The following is the information on the Outreach Ministries from the 2008 Parish Annual Report updated as appropriate and with a list of 2009 participants were available. 
     o    AIDS Ministry Committee
     o    Antique Show (No shows in 2009 & 2010)
     o    Blood Drive
     o    Corporate Mission Committee
     o    CROP Hunger Walk
     o    Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF)
     o    Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN)
     o    Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD)
     o    Green Committee
     o    Kitchen Contracts
     o    Meeting Space
     o    Mom2Mom Sale
     o    Mon Ami Day Care & Nursery School
     o    New To You Resale Shop 
     o    Open Hands Food Pantry
     o    Pontiac School Project
     o    South Oakland Shelter (SOS)  

AIDS Ministry:
     St.  John's is actively supporting community AIDS related organizations by providing building space and volunteers to help them carry out their projects. The organizations we are currently working with include AIDS Partnership of Michigan, The Names Project, Steppin' Out and Higher Ground.  We belong to the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC), and they keep us up on events and causes we can be involved in through the Episcopal Church. In the past we have conducted programs and services here at St. John's centering around AIDS rememberance, healing and education. 
    AIDS Ministry Goals as of August 2009 include:
Short term goals:
      o   Recruit new members: Host coffee hour in Oct.
     o   Continue yearly events: AIDS walk, blanket drive, Easter baskets.
     o   Quarterly news and views article about a local agency serving AIDS/HIV clients and services available.
     o   Include our Vestry Liaison in our meetings
Long term goals:
     o   Invite at least 3 local agency’s to share info about AIDS/HIV with our congregation during an Adult Ed hour.
     o   Provide a testing site for AIDS/HIV.
     o   Maintain our relationships with those agencies we do events with and continue to seek others who we could support.

     AIDS Committee: LeeAnn Morgan, Barbara Heath, Kathy Smith, John Tower, Kathy Kustowski, Christine Carline, Angela Thomson, Barbara Moran.
     Contact Person:  LeeAnn Morgan (248) 399-3260  

Antique Show:
     Unfortunately, due to the poor economy and lack of response from dealers, we have had to cancel the 2009 St. John's Antique Show.  For 44 years it has been a major fundraising event at St. John's, with profits designated primarily for upkeep of our kitchen, but also for many other projects throughout the church.
On behalf of the present and past chairpersons of the Antique Show, we want to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has participated in the work and success of the Antique Show over these 44 years.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!Love,
     Chairpersons:      Linda Avery       (248) 689-8810        Linda Tucker        (248) 559-7656

Blood Drive:
     We did not hold a blood drive in 2008, however, we will again hold one in 2009.  We want to push the blood drive There is always a great need for blood and never enough supply.  If you are able, please consider donating blood on a regular basis.
     Contact Person:  Lillian Melville 248-546-1255   

Corporate Mission:
     The purpose of the Corporate Mission Committee is to provide assistance for various types of outreach programs.  Funds for the work of this Committee come from profits of the New to You Shop.  In 2008, the New to You Shop made a total of $13,000 available to the Committee.  This enabled St. John's to help in the support of 23 various organizations and programs.  As a result, we are extremely grateful for the work of Kathy Williams, her staff & volunteers and everyone who donates clothing and merchandise for sale through the New to You Shop.
     Contact Person:   Chuck Tucker 248-559-7656

CROP Hunger Walk:
Adults and young adults participate in this walk for hunger held in Royal Oak sponsored by the Royal Oak churches. Participants obtain pledges for their walking and the monies are collected and given to our local community churches association. A respectable portion of the locally received funds goes directly to Open Hands Food Pantry.
     Contact person:  NEW PERSON NEEDED                             

Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF):
     The EPF connects individuals and families seeking a response to injustice and violence with other Episcopalians who pray, study, and take action for justice and peace.  On Saturday, October 20, 2007,  a Chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship was founded at St. John’s church.  The focus of the Chapter is local peace and justice actions while also supporting the national goals of the EPF and its access to a variety of Special Interest Groups.  Quarterly meetings are being held on a pre-scheduled Saturday in the church library, 11am-12nn, in January, April, July and October.  The first order of business in October 2007 was a decision to participate in the world-wide Continuous Prayer Vigil to end the war in Iraq.  The National EPF has assumed responsibility for the 24 hours on Mondays.  Our members have chosen to pray at noon.  All parish members were and are invited to join us. 
     The main project for 2008 was the planning and construction of a Peace garden on the Woodward lawn of the Church.  On April 22, 2008 the vestry approved the triangular plot of land where the flag pole is located to be designated as the Peace Garden and authorized the construction of a Peace Cairn and Peace Pole.  An outdoor dedication ceremony took place on Baccalaureate Sunday, June 8th.   At our fall meeting, two possible projects were suggested for consideration in 2009: (1) Peace Tax fund as a vehicle for tax refusers to pay their Federal Income Tax without paying for war.  Literature is available from the Peace Tax fund Headquarters in Washington DC.  (2) Discussion will continue concerning Phase II of the Peace Garden landscape plans.  Currently, literature from the National EPF is available in the tract rack adjacent to the parish offices and the New to You shop room.  The tract rack and the bulletin board in the hall by the library will have literature and information of groups sponsoring  peace and justice actions or educational materials related to peace and justice issues.
     Contact Persons            Joe & Luella Bassett (248)549-3888        Return to Ministries List

Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN):
     Political action group affiliated with the national Episcopal Church. National Episcopal Public Policy Network website. 
     Contact Person : Bruce Donigan. 

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD):
     “ERD works with Anglican and Episcopal partners to provide emergency assistance, such as food, water and shelter in times of disaster.  We rebuild devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over.  Through our food security and primary health programs, we offer long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.”
     This is ERD’s statement.  We at St. John’s continue our substantial commitment to the outreach programs of ERD.  We do this primarily through our Corporate Mission Ministry, funded largely by the New to You Shop.  In 2008, Corporate Mission responded to needs expressed by ERD by allocating $2,000 for many pressing relief efforts.  Episcopal Relief and Development is an important ministry of the church.  We can feel confident when contributing personally and corporately to ERD that our gifts are being used to alleviate suffering and want in the timeliest manner possible.  ERD is considered one of the best relief organizations in the country.
     Contact person:   Barbara Heath   (248) 559-0815                     

Green Committee:
     We are the liaison between St. John's congregants and the Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (MiIPL)  See the www.miipl.org website for our combined congregation's carbon emissions reductions!!  It is impressive. We helped facilitate the comprehensive recycling program, calculate cost savings and payback periods and make  recommendations to the vestry regarding ways that St. John's can save energy, save money and create less pollution.  MiIPL also provides energy savings through the website's shop on CFL bulbs and discounted ENERGY STAR appliance purchases at ABC Warehouse. "Green living" education is offered to our members and access to bulk Fair Trade coffee tea & chocolate purchases.  We hope to included field trips to other congregations and businesses participating in the move toward "greener" technology.  This is a relatively new committee, so our aims and goals are still being created.  We are looking for members/volunteers who have an interest in "sustainable" uses of energy, recycling and green living.  
     Contact person:  Karen Brown   248-886-0548  

Kitchen Contracts:
     The beginning of 2009 finds us losing long time renter Creative Cooking by Amy Jean. This was a decision that The Rev. Linda Northcraft and the Vestry made due to many difficulties that her company presented us.  The good news is I have a new renter that I hope will grow to replace Creative Cooking in the near future.  I also have two new part time renters that have growing businesses.  St John’s is having breakfast on the first and third Sunday of the month.  This has been well received by the congregation.
     We had a major repair to the drain pipes in the kitchen which meant tearing up a portion of the floor. As of this writing, the replacements of the tiles are all that remain to finish the job.  We also had a substantial bill to repair the dishwasher. Unfortunately some pieces of the equipment in the kitchen are beginning to show their age. We will continue to evaluate the repair or the replacement of the older equipment based on its age.
     Contact person:  Linda Pagel  248-589-9028         

Meeting Space  
      St. John's provides space in the church for a wide range of group for rent, for a donation or for free. The groups include Alcoholics Anaymous and other 12 step programs, Michigan Human Rights Commission, LGBT Chorus, etc.
     Contact Person:   Mary Adams   248-546-1255 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mom2Mom Sale
     The Mom2Mom Sale group has now held three sales at St. John's, Fall 2008, Spring 2009 and the latest sale was Sat. Oct. 17th, 2009, from 9 am to 1 pm. All the tables were sold and there was good traffic. The Sale had net proceeds of some $2,000 which goes to the St. John's budget. Information on the sale is available on the web at St. John's Mom2Mom Sale.
      Contact Person:   Angela Freeman    248-298-6630

Mon Ami Day Care & Nursery:
     Mon Ami is the common name for the child day care provider which leases space in the south end of the main Church building.  The formal name is Hendrie Partners, L.L.C.    St. John’s Episcopal Church and Mon Ami have continued this relationship since September of 1994. 
     Contact person:  Carol Lieber        248-546-5778  

New To You Resale Shop:
     My first experience at the New to You Resale Shop was with my oldest sister when she was starting work as a legal secretary, back in the early 80's, and needed to obtain a business wardrobe.  The New To You Shop was the place that you could find quality pieces at very affordable prices.  (and of course, still is)  I loved tagging along and getting to discover and admire all those other treasures in the shop too!  I began volunteering at the shop last fall when my friend, Allison Sykes, invited me to join her for her Friday morning shift.  I rediscovered all the fun of the treasure hunt but this time I also had the opportunity to interact and assist the customers as well as meet the other volunteers. Another bonus for me was getting to be back in touch with Mary Ann Morrow, the manager, as I met her many years ago when I was a long time client at her hair salon.  (I still rank those cuts as the best ever)
     It was such an unexpected opportunity to pursue the position of Manager last spring when Mary Ann announced her retirement.  I feel very fortunate to have been given the job and continue to enjoy the pleasure of the work, the customers and consignors, and of course the amazing group of shop volunteers and board members!
     It is through the hard work and commitment of many that the New to You Resale Shop continues to be a great place to work and shop.  There are volunteers that work 3 to 3 1/2 hour morning or afternoon shifts once a week or one Saturday a month, to those that work 2 hour shifts once a week or every other week.  There are even those that just pop in when they have some time and help stock newly priced items, dress the mannequins, and  clean and straighten displays.  Every effort is helpful, important and very much appreciated.  In 2008, the New To You Shop provided $15,000 to the parish budget and gave $13,000 in proceeds to beallocated by Corporate Mission to area outreach. 
     If you would like to become part of the New To You Shop team or learn more about its operation, please stop, call or visit us on the internet at www.stjohnro.org.  Thank you so much for the warm welcome and support! New To You Shop Hours:  Monday-Friday 10:00-4:30; Monday Evenings 6:30-8:30; and Saturdays 10:00-1:00
      Contact:  Kathy Williams 248-546-1722                       Return to Ministries List

Open Hands Food Pantry:
     In 2008, over 4000 volunteer hours served those in need. Our volunteers come from St. John’s, Kensington and Genesis Churches, Christ Child Society and concerned friends in the Detroit metropolitan area. The year 2008 was a very difficult one for Michigan’s economy. The economic downturn continued and escalated, leaving large numbers of Open Hand’s clients facing foreclosure, unemployment, underemployment and financial crises. In 2008, more future income earners left the state of Michigan which produced an uncertain future for residents, as well as a donation base for non-profits that is smaller than ever before.  Open Hands operates most Mondays from 1 to 4 pm and most Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. In 2008, we served 3,992 households equaling 10,868 individuals. That number is up 8.4% from last year! We saw more clients at a time when donations to food banks declined as well.
 The people we served:                                                  Oakland County stats
            42.5% of households include children                            44%
            7.5% are elderly                                                         11%
            50% are age 18-64                                                     48%
     Other Oakland County/National stats report that 92.5% of food pantry clients are US citizens, 31.7% are male and 62% live below the poverty level. Average annual incomes are $10,870 to $15,300 while the national poverty level for a family of three is $16,090. We truly serve the needy!  Open Hands not only provides food to those in need, but also toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, soap and toilet paper – things they cannot purchase with food stamps. During the Christmas season, we again held a very successful Santa’s Workshop for our clients, with donated gift items for families. We saw 219 clients with 454 children in the Santa’s Workshop, an increase of 10%.   With a steady increase in clients, the need for food and money continues to grow. We want to thank everyone who was able to send monetary donations, which allows us to buy food in bulk at a low price. As always, 100% of all donations are used to purchase food and personal hygiene. Open Hands is strictly a volunteer-driven operation.   The Open Hands board continued to meet periodically throughout 2008 and oversaw the operations of the food pantry. The board was able to secure substantial grant amounts which allows for lower expenses and more consistent cash-flow. Our fundraising activities (the Wine Tasting event, and Dream Cruise parking) were very successful again in 2008.   We truly appreciate the generosity of St. John’s in donating the space, phones, etc., for the operation of Open Hands. Such an endeavor would be impossible without such a commitment by the St. John’s faith community!
     Contact person:    Bruce Donigan  248-547-1850             Return to Ministries List

The Pontiac School Project:
     The Pontiac School Project is a Christmas gift program for low-income kids at Whitmer School in Pontac. Church members provide warm clothing and a gift for a particular child, with sizes and interests of the child
provided. We provide packages for thirty children, with names given out in late November. This is a fun and rewarding project.
     Contact person:  Barbara Murray, 734-449-1085, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

South Oakland Shelter (SOS):
     South Oakland Shelter ("SOS") is a non-profit organization in which churches throughout Oakland County provide shelter, food and support for the homeless participants in the program for one week.  The goal of SOS is to allow the participants to save the money earned from working so that they can break the cycle of poverty and be able to support themselves.  St. John's is a host site for SOS for one week during the year. In 2008 St. John's hosted the shelter in November. Over 100 volunteers participated from a wide age range. Linda Pagel was in charge of the kitchen this year.  In 2009 we hosted the Shelter the week of June 14-21.
     Contact Persons:    Joyce Morey   248-765-9747  and     Charlie Sharp     248-616-0343