The Outreach Commission calls us to minister to the hungry, the unclothed, the sick and imprisoned, widows and orphans, and strangers as Jesus directed us. St. Luke's outreach program stresses offering our time, talent, and treasure. Members of the parish are encouraged to give individual time and talents to community efforts of their choice agencies which assist those less fortunate than we are and which follow Jesus' message with love and commitment. The parish has also increased its financial support to community agencies and national and international endeavors. During the current five-year period, our goal is to increase the amounts provided these agencies to 10% off the top of our unrestricted pledges and plate offering - our operating budget. We welcome inquiries from parishioners about volunteer opportunities. Applications for financial support must come from agencies via parish members who volunteer for these agencies.
Contact : Dave Barnard at 778-4499
DON'T SPEND CHRISTMAS ALONE DINNER - For 28 successive years, our volunteers have served full Christmas dinners, with all the trimmings, to up to 855 people who were alone or felt alone on Christmas Day. People attending, who otherwise might have experienced the loneliest days of their year, came from all walks of life. Thanks to more than 150 volunteers who plan, prepare, and serve the dinner, most of whom give up a major portion of their Christmas Day at home to help at the event, which serves people from all over the tri-city area, has become a tradition in the area. The overwhelming help and support of the many individuals and businesses in the tri-city area who make donations of cash, food and supplies, is truly a testament to what people will do in reaching out to others. Thanks to the delivery of meals by the Prescott Fire Department, many of the community's homebound have a good meal and are with us in spirit. The smiles of our guests and the thanks expressed by many make it all worthwhile for those who helped make the event possible. This dinner is truly an example of the blessing of both giving and receiving. Comments included, "there's no better place we'd rather be than at St. Luke's on Christmas Day."
ADOPT A HIGHWAY - Many cooks may spoil the stew (according to the old adage), but many hands do make picking up litter along the White Spar Highway (Highway 89 south) both more fun and more productive. Gathering along the two-mile stretch between mileposts 307-309 (that's south of Prescott where Granite Creek crosses Highway 89), the dozen or so litter lifters, all over the age of 12), work for about a two hour period, three times a year. The big trash bags we fill up are supplied to litter lifting groups. Usually, we gather eight to ten bags of trash from the beautiful White Spar Highway. And, of course, you may lend your hands, back, legs, and heart to this worthwhile project.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - Sponsored continuously by St. Luke's for more than 50 years, Troop 10 is an active troop of boys supported by good leadership and involved parents. The Troop participates in the full range of activities of the Grand Canyon Council. Pack 10, beginning with the Tiger Cubs through Webelos, is sponsored by St. Luke's also. We are proud to sponsor scouting activities for boys between the ages of six through adult.
CELLO CLASS - The beginning String Class held at St. Luke's in the past has developed into an "intermediate level" string ensemble which performed during the Children's Christmas Pageant this past Christmas Eve. Yavapai College has picked up this class as a newly forming "Youth Orchestra" in the non-credit department. It rehearses at St. Luke's when the college is not in session. A cello class, which meets at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, is currently being offered at the church.
SHARING OUR FACILITIES - St. Luke's makes its various meeting areas available to non-profit groups and community service agencies at minimal or no cost. The Thumb Butte Quilters, the Prescott Astronomy Club, People Who Care, Prescott Chamber Women's Choir, Troop 10 Boy Scouts of America, United Blood Services, the Prescott High School Prom and the Interfaith Coalition for Compassion and Justice (ICCJ) and others meet at St. Luke's on a regular basis, finding good meeting space and excellent parking area.
THE PRESCOTT WOMEN'S CHAMBER CHOIR - St. Luke's Church makes its facilities available to the Prescott Women's Chamber Choir, which considers St. Luke's its home. The 15 or so members rehearse in the church choir room every Tuesday evening. St. Luke's and the community look forward to fine works from this community ensemble.
BLOOD DONOR PROGRAM - St. Luke's has become an important and contributing member of the tri-city area blood services program. Last July, we were a donor site, resulting in our donating nearly 10% over the goal set by United Blood Services. Our success went well beyond what is expected of a first drive in any location. Some 25 parishioners worked to make this outreach a success by providing cookies and drinks, making phone calls, distributing fliers, and registering donors.
