Curious to see how the 2014 budget is taking shape? Wonder what that means for you? Here are some highlights of the ministries supported by your giving last year!
Staff Funding: This year St. John’s staff has been working to develop a new Sunday School program, the beginning of a continuing legacy to invest in the youngest members of our church family. Another staff project was to reduce the cost of each lunch bag in our program by 10-15 cents per bag and change some of the items to make for a more nutritious package in order to better serve our patrons. Additionally, we have continued to build partnerships with community groups such as Kingdom Builders, which is helping to transform the communities of East Saginaw, as well as to continue nurturing our connections with the West Saginaw Civic Association and Old Town Christian Outreach.
Choral Scholars: The Choral Scholar Program has been in operation at St. John’s since 2006 and has been an important part of our musical outreach to Saginaw Valley State University students. Several past scholars have gone on to jobs in church music and have furthered their singing careers. This fall, three of our scholars were the featured soloists with the Saginaw Choral Society and they returned to St. John’s to sing on Sunday morning! Many of our scholars have been baptized, confirmed and married through their association with St. John’s. In addition to our scholars, we also have numerous college students who sing as volunteers with our choir.
Lunch Bag Program: We have distributed an average of 481 lunch bags each month to help care for the individuals right in our neighborhood.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund: Your contributions to the clergy discretionary fund enabled us to sponsor a survivor of sex trafficking to cover basic needs for one month to continue on her path to recovery. We sponsored the work of a campus ministry, and supplied a number of individuals in the community with food and/or gas cards to meet immediate needs.
Building & Grounds: Because of the care of our beautiful facility, we were able to host ten community events, not including the weekly rehearsals of the Saginaw Choral Society and aside from the normal activities of our congregation.
Program & Clergy: In 2013 alone, we have welcomed eleven new members.