“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” – Galatians 6:10

In 2023

♥ We collected canned and dry food products (as well as other toiletries and needed items) on a monthly basis for the Salvation Army and for Home Sweet Home Ministries and their programming to help the homeless find shelter, food, stability, and hope in Jesus Christ. Our congregation readily supported these initiatives, and we are thankful that we have been able to be involved.

♥ We had an excellent response to our scarf, coat, and hat drive this past Advent-Christmas on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club. Multiple bags were collected, and our two Christmas trees set up at various entrances of the church, were draped in hats, gloves, and scarves.

♥ We provide space for storage and the distribution center for food and snack items used by volunteers from Oakland Elementary School located just a few blocks from us. We are also a support facility for other needs, and we look to investigate more ways that St. Matts and Oakland Elementary can partner in the new year, serving students and families in Bloomington.

♥ In 2024 we look to broaden our relationship with several non-profit ministries supporting the vulnerable and the desperate in our greater community. Home Sweet Home Ministries is located just west of us on E. Oakland Ave. HSH has supported the homeless in this community for over 105 years, and they continue to take steps to help people at whatever stage of exposure. The hope, of course, is to connect these people to the help that they can truly receive, moving as many as possible from homelessness to a more safe and stable existence. It is also our desire at St. Matthews to see those starving spiritually to consider the claims of Jesus and the hope that he offers.

This year a tent city appeared across the street from HSH, and they were able to assist these vulnerable people as best as they could. We at St. Matthew’s have been collecting and distributing blankets to this community and are in conversations with HSH ministries as they partner with other organizations to provide a more lasting solution to this recent situation.

♥ There is also another non-profit ministry (again, located just down the street!) that is in development to serve and aid the children of those facing poverty and homelessness. We were blessed to start discussions with this ministry, and more future inquiry meetings have been planned.

♥ Finally, we would like to welcome those attending St. Matthews (especially, some of our newer attenders and members) to consider joining our Outreach Committee. Many of our dedicated and faithful members do not have the energy they once had, but desire to be intimately involved. We pray and look for new membership to help us with our loving and important tasks.