP. You can hang your gloves and mittens on the "mitten tree." All other items go in the woven chest. If you have any questions please see or email Sue Goodwin (about the blanket drive) or Tina Clutter (about the mitten tree).

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 578 items to CCAP, they are as follows:

136 - hats
48 - pairs of socks
265 - pairs of gloves/mittens
40 - blankets
17 - pillows
72 - scarves
2 - boxes of Thrivent t-shirts

October 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for Bright Futures Winchester-Frederick

Bright Futures - Frederick/Winchester is an organization formed to help families who experience food insecurity. Their Food Pack Program currently serves over 900 students in Frederick County and Winchester City Public Schools (FCPS and WPS) providing over 3,600 food packs per month. It is estimated that as many as 2,500 students attending FCPS and WPS could benefit from this program. We would like to support this program by providing food or monetary donations. Please contact Linda Allamong with any questions. You will find a list of the items needed as well as what is not needed below (if you would like to print a copy of the list to take with you when you shop, click on the list located below):

Update: We collected a total of 481 items (see below for week by week breakdown) for the October Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. Thank you very much to those who contributed!

Week 1
28 – individual applesauce pouches
42 – individual granola bars
16 – individual packs of peanut butter crackers
4 - cans of spaghetti

Week 2
12 – individual Granola Bars
4 – individual cups of diced peaches
4 - cups of Snack Pack Pudding
8 – individual Strawberry Pop Tarts
10 – individual packages of Instant Oatmeal
4 – individual cups of cereal
8 – packs of peanut butter crackers
2 – individual cups of Beef-a-Roni
4 – individual cups of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Week 3
8 – individual microwave cups of Annie's Mac & Cheese
6 – individual packs of Sun Maid Raisins
18 – individual cups of apple sauce
20 – individual packets of Quaker Instant Oatmeal
12 – individual cups of Del Monte Peaches
12 - cans of Chef Boy-R-Dee Spaghetti & Meatballs
1 - box of Stove Top Stuffing
1 - can of Green Beans
2 - cans of Green Giant Corn
8 – individual packs of peanut butter crackers

Week 4
36 – individual packs of Lantz variety pack peanut butter crackers
64 – individual Kirkland granola bars
30 – individual Nature Valley protein bars
12 – individual Nature Valley Granola Bars
48 – individual Nutri Grain Bars
2 - cans of Vienna Sausages
4 - cups of Vanilla pudding
1 - can of Beef-a-Roni
10 – individual packs of instant oatmeal
1 - box of Tastee-o's cereal
1 - large bag of dried split peas
1 - large box of Pancake mix
1 - bottle of Syrup
12 - individual oatmeal cakes
6 - small boxes of raisins
10 - individual packs of Welch's Fruit Snacks
8 - individual pouches of Tasty Bite Indian Beans

September 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting Needed Items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA

Kitty Litter
Cat Treats
Cat Toys
Dog Treats
Dog Toys
Rope toys
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Lysol
Bleach
Windex
Dish Soap
Scrubber Sponges
Towels
Blankets
Bath Mats
All size Kong toys, Kong stuffers, and Nylabones
Fabuloso
Dry or Canned Cat/Kitten Food (Purina preferred)
Dry or Canned Dog/Puppy Food (Purina preferred)
Office supplies

Update: The September Outreach Project was a joint effort between Gravel Springs and St. John’s. 1,850 items, 302 pounds of food and $75 were collected for the Shenandoah and Frederick County Animal Shelters. The donations have been divided between the shelters and will be delivered to them. Wow! Thank you so much for supporting our furry friends! The list below is what we collected:

24 - blankets
4 - rolls of paper towels
1 - 31 oz bottle of Dawn dish detergent
1 - 100 oz bottle of Gain laundry detergent
12 - sponges
50 - pounds of kitty litter
2 - small bags of catnip
18 - cat toys
16 - cat balls
27 - cans of cat food
22 - pounds of dry cat food
5 - pounds of cat treats
25 - pounds of small Milk Bones
42 - pounds of medium Milk Bones
33 - pounds of large Milk Bones
125 - pounds of dry dog food
1,597 - dog treats
92 - dog toy ropes
33 - dog toys
2 - packs of copier paper
2 - legal pads
1 - notebook
3 - folders
2 - boxes of paper clips
7 - sticky note pads
1 - box of clips
2 - notepads
1 - memory necklace
$75 donation

August 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting Supplies for The Laurel Center

Our Outreach for the month of August is in support of the Laurel Center (Intervention for Domestic and Sexual Violence). A list of items needed to support these women and their children is listed below and may also be obtained for your shopping purposes by clicking here. Please bring your donated items to worship and place under the poster. Please note that due to limited space, the shelter is not able to accept travel size items. Please contact Kelly Camp (you may also email her by clicking on her name). Thank you for sharing God's love in this effort.

For Clients:

Children and Teens:
Individual Snacks (no peanuts)
Juice Boxes
Five dollar ($5) Walmart and Five Below Gift Cards

For Emergency Shelter:

Dishwashing Liquid
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
New Twin Size Blankets (not throws)
New Twin Sheets
New Bath and Hand Towels
Lysol spray/wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Swiffer Cleaning Liquid and Pads
Bathroom Cleaner
Kitchen Cleaner
Glade Air Freshener
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Sandwich Bags
Journals and Planners
Small Notebooks
Gift Cards (Martins, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Target)
Uber Gift Cards
Cases of Bottled Water
Packaged snacks for groups

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items (see picture below) to The Laurel Center as well as $200 in monetary donations: Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

30 rolls of paper towels
15 boxes of Kleenex
36 rolls of toilet paper
622 baggies
35 bottles of water
120 dryer sheets
14 towels
1 washcloth
2 pot holders
3 mini notebooks
2 bottles of shampoo
1 bottle of dish detergent
8 bottles of cleaning solutions
1 container of Tide
1 package of kid’s drink
44 packages of cookies/crackers and snacks
9 blankets

July 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

We will be collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary school. You may also print a copy of the list of required items by clicking here. Please contact Tina Clutter or Megan Clutter with any questions.The supplies needed are listed below:

Earbuds/headphones for Chromebooks - (a big need for these)
Hand sanitizer
Clorox wipes
Glue sticks
Markers
Highlighters
Dry erase markers
Composition books
Spiral notebooks

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 1,295 items to the Indian Hollow Elementary School. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

192 crayons
168 pencils
10 markers
24 colored pencils
12 dry erase markers
6 calculators
42 highlighters
3 earbud pouches
3 headphones
21 earbuds
120 earbuds with cases
75 glue sticks
500 sheets of paper
17 folders
45 composition books
49 notebooks
1- 33.8 ounce hand sanitizer
7- 8 oz. hand sanitizer

March 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys, and money for CCAP Easter baskets

We will be collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys, books and cash for CCAP Easter baskets. The last day to submit these items will be Sunday, March 22, 2020. Baskets will be filled and assembled on Sunday, March 29, 2020. The baskets will be delivered to CCAP on Monday, March 30, 2020. We need help assembling the Easter baskets. If you have any questions or would like to help assemble the Easter baskets contact Linda Allamong at 540-877-2529

Update: We collected and assembled 50 Easter baskets for CCAP or Bright Futures. Thanks to everyone for donating! And thanks to Linda Allamong for coordinating and to Linda and Colleen for assembling! Due to COVID-19, C-CAP was closed and could not take the Easter baskets. Linda delivered all 50 Easter baskets to Bright Futures last week and they were very appreciative. Frances from C-CAP was appreciative also.

February 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger

Our Outreach project for the month of February will be to collect funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger.

St. John’s Youth will be performing a “Noisy Collection” during the offering throughout the month of February to benefit the ELCA World Hunger campaign. Dig into your couch cushions and under your car seats to contribute to our collection each Sunday in February! Thanks for supporting our youth and the ELCA World Hunger Campaign!

If you prefer to make a donation by check, it may be made payable to St. John's with "ELCA World Hunger" in the memo line. You may place your check in the offering plate. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock.

Please click here ELCA World Hunger to find out more about how collections for this cause have benefitted others throughout the world. These things may seem trivial to most of us, but to those that have nothing, it means the world. Thank you for your support!

January 2020 Outreach Project - Collecting Food/Cans of Soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 2, 2020

Our outreach project for the month of January will be to collect food/cans of soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 2, 2020. Please bring your donations and the children will collect them during the offering and "hand them off" and into the tote. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Clutter. Thank you for your support!

Update: Through our "Souper Bowl Sunday" Outreach Project during the month of January 2020 as well as on Super Bowl Sunday, we collected 396 cans/boxes of soup for CCAP . No matter which team you were rooting for during the Super Bowl - Team St. John's came together to make Team CCAP a winner! Touchdown! Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed! The items will be delivered soon.

December 2019 Outreach Project – Help A Family in Need from Indian Hollow Elementary School Celebrate Christmas

Our outreach project for the month of December will be to help a family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate Christmas. Tina is collecting monetary donations. If you would rather donate items see or email Tina Clutter for a list for the children (three boys). You may also click on December list if you would like to download a copy of the list.

Sunday, December 8, 2019 will be the last day to donate funds. The gifts will be wrapped on Sunday, December 15, 2019 in the social hall and will be delivered to Indian Hollow Elementary School on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

November 2019 Outreach Project - Collect New Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Gloves, Mittens, and Hats (Men’s, Women’s and Children’s) for CCAP

Our Outreach Project for November 2019 will be to collect new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats (men’s, women’s and children’s) for CCAP. Help us share the warmth of God’s love by donating new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats for CCAP. You can hang your gloves and mittens on the "mitten tree." All other items go in the woven chest or the children will collect them during the Offering. If you have any questions please see or email Sue Goodwin (about the blanket drive) or Tina Clutter (about the mitten tree).

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to CCAP:

20 - Pillows
6 - Sleeping bags
47 - Blankets
144 - Pairs of gloves
128 - Hats
39 - Scarves
1 - Head band

The items have been delivered to CCAP.

October 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for Bright Futures Winchester-Frederick

Bright Futures - Frederick/Winchester is an organization formed to help families who experience food insecurity. Their Food Pack Program currently serves over 900 students in Frederick County and Winchester City Public Schools (FCPS and WPS) providing over 3,600 food packs per month. It is estimated that as many as 2,500 students attending FCPS and WPS could benefit from this program. We would like to support this program by providing food or monetary donations. You will find a list of the items needed as well as what is not needed below (if you would like to print a copy of the list to take with you when you shop, click on the list located below):

Update: We collected a total of 1,119 items (see below for specific breakdown) for the October Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. Sarah Murphy delivered the items. Thank you very much to those who contributed!

6 - Applesauce
90 – Goldfish
96 - Rice Krispie Treats
52 - Puddings
127 - Granola Bars
32 - Cereals
48 - Cereal Bars
50 - Oatmeal
1 - Ravioli
18 –Cans of Spaghettios
1 - Beef Stew
1 - Chicken Noodle
8 - Vegetables
32 - Fruit Cups
92 – Cracker Packs
244 - Cookie Packs
80 - Fruit Snacks
2 - Tuna Fish
5 - Mac n Cheese
48 - Peanut Butter Dips
56 - Slim Jim’s
18 - Chips
12 - Poptarts

September 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting Needed Items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA

Our Outreach for the month of September is collecting needed items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA. We’ll be collecting kitty litter, cat treats, cat toys, kitten food, dog treats, dog toys, rope toys, paper towels, laundry detergent, Lysol, bleach, Windex, dish soap, scrubber sponges, towels, blankets and bath mats (these three latter items may be gently used). Please bring your item(s) for the SPCA and place in the dog food can! Please see or email Pastor Sonya with any questions you may have.

Update: The October Outreach Project was a joint effort between Gravel Springs and St. John’s. 2,154 items and $100 were collected for the Shenandoah and Frederick County Animal Shelters. The items have been divided as evenly as possible and will be delivered to the shelters. Thank you for making this possible. The list below is what we collected:

2 - Lysol
2 - Cat nip
2 - Pillows
7 - Towels
89 -Dog toys
55 - Cat toys
5 - Small bags dog food
1 - Large bag dog food
1 - Extra large bag dog food
10 - Small bags cat food
1 - Large bag cat food
40 – Rolls of paper towel
3 – Bottles of bleach
38 - Cans dog food
21 - Cans cat food
6 – Packages cat treats
1,821 - Dog treats
13 – Blankets
15 – Sponges
1 - Memory foam pet pad
7 – Bottles dish detergent
2 - Dog bowls
4 – Packages cat litter
1 – Container laundry detergent
1 – Bottle Windex
1 - Dog harness
1 - Dog collar
1 - Dog leash
$100 Donation

August 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for The Laurel Center

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following to The Laurel Center: Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

2 - Bottles of baby powder
2 - Pack baby wipes
3 Pack Flushable wipes
2 - Large packs of flushable wipes
24 - Pack of bottled water
1 - 20 Roll package of toilet paper
1 - Laundry basket
1 - Pack of Puffs tissues
2 - Blankets
2 - Cotton women’s briefs
3 - Large sweatshirts
2 – Pairs of sweatpants
3 - Bags of cotton balls
2 - Packs of ankle socks
5 - Bottles of Palmolive dish soap
1 - Large package of baby wipes (230)
2- Keurig Machines w/ canisters
2 - 24 Roll packs of toilet paper
1 - 18 Roll pack of toilet paper
Desitin
4 - Sippy cups
2 - $5.00 Walmart gift cards
2 –Bottles of baby shampoo
3 - Pack Nuk pacifiers
3 - Wide neck baby bottles
3 - Pack of pampers wipes
Little girl’s 5T Sweatshirt
Little boy’s 5T Sweatshirt
2 - Little girl’s shirt and legging sets
1 – White towel
3 - Used cell phones w/ a small black bag/purse
1 - 32 Ounce dish liquid
2 – Packages of 300 count double zipper sandwich bags
4 – 4 Box sets of Puff tissues
2 - Packs of 1,000 count cotton swabs
2 – Packages of Reynolds plastic wrap
1 - Package of fabric softener sheets
3 - 4 Packs of Lysol disinfecting wipes
1 - Plush blanket
1 - 3-Piece towel set
3 - Packs of baby wipes
2 - Canisters of Wet Ones wipes
$50.00 donation

July 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

We will be collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary school. You may also print a copy of the list of required items by clicking here. Please contact Nancy Pitcock with any questions. In addition, the supplies needed are listed below:

Vinyl pocket folders*
Marble composition books*
Spiral notebooks*
Notebook paper
One (1) inch binders
#2 pencils
Highlighters
Pencil boxes/bags
Glue sticks
Dry erase markers
Ziploc plastic bags (quart and gallon)
Kid’s scissors
Tissues
Pink erasers
Crayons
Headphones/earbuds
Backpacks

*red, blue, green, yellow, orange, black, and purple

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate a total of 1,328 items to the Indian Hollow Elementary School. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

June 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting Diapers and Wipes for The Red Wagon Ministry.

Our June community outreach project is to collect diapers and wipes for The Red Wagon Ministry. The mission of The Red Wagon Ministry is to share the love of Christ with others by providing disposable diapers and wipes to low-income families. Please contact Amy Maphis with any questions.

Last year through the joint efforts of churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals the ministry was able to distribute nearly 21,000 disposable baby diapers and adult briefs.

Items needed are:

Diapers in all sizes (especially size 2)
Baby Wipes
Diaper Creams

Many parents are single mothers making minimum wage with little or no benefits. They may face financial struggles with loss wages due to the lack of transportation, an ill child, or sick caregiver. Through God’s grace and with your assistance, we can provide an important service that can possibly change the course of a young mother’s life and her child.

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to the Red Wagon Ministry from our Diaper and Wipe Drive:

2,192 Diapers
2.492 Wipes
2 Bottles of Baby Lotion
1 Tube of Desitin Cream
1 Bottle Brush
Baby Powder and,
Baby Oil

May 2019 Outreach Project - In-Reach Project for our Building Fund

Our outreach project for May 2019 is actually an in-reach project. We will be collecting donations for our building fund to help offset our upcoming expenses (which our fund doesn’t cover.) Please click here to see the insert that was in our May 5, 2019 bulletin.

We will be handing out numbered envelopes (envelope shown below) with monetary increments listed on them (you may take as many as you want). Envelopes are also available on the table located beside the CCAP can and in the Narthex. We would like to have all envelopes turned in by the end of May. The numbers on the envelopes will help us associate the donation to the member, in order to apply the donation amount to your annual contributions to St. John’s. If you have any questions, please see or email Sue Goodwin. Thank you for supporting our growth and ministries!!

Update: We collected $5,709.13 for our Building Fund. A big thank you to our church family for their generosity.

April 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting new and slightly used books for Indian Hollow Elementary School's summer reading program

Our Outreach project for April is collecting new and slightly used books for kindergarten through fifth grade for the Indian Hollow Elementary School's summer reading program. The youth will collect books during the Offering or you can drop them in the apple basket behind the piano. Please contact Nancy Pitcock with any questions. For Additional information, select this link.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate 283 books to the Indian Hollow Elementary School's summer reading program. A big thank you to our church family for their generosity.

March 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys, and money for CCAP Easter baskets

We are collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys and money for CCAP Easter baskets. Our goal is 40 Easter baskets. The last day to submit these items will be Sunday, April 7, 2019. The baskets will be assembled on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the social hall. The baskets will be delivered to CCAP on Monday, April 15, 2019. Please see or email Linda Riddle or Linda Allamong with any questions or to donate cash.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate 48 Easter Baskets to CCAP. A big thank you to the adults and children that took the time to assemble these baskets. (See more pictures on the Event Photos page.)

February 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger

Our Outreach project for the month of February will be to collect funds to benefit ELCA World Hunger.

St. John’s Youth will be performing a “Noisy Collection” during the offering throughout the month of February to benefit the ELCA World Hunger campaign. Dig into your couch cushions and under your car seats to contribute to our collection each Sunday in February! Thanks for supporting our youth and the ELCA World Hunger Campaign!

If you prefer to make a donation by check, it may be made payable to either “ELCA World Hunger” or to St. John's with "ELCA World Hunger" in the memo line. You may place your check in the offering plate. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock or Jenae Jenkins.

Please click here ELCA World Hunger to find out more about how collections for this cause have benefitted others throughout the world. These things may seem trivial to most of us, but to those that have nothing, it means the world. Thank you for your support!

Update: The response from the congregation for this outreach project was great, $617.08 was collected and will benefit ELCA World Hunger. Thank you so much for your generosity.

January 2019 Outreach Project - Collecting Food/Cans of Soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 3, 2019

Our outreach project for the month of January will be to collect food/cans of soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 3, 2019. Please bring your donations and the children will collect them during the offering and "hand them off" and into the tote. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Clutter. Thank you for your support!

Update: Through our "Souper Bowl Sunday" Outreach Project during the month of January, 2019, we collected 540 cans/boxes of soup for CCAP . Touchdown! Everyone is a winner! Thank you very much to all who so generously contributed! The items will be delivered soon.

December 2018 Outreach Project - Help A Family in Need from Indian Hollow Elementary School Celebrate Christmas

Our outreach project for the month of December will be to help a family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate Christmas. Kim will shop for us and is now collecting monetary donations. If you would rather donate items see or email (by clicking on her name) Kim Eckley for a list for the children (a boy and two girls). You may also click on December list if you would like to download a copy of the list. Please note: Shoes have been purchased. No more needed.

Sunday, December 16, 2018 will be the final day to donate money and/or items. If you would like to help wrap the donated items, please be at the church by no later than 10:00 a.m. Presents will be wrapped in the social hall.

Update: Once again, thanks to the generosity of our church family, we are able to help the family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate their Christmas. Thanks to Mary Rosenberger, Gloria keiter, Stephanie and Eric Petitta and Kim Eckley for wrapping these presents. Kim will be delivering them Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Thank you so much for thinking of others especially during this time of year! Please click on the photos for a better view.

November 2018 Outreach Project - Collect New Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Gloves, Mittens, and Hats (Men’s, Women’s and Children’s) for CCAP

Our Outreach Project for November 2018 will be to collect new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats (men’s, women’s and children’s) for CCAP. Help us share the warmth of God’s love by donating new blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, gloves, mittens, and hats for CCAP. You can hang your gloves and mittens on the "mitten tree." All other items go in the woven chest or the children will collect them during the Offering. If you have any questions please see or email Sue Goodwin or Tina Clutter.

The photos below are from Sunday, November 11, 2018 - The Hat and Mitten Tree is starting to fill up. The collection of blankets is growing as well. The photos above are from Sunday, November 4, 2018 (the first Sunday of our outreach project). Please click on the photos for a better view.

The photos below are from Sunday, November 17, 2018 - The Hat and Mitten Tree is starting to fill up. The collection of blankets and other items continues to grow as well. Please click on the photos for a better view.

Update: - Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to CCAP:

78 - hats
200 - pairs of gloves
45 - blankets
17 - pillows
2 - pairs socks
32 - scarfs
10 - head bands

Sue Goodwin delivered the items to CCAP.

October 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for Bright Futures Winchester-Frederick

Our Outreach Project for October will benefit Bright Futures Frederick-Winchester. Bright Futures - Frederick/Winchester supports students in our community and runs a food pack program for those that are facing food insecurity. Each week, 900 students at all grade levels are provided a food pack. Over the course of a month, 3,600 food packs are provided to students. It is estimated that an additional 1,600 students could benefit from this program in Frederick County and Winchester. We are collecting single-serve food items to be used in the food packs - (select the Food List button below for a list of items needed) . Or, you can help by providing a cash or check donation to Bright Futures. Thank you for supporting Bright Futures and these students! Please see or email Sarah Murphy with any questions you may have.

Food List

Update: We collected 804 single serve items for the October Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. Sarah Murphy delivered the items. Thank you very much to those who contributed!

September 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Needed Items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA

Update: We collected 187 items and $100 for the Shenandoah and Frederick County Animal Shelters, as well as the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA. Thank you for making this possible.

August 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for The Laurel Center

Update: - Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate$100 and the following items to The Laurel Center:

30 – Journal books
4 – Bed pillows
4 – Pillow cases
4 – Complete bed sheet sets
3 – Blankets
2 – Towels
2 - Washcloths
9 – Fidget spinners
2 - Stretching strings
2 – Coffee makers
11 – Nail clipper sets
6 – Boxes of Kleenex
2 – Rolls of paper towels
1 – Package of toilet paper
1 – Box of trash bags
1 – Large bottle of Pine-Sol
1 – Package of cotton balls
2 – Large packs of Q-tips
3 – Regular size packs of Q-tips
6 – Children’s cold packs
25 – Razors
1 – Package of razors
1 – Package of Razor blades
5 – Packages of wet wipes
5 – Hairbrushes
4 – Packages of hair wraps
2 – Packages of hair ties
1 – Package of laundry detergent
4 – Bottles of dish detergent
5 – Bottles of hand sanitizer
1 – Deodorant stick
2 – Bottles of cough medicine
8 – Pacifiers
2 – Bottles of baby powder
8 – Sippy Cups
4 – Ace bandages
1 – Tube of antibiotic ointment
1 – Tube of Desitin Ointment
1 – Tube of diaper ointment
1 – Bottle of baby shampoo
1 – Package of baby wipes
5 – World stress balls
2 – Hair dryers
1 – Infusion hair dryer
2 – Small Lego sets
2 – Bottles of mouthwash
1 – Toothbrush
1 – Tube of toothpaste
1 – Bottle of shampoo
1 – Bottle of conditioner
1 – Can of shaving cream
1 – Ice pack
1 – Bottle of sanitizer
2 – Bras
2 – Packages of underwear

July 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

We will be collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary school. You may also print a copy of the list of required items by clicking here. Please contact Kim Eckley with any question. In addition, they are listed below:

Vinyl pocket folders*
Marble composition books*
Spiral notebooks*
Notebook paper
One (1) inch binders
#2 pencils
Highlighters
Pencil boxes/bags
Glue sticks
Dry erase markers
Ziploc plastic bags (quart and gallon)
Kid’s scissors
Tissues
Pink erasers
Crayons
Headphones/earbuds
Backpacks

*red, blue, green, yellow, orange, black, and purple

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to the Indian Hollow Elementary School:

10 Folders
7 Backpacks
106 Pens
11 Mini tissue packs
40 Markers
70 Highlighters
158 Glue sticks
670 Baggies
26 Packs (or 3,900 sheets of paper)
1,000 Crayons
11 Erasers
1 Bottle glue
36 Color pencils
29 Composition notebooks
45 Spiral notebooks
4 Binders
4 Three (3)-subject notebooks
16 Pencil cases
20 Pairs of scissors
402 Pencils

June 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Diapers and Wipes for the Red Wagon Ministry

We are collecting diapers and wipes for the Red Wagon Ministry for our community outreach project in June. The mission of the Red Wagon Ministry is to share the love of Christ with others by providing disposable diapers and wipes to low-income families. For those of you that would like to print the list for shopping purposes, please click here. Please contact Amy Maphiswith any questions.

Items needed:

Diapers in all sizes (size 5 preferred)
Wipes
Diaper Cream
Gently used baby and toddler books
Bibs, burp cloths and pacifiers

The Red Wagon Ministry can also use volunteers. Anyone who is willing and able to help, please contact theredministry@gmail.com.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following items to the Red Wagon Ministry from our Diaper and Wipe Drive:

1,590 Diapers
1,696 Wipes
4 pacifiers
1 diaper cream

May 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Cash, Check, Walmart Gift Cards or Other Items for Lutheran Family Services Summer Lunch Program

Help us Provide Lunches and other items to the Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (LFS) sponsored Winchester/Frederick County Therapeutic Day Treatment Program—Summer 2018—by donating cash, check, Walmart gift cards or other items for Lutheran Family Services summer lunch program. Checks should be made payable to “St. John’s Lutheran Church” (just write “lunch program” in the memo). You may also provide the following: basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, school glue (white), disposable gloves, pasta (different shapes & sizes), construction paper, painters tape x2, masking tape, poster boards, yarn, paper plates, paper cups, small envelopes, popsicle sticks, empty match boxes, newspapers, old magazines, etc. You may also click here to see the wish/need list. Please contact Sue Goodwin with any questions. The Acolyte will collect Walmart gift cards, cash and checks during the offering using the white wooden box.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate the following to the Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (LFS) sponsored Winchester/Frederick County Therapeutic Day Treatment Program—Summer 2018:

One (1) street ball
One (1) soccer ball
Six (6) footballs
Six (6) basketballs
30 tennis balls
13 bottles of glue
Two (2) boxes of small envelopes
200 – four (4) packs/sheets, 120 – four (4) packs/sheets and 36 – six (6) packs/sheets of construction paper
Seven (7) rolls of tape
80 clear plastic cups
60 – six (6) packs of Dixie cups
460 paper plates
One (1) box of Kleenex
One (1) roll of paper towels
One (1) box of latex gloves
11 boxes of macaroni and pasta shapes
Six (6) skeins of yarn
11 packs of popsicle sticks
$350 which includes two (2) ten dollar ($10) Wal-Mart gift cards

Thank you so much for your generosity.

April 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting New and Slightly Used Books for Indian Hollow Elementary School's Summer Reading Program

Our Outreach project for April is collecting new and slightly used books for kindergarten through fifth grade for the Indian Hollow Elementary School's summer reading program. The youth will collect books during the Offering or you can drop them in the bookworm (crates) located beside the CCAP can. Please contact Nancy Pitcock with any questions. For Additional information,select this link.

Update: We collected 415 books for Indian Hollow Elementary School’s summer reading program. Great job everyone, thank you for your generosity. Indian Hollow was thankful for the support St. Johns provides them.

March 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Candy, Small Toys and Money for CCAP Easter baskets

We are collecting individually wrapped candy, small toys and money for 40 CCAP Easter baskets. The last day to submit these items will be Sunday, March 11, 2018. The baskets will be assembled on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the social hall. The baskets will be delivered to CCAP on Monday, March 19, 2018. Please see Linda Allamong or Linda Riddle with any questions or to donate cash.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we were able to donate 40 Easter Baskets to CCAP. Each of the baskets contained a Thrivent T-shirt, a chocolate bunny, chocolate cross and other candy, a toy, a McDonald’s five dollar gift card as well as egg dye and a toothbrush and toothpaste. A big thank you to the adults and children that took the time to assemble these baskets (See more pictures on the Event Photos page.)

February 2018 Outreach Project - Collecting Funds to Benefit World Hunger

Our Outreach project for the month of February will be to collect funds to benefit World Hunger. Checks may be made payable to either ELCA World Hunger or to St. John's with "ELCA World Hunger" in the memo line. You may place your check in the offering plate. Our youth will collect loose change for this effort during the offering. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Pitcock.

Please click here ELCA World Hunger to find out more about how collections for this cause have benefitted others throughout the world. These things may seem trivial to most of us, but to those that have nothing, it means the world. Thank you for your support!

Update: The response from the congregation for this outreach project was great, $569 was collected and will benefit ELCA World Hunger. Thank you so much for your generosity.

**January 2018 Outreach Project - C*ollecting Food/Cans of Soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 4, 2018***

Our outreach project for the month of January will be to collect food/cans of soup for CCAP for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 4, 2018. Please bring your donations and the children will collect them during the offering and "fumble" them into the tote. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Clutter. Thank you for your support!

Update: 2018 Souper Bowl Final Score - St. John's Lutheran Church 435 (cans/packages of soup) - Hunger 0. Great job teammates, thank you for your generosity!

December 2017 Outreach Project - Adopt a Family

Our outreach project for the month of December will be to help a family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate Christmas. Kim will shop for us and is now collecting monetary donations. If you would rather donate items see or email (by clicking on their name) Kim or Doug for a list for the children (a girl and two boys). You may also click on December list if you would like to download a copy of the list.

Sunday, December 10, 2017 will be the last Sunday to donate gifts/funds for the December Outreach project. Presents will be wrapped on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in the social hall at 10 a.m.

Update: Once again, thanks to the generosity of our church family, we are able to help the family in need from Indian Hollow Elementary School celebrate their Christmas. Thanks to all of you who showed up to help wrap presents. Kim will be delivering them today. Thank you so much for thinking of others especially during this time of year!

November 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting New Blankets, Sleeping Bags, Pillows, Mittens and Gloves for CCAP

Our Outreach for the month of November will be to collect new blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, mittens and gloves. Please help us share the warmth of God’s love by donating these items throughout the month of November. The items will be delivered to CCAP and distributed locally. We hope to fill our blanket chest and our mitten tree! Please contact either Sue Goodwin or Kim Eckley with any questions.

Update: The response from the congregation for this outreach project was amazing (as you can see by the pictures below). We collected the following: 16 throws, 5 pillows, 23 blankets, 34 scarves, 1 sleeping bag, 68 hats, 13 scarf & hat sets, 24 sets of men’s gloves, 47 sets of ladies’ gloves and 44 sets of children’s gloves. Thank you so much for your generosity and Sharing the Warmth of God’s Love (this truly came from the heart). These items will be delivered to CCAP this week where they will be distributed to those in need.

October 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting Needed Items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA

Our Outreach for the month of October is collecting needed items for the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA. We’ll be collecting kitty litter, kitten food, cat food, cat toys, dog toys, rope toys, dog treats, paper towels, bleach, Lysol, Windex, laundry detergent, towels, blankets, bath mats (these three latter items may be gently used), dish soap, and scrubber sponges. Please bring your item(s) for the SPCA and place in the dog food can! Please email Sue Eyre any questions you may have.

Update: Approximately $500 worth of toys, food, treats, pillows, towels, paper towels, kitty litter, dish and laundry detergent and bleach was donated (See Picture below). Some of which was donated by Gravel Springs. The items were divided into thirds and have been donated to the Shenandoah and Frederick County Animal Shelters, as well as the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke SPCA. Sue Eyre dropped off items to the Frederick County Animal Shelter and the SPCA on November 6, 2017. The agencies were very grateful!! Once again, great job. Thanks to the congregations at St. John’s and Gravel Springs who made this possible.

September 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting Single Serve Food Items for Bright Futures Frederick Winchester

Our Outreach Project for September will benefit Bright Futures Frederick-Winchester. We are collecting single serve food items (select the Food List button below for a list of items needed) or cash. This organization provides weekend backpacks of food for over 700 students from nine (9) Frederick County and four (4) Winchester City schools who are experiencing food insecurity at home. They would like the program to grow and foresee between 2,000 to 2,500 students who are in need. Please see Sarah Murphy with any questions you may have.

Food List

Update: We were able to collect and donate $40 and 59 items to benefit our September Outreach Project for Frederick/Winchester Bright Futures. Sarah Murphy has delivered the money and items. Great job, thanks to all who made this possible!

August 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting School Supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School

Our Outreach for the month of August is collecting school supplies for Indian Hollow Elementary School. Please see the bulletins for more details.

For a list of school supplies required for kindergarten through fifth grade, click on the link listed below.

http://ihe.frederick.k12.va.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_133700/File/ParentsandStudents/
ihe_2017_18_supply_list_061417.pdf

Update: Once again, thanks to the generosity of our church family, the following supplies were collected for and dontated to Indian Hollow Elementary School: 6 packs of erasers, 11 packs of pencils, 14 glue sticks, 6 bottles of Elmer's glue, 22 boxes of crayons, 6 boxes of colored pencils, 8 boxes of magic markers, 1 pack of dry erase markers, 2 packs of highlighters, 36 spiral notebooks, 5 scissors, 8 pencil boxes, 3 binder pouches, 5 boxes of Ziploc bags, 4 boxes of Kleenexes, 9 back packs, 11 packs of notebook paper, 10 binders, 25 composition books, 21 pocket folders, 2 packages of tape and 1 pencil sharpener.

July 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting Items for The Laurel Center

Our Outreach for the month of July is in support of The Laurel Center; Intervention for Domestic and Sexual Violence (formerly the Shelter for Abused Women). The Laurel Center provides support for women and children by serving as family advocates, offering hope and courage, strength and resilience, to families of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They let the women and children know they are not alone and that help is available. Please join us in helping the Laurel Center provide care and support to these families by donating household products, clothing, food, drinks, bus tickets, or gift cards. Your kind support is much appreciated. Please see Melissa Seward with any questions.

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, much needed donations of sheet sets, clothing, soaps, shampoos, tooth brushes, paper products, towels, washcloths, hand towels, snacks, cases of water, and many school supplies for children which included backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, pencils, journals, and spiral notebooks!

Melissa Seward will deliver all of these items to the Laurel Center Monday, July 31st!

June 2017 Outreach Project - Collecting Diapers and Wipes for the Red Wagon Ministry

We are collecting diapers and wipes for the Red Wagon Ministry for our community outreach project in June. By providing these basic necessities, the ministry’s hope is to decrease the incidents of abuse and neglect resulting from a child remaining in a soiled or reused disposable diaper. Along with wipes, we would like to collect Infant to size six (6) diapers. As a fun way to celebrate our project, each week we will display baby pictures from our congregation. Everyone can look at the pictures and guess who that cute baby face belongs to. If you would like to submit a picture, please bring it to Amy Maphis or e-mail amymaphis@gmail.com

Update: Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we collected a total of 1,042 diapers and 2,236 wipes for the Red Wagon Ministries. Thank you for your support.

May 2017 Outreach Project - Provide Lunches to the Winchester/Frederick County Therapeutic Day Treatment Program—Summer 2017

Help us Provide Lunches to the Winchester/Frederick County Therapeutic Day Treatment Program—Summer 2017—by donating cash, check or Walmart gift cards for Lutheran Family Services summer lunch program. Checks should be made payable to “St. John’s Lutheran Church” (just write “lunch program” in the memo). The co-directors expect to provide 1200 lunches to students from June 19th-July 21st. Please contact Sue Goodwin with any questions.

Update:

Thanks to the generosity of our church family, we collected a total of $319.03 (cash, checks and gift cards) to provide Lunches to the Winchester/Frederick County Therapeutic Day Treatment Program—Summer 2017. Thank you for your support.

April 2017 Outreach Project - Collection of Books for the Indian Hollow Elementary School's Summer Reading Program (aka the Trading Post Summer Program)

Our April Outreach project is collecting books for Indian Hollow Elementary School's summer reading program (known as the Trading Post Summer Program). Books may be new, gently used or, if you prefer, you can make a donation - Please see Nancy Pitcock. The youth will collect your books during the Offering or you can drop them in the crate located beside the CCAP can.

Update:

We collected 385 books and $56 for the Indian Hollow Elementary School’s summer reading program (known as Trading Post Summer Program). Nancy will contact the librarian to find out if they want more books purchased with the money or if they need it to buy more totes to haul the books in. Great job everyone.