"What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8. At St. John's, we believe to have a healthy spiritual life we must take our prayers into forms of action. In order to love mercy we understand this as acts of compassion or charity through ministries that help alleviate symptoms often found in our society. In order to do justice we understand this as we must go out and change the systems in our community so people can rely less on charity, strive for independence, give an equal and fair chance to live their lives. At the heart of all this work it is mostly about love for our neighbors.
VISION
The VISION (Volunteers in Support of Oakland’s Needs) program provides meals to homeless people living in various encampment communities throughout Oakland. St. John’s families prepare sandwiches and hard-boiled eggs and drop them off at St. John’s on either Wednesday or Thursday. Teams of “baggers” meet in the kitchen on those days to put these donations into lunch bags along with other items to construct one or more
nutritious meals. On Wednesdays, the bag lunches are created and delivered by team members to “Operation Dignity” in downtown Oakland. The Thursday boxes of bag lunches are picked up by Vinnie Pannizzo of “Mission for the Homeless”, who distributes them to various encampments.
In December, there is a special effort called VISION/WARMTH to collect blankets, jackets, socks and hats for distribution via “Pastor” Vinnie to help the homeless weather the cold winter months. During 2022, more than 50 St. John’s families contributed to the efforts of VISION. The Alameda County Community Food Bank provided us with 25,000 pounds of food. More than 13,000 bag meals were delivered to the Oakland homeless community. The VISION/WARMTH effort provided innumerable donations of coats, jackets, socks and shoes for “Pastor” Vinnie to distribute to those in need.
Yes, Uganda
Educating & improving the welfare of AIDS orphans & other vulnerable youth through programs & scholarships.
Friends of Ruwenzori
Assisting a Ugandan village to create an AIDS clinic, a fully staffed hospital, a micro finance cooperative & a vocational school.
Genesis
Bringing together congregations & community organizations to work for social justice, recently getting free youth bus passes for Oakland students.
Youth Mission Trip (Grades 7 – 12)
Planning, fundraising and assisting a group in need, from rebuilding houses after a hurricane to helping at summer camps for children from disadvantaged communities.
VISION
The VISION (Volunteers in Support of Oakland’s Needs) program provides meals to homeless people living in various encampment communities throughout Oakland. St. John’s families prepare sandwiches and hard-boiled eggs and drop them off at St. John’s on either Wednesday or Thursday. Teams of “baggers” meet in the kitchen on those days to put these donations into lunch bags along with other items to construct one or more
nutritious meals. On Wednesdays, the bag lunches are created and delivered by team members to “Operation Dignity” in downtown Oakland. The Thursday boxes of bag lunches are picked up by Vinnie Pannizzo of “Mission for the Homeless”, who distributes them to various encampments.
In December, there is a special effort called VISION/WARMTH to collect blankets, jackets, socks and hats for distribution via “Pastor” Vinnie to help the homeless weather the cold winter months. During 2022, more than 50 St. John’s families contributed to the efforts of VISION. The Alameda County Community Food Bank provided us with 25,000 pounds of food. More than 13,000 bag meals were delivered to the Oakland homeless community. The VISION/WARMTH effort provided innumerable donations of coats, jackets, socks and shoes for “Pastor” Vinnie to distribute to those in need.
Yes, Uganda
Educating & improving the welfare of AIDS orphans & other vulnerable youth through programs & scholarships.
Friends of Ruwenzori
Assisting a Ugandan village to create an AIDS clinic, a fully staffed hospital, a micro finance cooperative & a vocational school.
Genesis
Bringing together congregations & community organizations to work for social justice, recently getting free youth bus passes for Oakland students.
Youth Mission Trip (Grades 7 – 12)
Planning, fundraising and assisting a group in need, from rebuilding houses after a hurricane to helping at summer camps for children from disadvantaged communities.