Did You Know that 1 in 5 NJ families does not earn enough to afford the basic necessities: HOUSING, FOOD and CHILD CARE. What is more alarming is that 85% of these households have at least 1 family member who is working (only 6% receive welfare).
When the doorbell rings at the St. John’s rectory, the face at the door is frequently someone seeking help with these basic necessities. Part of our mission is to answer those pleas with God’s grace and assistance.
As you count your our own blessings and take stock of your life’s fullness, are you ready to say…,“Thank You GOD”? Here are a few ways to start…
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BASIC NEED: FOOD
Saturday Luncheon Social (SLS): St. John’s along with other area churches on a rotating schedule provided a home cooked meal and fellowship for an average of 24 folks each week. This had been mostly seniors, but we have seen changes in the guests as the year came to a close – it is open to all on a fixed or limited income. Currently around 25-30 people participate in this shared meal from 12-1pm each Saturday. Ten St. John’s Captains are included in the 2009 schedule. Other participating Churches Include: Our Lady of Mount Carmel -Boonton While the generous food donations from local merchants, St. John’s parishioners and loving people like you feed those in need, it is your time, attention and care that show them how much God loves EVERYONE! Call today to get involved… (973) 334-3655. |
Food Pantry & Holiday Family Sponsorships: The church also collects and distributes packages of food to needy families throughout the year and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Those who request food for families are sometimes people who have just lost jobs, who are waiting for the arrival of their food stamps or those referred to St. John’s by one of the homeless shelters in the area The food packages usually contain items which would help create a well-rounded meal and supplement other food items. How you can help: Donations are always welcomed for these food packages and may be left at the rectory. Some parishioners make a habit of buying extra items when they do their weekly food shopping and good choices could include: pasta, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, canned fish, meats, fruits or vegetables, and cake or biscuit mixes. Think about buying food for a hungry family the next time you go food shopping. You’ll be glad you did. Donations can be sent to:
St. John’s Church 226 Cornelia Street Boonton, NJ 07005 (973) 334-3655 |
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BASIC NEED: CHILD CARE St. John’s Cedar Hill – Community Development Corporation (CDC): Because at-risk behaviors are fostered in children during unsupervised, idle time, the Cedar Hill/CDC was established to improve the quality of life for Boonton’s families by providing affordable after-school care, thus giving peace of mind to parents by ensuring the safety of their children. Are you satisfied with how God continues to shape your life? Will you join us in making a difference for younger people whose lives are still “in-the-making”? Come share a bit of your success and compassion with a child. Call today to find out how. Donations can be sent to:
Cedar Hill / CDC 226 Cornelia Street, Boonton, NJ 07005-1712 (973) 334-3655 |
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Sometimes finding ourselves takes getting lost in others.
Find the peace that God offers us each day… by simply giving it away to others …it’s a phone call away.
(973) 334-3655
