Some opportunities for church members to carry out
their ministries within the congregation and "in the world."

St. John's Ministry
and Outreach Programs

The Open Door
This project is unique among the myriad of services provided in our city for people with AIDS, those diagnosed with HIV, their partners, and families and those who care for them. The Open Door is a distinctly Christian ministry offering religious resources to address issues faced by those who live with this disease. Those interested in providing support for the program may give contributions to the parish marked for The Open Door. Questions concerning the program or about participation may be directed to the program's Chaplain, the Rev'd Samuel Cross, 212 243-6192.

Click here for more "Open Door" info.

The St. John’s Pastoral Counseling Center
The Counseling Center (which is a part of the Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute) provides moderately priced psychotherapy, including a religious perspective, in Wade House, located in St. Benedict’s Courtyard. Persons in need with limited resources can find counseling at reduced rates and client assistance is often available. The professional staff are, psychologists, clinical social workers and clergy. The Rev'd Gary Hellman directs the work of the center.  Volunteers can occasionally assist with administration, telephone, and grant writing.
Click here for more info about the Counseling Center.

The Rattlestick Theatre 

Rattlestick is a non-profit theatre group who uses the theater located on the top floor of our parish house. They provide a place for new actors, writers and directors to begin or develop their theatre careers. Because theatre has been, for many years, an important part of the cultural and economic life of New York, the parish joins in sponsoring this good work. Rattlestick presents a half dozen productions each year and does some collaborative work with the parish on arts projects.

Volunteers can work with the Arts Committee to develop such programs and build the relationship with the Rattlestick Theatre.

Have a Meal on Us
Any needy person can get a free meal “on us” by applying at the Church Office. The parish has a relationship with a neighborhood delicatessen to provide food for those in need.  Volunteers can contribute to the fund for this work by gifts to the parish Discretionary Fund.

The St. John’s Choristers
The Children’s Choir provides free musical education for children on Wednesday afternoons and they, in turn, sing at the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist one Sunday each month. They learn about the traditions of music and liturgy and are trained according to the Royal School of Church Music, an English musical education program for children. The program serves neighborhood children and can often use volunteers to supervise the children on Monday afternoons, as well as doing administrative and support work for the choirmaster.

Click here for more Choristers info.

Stewardship of our Buildings

We make our buildings available for meetings of community groups, block associations, and 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. We have a long standing relationship with New York University, and many students from their music school have recitals in the church periodically.

xThe Food Pantry

At each liturgy, there is a basket placed at the back of the church, in the narthex, into which people are invited to put nonperishable food offerings for the poor. At each sung liturgy, the food basket is presented along with the people’s other offerings. The food is given to the food pantry at a neighboring church for distribution to the poor. The basket is clearly marked and your contributions help those in need.

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