St. George’s has long had a heart for service. Whether it was outreach to airmen in the early years of Scott Field or support for missionaries or nearly 30 years of involvement in Meals on Wheels, our parishioners want to make a difference. Our relationship with St. Mark Lutheran Church, a congregation of deep social commitment, has strengthened and expanded our own conviction and provided new opportunities for shared effort. In 1987, when we began assessing the physical plant and exploring options for expansion, the vestry and the parish as a whole made an intentional decision to stay in downtown Belleville, because we believe it is where God calls us to be and to work for His kingdom.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund
Personal gifts and a monthly designated Sunday plate offering supply this fund which is used primarily to assist parishioners but also helps others in need who come to St. George’s for assistance.
Food Pantry
The largest food pantry in Belleville, this joint ministry with St. Mark Lutheran Church assisted over 900 families (and over 2800 individuals) during the year 2000. Volunteers help bag and distribute food to the needy from 9 a.m. until noon Tuesdays through Thursdays. It is a part of the St. Clair County “Call for Help” program and a member of the St. Louis Area Regional Food Bank. Volunteers are always needed and always welcome.
Toddhall Retreat Center
Volunteers help prepare and serve meals to visitors at Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center near Columbia, Ill. Toddhall is a ministry of St. George’s Episcopal Church and was given to the church by Charles Todd and the late Virginia Todd. Help is always welcome. For more information about Toddhall, please see http://www.toddhallrc.org/. Contact John Forrister (281-8180) or Wendy Parker for more information.
Ministry of Helps
This ministry assists people in crisis, the ill and the confined. Volunteers help in their own neighborhoods with meals, transportation and other needs.
Chili Cook-off
St. George’s participates in Belleville’s Chili Cookoff competition held every October. Each of the last five years the Franklin Jefferson Neighborhood Association (FJNA) has been asked to work with St. George’s and in return has received the net proceeds from this event. Over $2,000 has been raised for the FJNA over the last two years. In 2000 St. George’s received the First Place Blue Ribbon for its (in) famous “White Chili.” The Cookoff is a great opportunity for Main Street fun and fellowship. Contact Tom Boschert, Brian Maves or David Buckley for more information.
Boy Scouts
Troop 77, one of the oldest and most active in Belleville, serves youth age 12 and up in the St. George’s and St. Mark congregations as well as the surrounding neighborhood. Adult volunteers are welcome and always needed. Contact Jack Bux at 234-8567 for more information.
Blood Drives
Several blood drives are held each year at St. George’s in cooperation with the American Red Cross for both parishioners and the local neighborhood. Contact Frank Rogers for more information.
Crop Walk
This is an annual interdenominational event to collect money for local food banks. In 2000, parishioners participating in this effort raised $1,526. Contact Cindy Lynk for more information.
Work Week
An annual service project during the summer for our youth (and others from the Diocese of Springfield ), Work Week brings young persons and adult sponsors together to scrape and paint houses of elderly and disabled residents.
