A Time of Remembrance: Addiction, Overdoses and Suicides Recording of Speakers Recording of Remembrance Service
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Family of Toni Kay(Toni) Mangskau hosted a “Community Forum on Addiction, Overdoses and Suicide with a Remembrance Service”.
So many people have died and are suffering from these problems, and there is so much pain. Through the forum, we hoped to bring awareness to our community and to weave a story of hope through speakers sharing their personal stories. Each speaker shared intimate details of their pain and suffering, and have come through alive with strength and new life. They are helping, learning and teaching others in their work time and every time, with hope and faith and love.
There was a resource handout containing information from 17 community resources who were available in the Fellowship Hall for any attendees who wanted to meet with someone.
To help with healing, the forum ended with a remembrance service to recognize all the individuals we have lost and who are still struggling. All our speakers and many of the forum attendees had an unforgettable message of how to listen and help each other. We’ve read this or heard it many times but if we don’t listen with our entire spirit, in silence with a quiet mind and open and receptive spirit, we miss it because we’re so busy with our own agendas, so busy we totally miss or misunderstand the person who is hurting. Take time to listen now, without any other agenda than to give of yourself, to help someone who is hurting, before it’s too late.
Homelessness in Rochester – How Can Our Faith Communities Help? Recording
The Homelessness Webinar was held Thursday, May 20, 2021. One myth surrounding those experiencing homelessness is that they must have made a bad decision. The truth is an unforeseen event could put every one of us in their shoes. A panel of experts discussed all aspects of homelessness, but most importantly, they shared information on simple and practical ways every one of us can help. Panelists Ryan Cardarella – Dorothy Day House, Tim Geisler – SVDP Saint Vincent DePaul, Bri Bednar – Family Promise, Dan Fifield – The Landing, Lisa Mueller – Salvation Army, Trent Fluegel – HRA Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Rudy Naul – Catholic Charities Warming Center
We can change the world and make it a better place. It’s in your hands to make a difference. Nelson Mandela
We exist to give ourselves away in love.
We believe that our service ministry represents Christ, through using our gifts to carry on Christ’s work of love and compassion in the world. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is proud of the outreach programs we provide for our local, state and national communities. Please join the many St. Lukans who make a difference in the needs of others.
Outreach provides laughter and friendships gained in fellowship as well as in service, through varied and enjoyable outreach fundraisers.
Community Link
The Community Link ministry connects community needs with those at St. Luke’s who are willing to help and support. From snow boots to laundry soap for a neighbor or fellow parishioner, needs of all sorts can be met through online connections.
Reach High Mentoring
Reach High is a mentoring program that matches caring parishioners with students from local elementary schools to provide assistance with homework all while developing friendships between youth and caring adults.
Epiphany Birthday Bags
In celebration of the birth of Jesus, donations are taken each year for birthday bags. Each bag includes a kit of items for a birthday party. The bags are used by mothers residing at the Women’s Shelter who are unable to acquire supplies for their child’s birthday party.
Neighborhood Schools
Throughout the school year, we list in the Lifelines five of the most needed school supplies at Sunset Terrace Elementary and John Marshall High School. These can be dropped off at St. Luke’s , Monday through Friday, 8-5 and of course on Sunday. Drop in the bins marked ‘Sunset Terrace’ or ‘John Marshall’ located in the downstairs foyer. Our Outreach Team will deliver them to the schools. Please check Lifelines for how you can get involved.
Channel One Volunteering
Many of our parishioners volunteer at Channel One Food Bank as their time allows. To learn how you can volunteer, please visit their website .
Isaiah Project
Many parishioners within St. Luke’s congregation have chosen to become involved in the Isaiah, MN Project. What is ISAIAH, MN? We are a multi-racial, state-wide, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. Check their website to learn how you can become involved.
Sunset Terrace Reading Room
St Luke’s and Calvary members are volunteering in the Reading Room with young learners at Sunset Terrace. Why not join us for an hour once, or once/week? It is easy and rewarding, and these kids
LOVE to read out loud, one-on-one to an adult. Check out the Lifelines for instructions on how to become involved.
Highway 52 Cleanup
St. Luke’s cleans their adopted section of Highway 52 two to three times a year. A crew of 12 is needed for this project and takes just a few hours. The crew is enthusiastic and has fun. Join them!
San Jose Obrero – Service Support
Each week during harvest/canning season, two Sunday services are offered to the migrant workers in Montgomery, MN. A prepared meal is served after each service, around 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. We set up, serve, socialize and clean up. If you speak Spanish – it is a great way to practice your skills. If you are unable to go with us, you may also donate food items for the meal. St. Luke’s and Calvary are working together for this event. Please see Lifelines for this year’s information, or get involved by contacting us.
Episcopal Relief and Development
St. Luke’s supports the work of Episcopal Relief and Development, which provides compassionate response to human suffering around the world. Click here to learn more.
Cooking at Dorothy Day
Some of our parishioners provide a meal once a month at Dorothy Day Hospitality House. Dorothy Day Hospitality House is a temporary homeless shelter. If you would like to volunteer in this way, please contact us and we will help you to join a team. This outreach is so rewarding and takes only a few hours per month.
Holiday Meals
St. Luke’s will again be donating Holiday Meals to Rochester families in need. We know that these are especially hard times and providing food for a special holiday meal brings joy not only to the families receiving the meal, but much more joy to those who give the meal. Please check Lifelines for updates on how to help as we approach the holidays.
Hawthorne Education Center
Hawthorne Education Center accepts donations of adult winter hats and scarves, dish soap and shampoo (not conditioner) year-round. These items can be dropped off at St. Luke’s.
Lenten Outreach Project
Join us in Lent as we reflect on the meaning of the season through a special outreach project. This project varies from year to year depending on the needs of the community.
St. Luke’s Mini-library
The Mini-Library outside of St. Luke’s continues to serve our neighborhood, especially when so many students are learning from home. All are encouraged to drop off books that you would like to donate. Children’s books are particularly desirable. All St. Luke’s members are encouraged to donate books to the mini-library as you are able. Please only put books inside the library, not on the steps next to it so that books remain in good and usable condition for those who take them.
Opportunities to Give
| The Landing (507-884-0423) and The Warming Shelter (507-458-1223) accept new or gently used adult socks and jeans, which are given to homeless adults. Feel free to drop these off at St. Luke’s and we’ll get them delivered. Please check Lifelines for information on how to volunteer. If you have donations of new or gently used household items, including couches, tables with chairs, beds, bedding, towels, dishes, etc, here are many wonderful options. Catholic Charities at 507-287-2047 will arrange pickup from your house and accepts all the above. Donations are used for refugee families. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Resource Room at 507-288-7313 works with St. Vincent De Paul for helping Rochester homeless families and adults or for families in crisis with relocation needs to start their new apartments. They accept non-furniture items. They will arrange a time when you can drop off your items. St. Vincent De Paul (507-250-5715) directly accepts beds, tables dressers and household items, (not couches), but will usually ask you to hold onto the items until move in day, as they do not have a storage place. They appreciate a drop off, but will pick up if needed. |
Get connected to a ministry.
Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, wherever you’re headed, you are welcome at St. Luke’s.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1884 22nd Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 288-2469 stlukes@stlukesepiscopal.org
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
Please contact dianeomara@charter.net with website changes.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church 