Striving for Justice and PeaceSt. John's has a long history of service to the people of the City of St. Louis, from founding an orphanage and serving victims of cholera in the 1840's to hosting a homeless shelter in the 1980's and 90's. We currently host an Alcoholics’ Anonymous meeting, a therapist’s office, an African American Baptist congregation, and a social service agency for African refugees and new Americans. (See Tenants.) We are always expanding our service and advocacy projects. On September 30, 2006, we began a feeding program for immigrants, seniors and the working poor - the Peace Meal Project. Recent Peace Meal Projects have taken place on Feb. 19 in collaboration with AMAAM, on March 28 in partnership with Kingdom House, and a World Refugee Awareness Day on June 20, co-sponsored by AMAAM, the St. Louis International Institute, and the St. Louis Save Darfur Coalition. Please contact info@towergrovechurch.org to volunteer for the Peace Meal Project. All are welcome to attend and eat. St. John's recently received an $11,000 grant, which helps bring us close to the $30,000 we need to expand the Peace Meal Project by the fall of 2008. Donations are welcome, too! Twice a year, St. John's hosts a birthday party for children at the City Detention Center through Episcopal City Mission. The next party will be Friday, March 9. Please contact the church office at info@towergrovechurch.org or Christine Cannon at ccannon@kingdomhouse.org if you are interested in volunteering. The Peace Meal Project includes a Bread for the World sponsored "Offering of Letters" to political leaders encouraging them to support public policies that eliminate the need for feeding programs. As Christians, we are called not only to serve those in need, but to pray for and act on God-given courage to eliminate problems such as hunger, poverty, and disease. Members of St. John's also provide cooling hospitality and free water during Pride Fest and the Festival of Nations - the two major festivals that take place in Tower Grove Park each summer. The members of St. John's also collect food for two local food pantries, send toiletries and treats to soliders serving overseas, and collect money for United Thank Offering, Episcopal Relief and Development, and Episcopal City Mission. Please visit these sites for more information: |
Peace Meal Project
photos by Janet Gummels, (c) June 20, 2007
A staff member from Community Alternatives helps a client of AMAAM connect to medical services so that he can resume work. 
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