Episcopal Church of St. John & St. James

Food Pantry

The food pantry of St. John & St. James is a replica of the church, with its A-frame roof and red doors. It serves the community of Sullivan and the surrounding areas. In this area, there is a substantial demand for food pantries, which are usually emptied within an hour. Because of this need the food pantry is stocked by the church and the surrounding community with non-perishable food and other basic hygiene items. 

The Food Pantry also has NARCAN and fentanyl testing strips available. 

Remembering our Seniors

St. John & St. James congregation has prioritized remembering the seniors at the senior centers in Sullivan.

We take our altar flowers to the area senior center, bringing joy and beauty to their dining room. The residents look forward to the flowers and our visits.

During the holidays we visit the senior centers with hand-signed cards and candy. We always make sure to have an alternative for those residents who choose not to or cannot have candy. 

Our most popular event for the seniors has been our Cookie Walk. We bake cookies and receive donations from area businesses. At each senior facility, we arrange the cookies on a table and assist the residents with choosing cookies. We provide containers for the residents and staff to keep cookies for later. The residents love having home-baked cookies!

School - Community Partnership

Working with the school's social worker and the director of the Head Start program, we assist in stocking their closet for families in need by providing clothing and other requested items. 

We also support teachers throughout the district by assisting with back-to-school wish lists and sending them cards and letters to wish them a Happy Back to School.

Little Library

Our Little Library is a book-sharing box that is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and is freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access. The community frequently uses this little library by leaving books they no longer need and selecting their next great read. 

Working with the Unhoused

Working with the Unhoused is a very important ministry for St. John & St. James. We stock our Food Pantry with non-perishable foods and other necessary hygiene items. Additionally, we distribute blankets during the colder months and collaborate with Grace United Methodist Church to serve meals for those in need.

Food, Toiletries, and Clothing Distribution

St. John & St. James has worked with many organizations over the years including the Meramec Community Mission to supply food, toiletries and clothes for those in need in the Sullivan area. The Mission serves residents and children of the local school districts by distributing food, commodities and clothing.

We have supported them through “Undie Sunday”, “Holy Socks Sunday,” and “Valentine’s Day Gift Bags for Seniors”.

Pet Blessings

Pet blessings at St. John & St. James is a much-anticipated event! Blessings involve dogs, cats, and pictures of pets including goldfish and frogs. Each receipt receives a St. Francis of Assisi medal and a certificate. After the blessing at the church, we bring the blessing to the dogs and the cats. Visits are then made to Halo for Animals Rescue and the family members awaiting adoption at the Sullivan Animal Shelter.

Community Events

We enjoy engaging with the community by participating in and organizing a variety of social events. Some of our past events include movie nights with complimentary popcorn and glow sticks, as well as Game Night, offering entertainment, snacks, and laughter for multiple generations. We also set up a rock painting table at Harney Mansion Days.