Outreach Ministries

Micah 6:8 ..."to love kindness..."

Neighborhood Services, Inc. serves the neighborhoods surrounding The Ohio State University (specifically the 3201,43202,43210.) For 43 years, the churches in the University Area have combined resources to sustain Neighborhood Services,Inc. (NSI). NSI provides food, emergency help, back-to-school supplies, holiday food baskets to the familes in the area. The Consumer Choice Food Pantry allows hungry families to shop for the food they need. Families can receive up to 7 days of food once a month. In addition to food, clothing is also supplied, all donated. Volunteers are always needed as are donations of food and clothing.

Neighborhood Services, Inc.

1950 E. North 4th Street,

Columbus, Ohio  43201-1733        

614.297.0592

614.291.6599 (fax)

nsi0089@sbcglobal.net

Clinking Quarters - Clinking Quarters happens every Sunday when parishioners drop quarters with a clink into the collection plate.The quarters go into a fund which is distributed quarterly (how else!) to outreach ministries.

His Place Dinners - St. John's, Columbus serves a Wednesday evening meal to those in need in the Franklinton area.  Churches of several denominations from all over the city take turns providing food and services for these meals. St. Stephen's members regularly take part in this program.  Linda Richter coordinates St. Stephen's participation in His Place dinners.

Manna Lunches is a ministry that provides sack lunches to homeless people in Columbus. Organized through Neighborhood Services Inc., the Manna ministry has, since its inception, provided tens of thousands of sack lunches. Many churches and some elementary school classes in the University area participate in this program. People pack lunches once a month, usually in teams of two. Cost and schedule are up to the individuals.  Carolyn Farrow is in charge of this ministry for St. Stephen's.

The Holiday Project coordinates caring people as they visit those in institutions who not get many visitors, particularly at the holidays.  This is a national program which has been operating in Columbus for more than 10 years.  At Christmas parishioners are invited to participate with others from the community to make visits at the Whetstone Care Center, Twin Valley Behavioral Center, and other facilities.  The Rev. Don Farrow is in charge of this ministry for St. Stephen's.

The Episcopal Relief and Development Fund - formerly the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, is a ministry of compassion of the national Episcopal Church. It is the principal channel through which the Church responds to human need at home and abroad. For more information, click here: http://www.er-d.org