St. John’s is dedicated to the concept of community outreach to effectively make known the presence of the church to and through the “world”. The ministries currently active at St. John’s include:
In addition to these programs, St. John’s offers a calendar of special events and musical concerts. Please refer to the pages which discuss these programs in more detail.
The Family Center at St. John’s was founded in 1996 by the Rev. Ann Jensen, then Associate Rector of the parish. What started with the assistance of the Child Guidance Center and representatives from other non-profit social service agencies has now grown to make Saint John’s a focal point for children and their families. Parishioners and volunteers collaborate with a variety of services and programs to serve the community:
The Ahlbin Center brings expertise in physical, speech and occupational therapy. In addition to the benefit children derive from the therapy, families and children have the opportunity to interact with others in similar situations, an advantage that would be unavailable in standard therapy situations.
Bridgeport Hospital sponsors The Nurturing Program. Dedicated to families with children from birth to five, The Nurturing Program offers parents an opportunity to develop new parenting skills and time to share experiences with similar families. The 20 session program meets twice a week. Transportation can be arranged in special circumstances.
Saint Vincent’s Special Needs provides special assistance to children with developmental concerns.
Other programs include Learn and Grow on Thursday mornings, 10:00-12:00 for parents and children (The children’s group provides learning opportunities through play and arts and crafts projects.); Computer Friends on Saturdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm and weekdays by appointment. (Mentors are available to work with the students.); and Foster Grandparents Training. With these programs and others in development, The Family Center is dedicated to the growth of healthy parent-child relationships.
Our programs are designed to be educational yet fun times for the families, offering experiences that would otherwise be unavailable. For more information, visits, or opportunities to volunteer at the Family Center, please contact the Center.
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.
The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat’s mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into action, the "economics of Jesus" and the "theology of the hammer."
St. John’s parishioners participate in the Bridgebuilder’s Coalition, a group of Episcopalian churches in the Fairfield County who offer their time and talents to work sites in the Bridgeport vicinity. In addition to joining work crews on individual homes, parishioners participate in fundraising activities for Habitat. Last year, our efforts were expanded to host the first annual fundraising concert.
A ministry launched some 30 years ago at St. Luke’s Parish, Darien in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Person-to-Person now operates at St. John’s. Person-to-Person is a volunteer-run and directed program which provides food, clothing, and scholarship programs.
The scholarship program at St. John’s just completed its second successful year, awarding scholarships to 12 undergraduates at 11 different colleges. Applications (due mid-June) are available through the Family Center or Person-to-Person. Applicants must be Bridgeport residents and demonstrate financial need .
If you would like to donate to the Scholarship Fund or to volunteer, please contact the Family Center.
This program was begun at St. John’s over twenty years ago. Every Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm volunteers from various local churches and one synagogue come to Saint John’s to provide a hot meal for people who are in transition, homeless, or are seeking a loving, faith-based community. Young adults from high schools, colleges and organizations throughout Fairfield County often offer assistance. In addition to meals, clothing, toilet articles and nonperishable food are often distributed. Bible study is offered. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Family Center.
In Spring of 2001, St. John’s introduced “Beloved,” a ministry of compassionate healing for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. This program was initiated to address the spiritual concerns of these individuals, their caregivers and their families and to extend a place of worship and memorial. Services are held in conjunction with Evensong each month. There are also special education classes, pastoral care and home visitations. If you are interested in this ministry please contact the parish office.