St. John’s Lutheran Church has a long-standing tradition of supporting our community and those in need in the world. We are involved in many outreach services including:
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic
Founded by two retired physicians to meet the health and wellness needs of the medically uninsured, more than 400 patients a month are served by volunteer doctors, nurses, office help, and a small full-time paid staff. It began by serving uninsured residents or workers on James, Johns, and Wadmalaw Islands, it has expanded and now includes many other areas, including downtown Charleston’s hospitality workers.
https://www.bifmc.org/
Begin with Books
The presence of high-quality books in the home substantially increases a child’s likelihood of future success by allowing very young children to “get lost” in a book’s pictures or in recalling its familiar stories. Begin with Books places books in Charleston County homes and encourages parents to read aloud daily to their children.
Charleston Area Senior Center
Various programs are offered such as providing daily meals for 600 clients. Ansonborough House is a senior living community providing daily opportunities for socialization, education, exercise and physical activity, recreation, and relationships. Community Support Services provide access to all local and state agencies for senior adults. Emergency Food Services provides food to anyone regardless of age and each client receives enough food for one month.
https://charlestonareaseniors.org/
Charleston Port & Seafarers’ Society
Each year more than 65,000 seafarers arrive on hundreds of vessels in Charleston Port. These men and women are ministered to by providing them with religious materials, Bibles, magazines and other items, along with phone, computer and internet access, as well as transportation to local shopping and other attractions.
Coastal Crises Chaplaincy
First responders, survivors of traumatic loss, and the community as a whole across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties are served by volunteer chaplains and peer support who provide care for surviving loved ones and support first responders in the day-to-day stresses of their jobs.
https://eccocharleston.org/
Disaster Relief ELCA
Lutheran Disaster Response shares God’s hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world.
https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response
East Cooper Community Outreach
Providing assistance, guidance and resources as neighbors navigate through life’s challenges. Financial and food assistance, dental and medical services are provided to those in need.
https://eccocharleston.org/
Fisher House Charleston
Temporary accommodations to Veterans and their families while the veteran is receiving medical attentional at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is provided. Community partners provide guest programs with donations of time, talent and treasure.
https://friendsoffisherhousecharleston.org/
Homeworks of America
The mission is to show God’s love through service to others by repairing the homes of homeowners in need, assisting youth in their development, and empowering communities to meet the needs of their own members.
https://homeworksofamerica.org/
Hope Lodge
Cancer patients and their caregivers are offered a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be some distance from home. Meals are provided by volunteers who prepare, serve, and clean up at the end of the meal.
https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html
Lutheran Conference and Retreat Center
A non-profit ministry of the SC Synod, operating Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat, in partnership with church groups and other organizations allowing for day and overnight retreats gathering for relaxation, fellowship, spiritual growth, and renewal.
https://sclera.com/
Lutheran Hospice
Care is provided to patients of all faiths and beliefs, focusing on physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social and occupational needs. This frees patients and loved ones to create more memories and spend more quality time together.
https://lutheranhospice.org/
Neighbors Together Ministries
The four pillars of the ministry are Hunger, Health, Wellness, and Homelessness. Each year 255,000 meals are served to 10,300 neighbors in need, and emergency groceries are supplied on a weekly basis. Thanks to donations, those who can’t afford medical treatment are served and the needy are connected to housing resources.
https://neighborstogethersc.org/
Novus Way (Lutheridge/Lutherock)
A ministry of the ELCA, rooted in Christian faith, all are welcome to share in the experience of community, and to become closer to God and refresh before going back into the world to make a difference.
https://novusway.org/
Respite Care of Charleston
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
https://respitecarecharleston.org/
Ronald McDonald House
Families with sick children are kept together and near the care they need with the comfort of home away from home. Parents and children lead a life as normal as possible during their traumatic times without the financial burden of costly hotel, meal, and travel expenses. RMH offers comfortable beds, hot meals, and a caring staff, assisted by many volunteers who provide meals.
https://www.rmhcharleston.org/
Star Gospel Mission
Founded in 1904, Star Gospel Mission is Charleston’s oldest faith-based outreach, and today it continues to extend a had up through Christ’s love to people struggling with economic, emotional, spiritual and physical hardships.
https://www.stargospelmission.org/
South Carolina Lutheran Disaster
Empowered by Christ, SCLD prepares for and responds to disasters in the Carolinas through communication, education, collaboration and support to sustain those in need.
https://lscarolinas.net/