Serve Our Neighbors
Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry
The mission of CVEM is to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ by engaging Episcopalians in the Chattahoochee Valley to learn, connect, and act to fight inequity and build strong communities. St. Thomas partners with CVEM in many ways including a monthly offering that supports Direct Assistance ministry to persons in poverty and/or crisis, supporting intercultural art programs for children, a youth leadership program, and education classes and workshops related to social justice.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Creation Keepers
St. Thomas Creation Keepers are working to strengthen partnerships to promote action in safeguarding God's good earth in our community.
GIPL – Georgia Interfaith Power and Light
GIPL inspires and empowers people of faith and faith communities to care for Creation through worship, education, and stewardship of our natural resources. GIPL is part of the national Interfaith Power & Light movement. The Georgia initiative was founded in 2003. Since that time, GIPL has partnered with over 500 congregations to help them reduce energy consumption and costs and implement Creation care initiatives. Our Creation Keepers team at St. Thomas works closely with GIPL.
Jubliee Ministries
St. Thomas was designated a Jubilee Center of The Episcopal Church in 2001 and reaffirmed during its 50th Anniversary in 2008. Jubilee Ministries commit themselves to be a ministry of joint discipleship in Christ with poor and oppressed people, providing direct service to the poor, and advocating with them and on their behalf with the ultimate goal of eliminating suffering caused by poverty. Over 600 Jubilee Centers are scattered across the Episcopal Church.
Boxwood Soccer Club
Boxwood Soccer Club includes several soccer teams for children 6 – 12 who live in the Boxwood neighborhood. The teams are managed by East Carver Heights Community Development Corporation. St. Thomas members support these teams with coaching, supplies, and other encouragement. For more information contact Greg or Lisa Herring.
Brewer Elementary
St. Thomas is a Partner in Education with Brewer Elementary School in Columbus. We support teachers in offering the best education possible. We organize a uniform closet for students and assist with projects that support families. Our “Brewer Buddies” serve as tutors in reading.
East Carver Heights Community Development Corp.
This community development non-profit grew out of the relationships that started with Boxwood Soccer Club. In addition to soccer and Path to Shine, this organization also coordinates Boxwood F.A.N.N. (Friends and Neighbor Network), a food co-op organized by neighbors that provides a healthy two-week supply of food for families along with fellowship and community education. The organization is exploring other ways to be in partnership with neighbors in the community.
Their site: https://eastcarverheights.org/
Wynnton Neighborhood Network
Wynnton Neighborhood Network is an ecumenical, interfaith food pantry and utility assistance ministry housed in the Outreach Center of St. Thomas. Seven congregations are involved and many volunteers participate to support the work of this ministry.
Approximately 2500 families, half of which include children, receive food annually from this ministry.
The Wynnton Neighborhood Network food pantry and utility assistance line is open weekdays from 10 am – 12:15 pm, and may be reached at 706.327.0838.
Path to Shine
Path to Shine Columbus is a mentoring and tutoring program located at the Carver Heights Presbyterian Church outreach building in East Carver Heights and supported by St. Thomas and East Carver Heights CDC. Path to Shine exists to help children achieve hope-filled dreams. We work on reading recovery, curriculum, homework, and enhancement activities. During the pandemic, Path to Shine mentors worked with students on Zoom and supported families in other ways.
