Tuesday mornings at 9:30 in Cronk Hall a group of crafters from the church and the community meet around a large table to work on a variety of crafts. Some  do crafts both personal and for the church Christmas Fayre. We provide and get help with knitting and crafts when we are stuck. Some of us make prayer shawls for those in need, including for those at Ed’s House. We chat laugh and share information  over tea and treats. Sometimes we send cards to those of us who may be hurting. Other times we have books that we share and once in a while we go out for lunch.

With a desire to reach more folks in our community looking to come in from the cold, Outreach opened a  Thursday 9-12 drop in centre in November, 2023. We offer warm drinks and snacks/sandwiches  and add cold drinks as the weather warma. We have had about a dozen community folks drop in, with five continuing on a regular basis. Through conversation and sharing of stories many friendships have been made. Summer hours are 10-12 AM. Two Food Bank helpers and a rotating group of about eight from  Port Hope United Church run the drop-in. Interested? Join us.

The Green Wood Coalition walks alongside people in our community living in poverty, mental and physical illness, drug dependency and disability. Green Wood finds housing for those in need, tents and heaters for those who are homeless.

Each year a team from our Outreach and Social Justice Committee helps Green Wood by providing financial support when we walk on the Coldest Night of the Year Walk. Members also attend workshops and entertainment put on by Green Wood, support St. John’s Pot Luck dinners and provide individual personal help when asked by Green Wood.

When Rev. Kevin learned of a middle aged man who was sleeping in his car because he was unable to find an affordable apartment, he appealed to the congregation to contribute to a fund which would enable him to be housed at a local hotel for two or three months. So much was contributed that there were still funds available after the gentleman was able to move into a basement apartment. The surplus allowed a woman to be provided motel accommodation. Continuing donations will permit emergency housing for people until better arrangements are found.

The Christmas Fayre , held since 1938, is a much anticipated community event offering home baked goodies, including our famous meat and chicken pies, hand crafted items and Christmas décor. The Fayre is held the third Saturday of November 10:00 – 1:00.