An umbrella offers protection from adversity. St. Mark's Matthew 25 ministries offer that umbrella of protection for those in need within our local communities. "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Our motives for social action are obedience to Scripture as well as gratitude for all God has done for us. Gratitude and obedience, linked with compassion, enable us to live out the "two commandments" of our Lord -- to love God with all our heart, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In a spirit of servanthood and thanksgiving, consider the activities our parish offers close to home. Every St. Marker can serve the Lord through Matthew 25: you can help at home or away from home, at regular times or at sporadic times, in the day or the evening, long term or short term.

Please consider thoughtfully where you can contribute your time and talents to some of the ministries listed. Contacts and their phone numbers are listed with each ministry.

LAZARUS HOUSE

Lazarus House is a community home open 365 days a year and is located in St. Charles. It provides homeless and at-risk individuals connected to the Mid Kane County area with food, shelter and support services. St. Markers provide volunteer assistance to the staff and residents of Lazarus House on the fourth Saturday of each month in the form of donated food, overnight support and also serve a hot meal that evening. A sign-up sheet for our outreach is located in the Narthex on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Volunteers can elect to provide food, serve dinner or spend the night assisting Lazarus House staff. For more information on Lazarus House you may view their website (http://www.lazarushouseonline.com/). The St. Mark's contact for this ministry is Mike Zimmer.

HESED HOUSE

This shelter in Aurora provides a place to stay for the homeless and emergency living quarters for adults and children. St. Mark's joins another church once a month to serve supper, breakfast and to help with activities in the evening. We serve at Hesed House from October through May on the second Monday to Tuesday of each month. You can sign up to provide a casserole or other food item. The sign up is located in the Narthex. Contacts: Steve and Lela Lowe

CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

The center provides compassionate care to women facing crisis pregnancies. Donations of formula, diapers, maternity clothes, layette items and baby clothes can be placed in the bin marked by the Narthex entrance. Contact Nancy Mead

SALVATION ARMY FOOD PANTRY

The Food Pantry is located at the Salvation Army Center in St. Charles. Food is most urgently needed from late Spring to early Fall. Especially needed are high protein items such as peanut butter, tuna, beans and canned meats. Also needed are paper and cleaning products. Items can be placed in the marked bin at the Narthex entrance. Contacts - Michelle Lamirand or Kelly Nowak

KNITTING MINISTRY

The purpose of this ministry is to provide prayer/healing shawls for those in need. The knitting can be done independently and simple instructions are provided. A group meets the first Monday of each month to pray, encourage and knit together. Contact: Nancy Mead

MATTHEW 25 MINISTRIES

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat."

"I was a stranger and you invited me in."

"I needed clothes and you clothed me."

"I was sick and you looked after me."

"I was in prison and you came to visit me."

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me."