Outreach Ministeries

Blessing of the Pets

To commemorate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we gather each year on the Saturday following October 4th (the feast day of St. Francis) at 10:00 AM in Eisenhower Park for a special service of blessing for our community's beloved pets. 

Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired. He left few writings; but, of these, his spirit of joyous faith comes through most clearly in the Canticle of the Sun, an ode to God’s living creation.

All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.

Harriette's Basket

The large basket near the base of the pulpit is named for the late Harriette Minturn. Harriette was a long-term member of St. John's and worked tirelessly for her church and her community, especially the Abilene Area Food & Clothing Center. Her spirit inspires us to continue her ministry to the less fortunate in our community.

Non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies placed in the basket are delivered regularly to the Food & Clothing Center.

Little Free Library

Located to the south of the church next to the sidewalk on Buckeye Avenue is St. John's Little Free Library®. It was built and installed by one of our parishioners with the assistance of others in the congregation. 

Little Free Libraries operate on the principle of sharing - take a book, return a book - not necessarily the same one. This library is a literacy outreach project and features primarily children's books donated by church and community members.

Mitten Tree

Every year St. John's partners with many area organizations in supporting Toys for Tots through donations of hats, mittens, gloves, and toys.