Community MinistriesBicycle ministry and cartoonist Deacon Stephen Bentley. “As a deacon, my role is to look into the community and seek opportunities where there is a need.” Feb. 2023
Fresh Start Laundry by The Rev. Deacon Dianna Deaderick
In October 2016, St. Luke's began a new ministry called Fresh Start. It was our mission to provide free laundry services, showers, clothing and food for the area's homeless population and working poor. Our services have expanded to include free HIV testing, dental care, bus tickets, diapers, and furniture and household items. We average between 70 - 80 people on the 2 weekdays we're open. Our Saturday ministry includes a full noontime meal. AIDS Healthcare Foundation has partnered with us on the first Thursday of each month to provide an advocacy event for clients and community partners on a variety of topics including health issues and other concerns. AHF provides a lunch for all in attendance. We also partner with the Columbia Oral Health Clinic, to provide free dental care and dentures. Once a week Mother Jill+ conducts a noontime prayer and healing service. The needs they bring before the altar are beyond words. When God put the call in my heart to begin this ministry I never could have imagined where we would be today. |