COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Elizabeth House
Elizabeth House (run by Fish of Laurel Inc) serves in meal kitchens, at two locations, to our food-insecure neighbors. Numerous churches and organizations volunteer to prepare and serve hot meals and make bagged lunches 365 days a year. A group of St Philip’s parishioners volunteer twice a month (every first Tuesday at the Laurel Multiservice Center and every third Monday at the original Elizabeth House) from 5:45–8pm where we serve food and clean up afterwards. Volunteers are not required to work every month .
Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service (LARS)
St. Philip’s was one of the founding members of this ministry. LARS, an ecumenical ministry serving the Greater Laurel area, assists homeless and low-income individuals or families in crisis with emergency and long-term services. Members of St. Philip’s serve on LARS’ Board of Directors, help in the office, or assist in other LARS events. LARS is located at 311 Laurel Avenue–just off Route 1 in Laurel | Tel: 301-776-0442
Little Chapel Food Pantry (LCFP)
St Philip's has a formal partnership with Capital Area Food Bank to provide food to those in need at the Little Chapel Food Pantry on the campus of the Church. We hold monthly food distribution on the third Sunday of every month between 7:30 am and 12pm. Volunteers are needed to unload the food and pack bags a day or two before distribution. Volunteers can also sign up to distribute the food. You can either sign up to volunteer for the food bagging on the Saturday before the food distribution, during which you prepare bags of food to be distributed the next day. Or you can volunteer for distribution day on Sunday during which you help with the flow of costumers and hand out the bags. Or you can volunteer for both days. It is up to you and how much time you have to spare helping our community.
It can be a family activity or a way for your middle school and/or high school students to earn some Service Community hours.
If you cannot contribute your time and talents but still want to get involved, please consider a financial contribution to support the pantry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This quiet ministry was begun several years ago, and it meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in Wyatt Hall (except during holidays). Whether you are a veteran at knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other handwork, or you have no idea which end of the needle to use, you are most welcome! We knit prayer shawls, baby blankets, baby caps, and—a new addition—caps for chemo patients. These hand-crafted gifts are blessed by our rector/pastor in worship, and then either mailed with a personal note or hand-delivered to folks who need a physical symbol of God’s healing touch. We have several folks who showed up and asked to be taught to knit. Now, they are veterans! If you are an introvert, this is a wonderful way to ease your way into this parish. We welcome men as well as women to this group!
Thanksgiving Dinner
Begun in 1988, this event is anticipated every year in Laurel. It is a free dinner of turkey or ham, and all the fixin’s, served in Wyatt Hall. It is not just for “others” but for “ourselves” as well… many parish members want to share this meal with fellow parishioners and folks from the community in the spirit of the season of gratitude. Volunteers are needed to assemble the food, bake and cook, set up and clear tables, serve food, clean up, deliver meals, and welcome everyone who wants to celebrate Thanksgiving at St. Philip’s.
Winter Shelter
St Philip’s has a long history of helping to provide respite for homeless men and women in the cold winter months. The Laurel Winter Shelter is run by Taking Care of our Neighbors Inc (TCON) who organize volunteers from local churches, a synagogue and the community with each group leading a week (Sunday to Sunday) from January to March each year, with support from TCON. The homeless are housed in a separate shelter area in the Laurel Multiservice Center. St Philip’s volunteers check in clients, monitor them in the evening and overnight and in the morning clean up the main areas/remove trash. We have two shifts each day (2 men and 1 woman) - 7:15pm - 11:15pm and 11pm – 8am.
Women of St. Philip’s
WOSP
Come join our social and spiritual faith formation group. No need to attend every meeting - pick up at any point. This Ministry offers a variety of opportunities for fellowship and service, which is open to all women (and men) in the parish.
The group plans and organizes St Philip’s annual:
Holly days Bazaar: This is “The Craft Event” of the year at St. Philip’s. It is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving and features the handicrafts made by the Craft Group. In addition to handmade items, food, crafts for children, door prizes, Grandma’s Attic (white elephants) and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus are provided. Volunteers to help set up (on Friday), sell, and clean up are welcome.
Used Books Sale: Each year, the Women of St P's host a used book sale in conjunction with the Main Street Festival (Saturday before Mother’s day usually). The women request support from the congregation and community for ‘ Previously Read’ books and to sort and display the books for all who attend the Festival to peruse and also for parishioners on Sunday.