Each month of the year, St. John's focuses on one of our mission partners to help target specific needs. If you feel moved to donate to one or more of our mission partners, visit our Online Giving page. 

January

Emergency Clean-up Kits in Cooperation with Church World Service

Our January Mission-A-Month works in cooperation with Church World Service to provide Emergency Cleanup Buckets and Kits for families and communities affected by natural disasters such as tornadoes and flooding. Kits are filled with items like cleaning towels, heavy-duty gloves, sponges, laundry detergent, dish soap, and more. Buckets are assembled by CWS thanks to the support of graceful stewardship. To learn more about the Clean-up Kits provided by CWS, click here. 

February

Archbold FISH Pantry 

With the help of the Archbold Area Ministerial Association, many individuals, other churches, and businesses in the community, FISH has been effectively serving those in need in the Archbold community. St. John’s collects food and personal care items as well as monetary donations in support of the FISH Pantry throughout the month of February. Visit www.archboldfish.org/ to learn more about this local project. 

March

Friendship House 

This two-story home located near downtown Archbold is designed to provide shelter for one or two individuals or family units at a time until they are able to become self-sufficient. The Friendship House is endorsed by the Archbold Area Ministerial Association and is coordinated by a volunteer board. Thanks to generous community help, the home underwent maintenance and improvement work in Summer 2021, including a larger project to update utility and living spaces, and upgrades to the heating/cooling system. 

April

Growing Hope Globally

Growing Hope Globally (GHG) was created to be able to alleviate world hunger by globally connecting local communities through agriculture. Donations given to Growing Hope Globally provide for the ongoing blessing of the local project located at the corner of State Route 34 and County Road 22.27 in Stryker, Ohio, in which St. John's partners with First Lutheran and United Bretheren Churches of Stryker. To learn more about the mission of GHG, visit www.growinghopeglobally.org/. 

May

Cherry Street Mission 

Cherry Street Mission in Toledo, Ohio, was founded on Biblical principals in 1947, and remains a Biblically based, Christ-centered organization today. Their Spiritual Advocates consist of both staff and volunteers that lead Bible studies daily and mentor guests through their journey with Christ. Cherry Street has a Men’s Division, Women’s Division (Sparrow’s Nest) and food services. Each night, Cherry Street provides safe, free shelter for nearly 230 men and women who would otherwise sleep on the street or remain in an abusive situation. Cherry Street is more than food, clothing and shelter. Their redemptive programming is built around one on one discipleship. Cherry Street is the only organization in the region to offer three meals a day, seven days a week, free of charge to anyone who needs them. For more information, visit cherrystreetmission.org/. 

June

The Outback Youth Center

The Outback Youth Center with Youth for Christ's mission is to provide Archbold Area Youth (middle school through high school) with a positive, non-denominational, Christian-based atmosphere free of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and other problems which face our youth today. While the Outback is located in Archbold, they have welcomed youth from all over Northwest Ohio. There are many calendar events throughout the year that provide youth with a message, fun games, activities, and food. The Outback has partnered with area youth leaders and other ministries to keep the community involved with what the Outback is doing. You will be able to find the Outback Youth Center online at defyfc.org/ and on Facebook at: Archbold Campus Life-The Outback.

July

Shepherd Circle

Shepherd Circle is a local mission project started by local resident, Cecily Rohrs, in 2004. The purpose of this program is to mentor individuals or families who are good people that have made bad choices. Through this project, assistance is given and guidance is provided to help these people get back on their feet and once again become productive citizens and good stewards of their financial resources.

August

Back Bay Mission

“Back Bay Mission has a simple mission: to strengthen neighborhoods, seek justice, and transform lives” (thebackbaymission.org, 2021). Back Bay serves communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through ministries like their education and empowerment programs and their housing rehabilitation program - all with a goal of transforming lives. St. John's has participated in several mission projects in coordination with Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi over the years and continues to be one of our larger mission partners. 

September

Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission

Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission's (TGRM) has been providing men and women in the Toledo, Ohio area with shelter and resources since 1955. Both the men’s shelter and women’s shelter (Rebekah’s Haven) provide for the spiritual, physical, and material needs for homeless persons through generous support of Northwest Ohio. St. John's has supported them for the last several years prayerfully and financially, and with material donations. Several times per year, St. John's will share in the TGRM men's chapel services, with members of St. John's preparing a meal with chapel guests for after service.  To learn more about TGRM and the many services they provide, visit tgrm.org. 

October

Operation Christmas Child in Cooperation with Samaritan's Purse

Operation Christmas Child is a mission that strives to get needed supplies and the Word of salvation to children living in dire conditions throughout the world. Every October, we collect items to be included in boxes that will be packed by volunteers here at our church. Members of the congregation are invited to pack their own boxes if they wish by contacting the church office. For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/. 

November

Fulton County Christmas Cheer

Each holiday season for the last 35 years, Fulton County Christmas Cheer is the one organization that unites the entire county in serving our needy. Thanks to generous donations from area churches, organizations, and community members, families in need have the ability to "shop" for free items ahead of the holiday season, including essential items such as toilet tissue, detergent, cleaning needs, etc., and other items such as toys and gift cards. St. John's participates each year with the Cheer Tree, which is decorated with tags indicating specific items in need from Cheer. Gifts are placed under the tree and are then taken to the Cheer center for distribution. To learn more about this local initiative, visit fultoncountychristmascheer.org.

December

Crossroad Child and Family Services 

For more than 134 years, Crossroad Child & Family Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has focused on the needs of children and families who have few alternatives. Today, they work with emotionally troubled children other providers have chosen not to work with, or have failed to help. Through many prayers and financial support, St. John's strives to help change the futures of young people. More information is available at www.crossroad-fwch.org/.