Outreach and Justice

Our commitment to seeing in Christ in every person calls us to solidarity and action with those struggling in the Washington DC area and in the world.

Our parish’s work to provide a welcoming space to migrants transiting through DC and the organizations helping them figure out their next steps continues – with a new partner! We are now sharing Saturday hosting duties with New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in downtown DC, so our schedule has changed a bit and for now we are hosting every other week. Our volunteers prepare and serve food, distribute donated clothing, direct people around the building, run errands to pick up supplies, and create a friendly environment for people living through extreme stress.

How can you help?

Volunteer! Sign up for a slot on one of our upcoming hosting days.

Donate supplies or money! We especially need new underwear, both men’s and women’s (sizes small and medium) and new or gently used casual shoes (sturdy, good for walking in). If you would like to contribute funds, you can do so online (in Realm, mark your contribution Refugee Support) or via check (with a note in the memo line).

Feed people! Do you like grocery shopping or cooking for a crowd? Get in touch with Carol Coonrod and Elizabeth Terry if you’d like to be part of the team planning and preparing meals.

Be a tourguide! This is a new initiative – As many of our guests won’t leave DC until the evening or perhaps even a day or longer later, we’d like to offer them some opportunities to get a glimpse of the nation’s capital before they move on. If you have a car and would enjoy taking a few of our guests on a brief sightseeing trip on a Saturday afternoon, get in touch with Carol and Elizabeth (see above for email addresses).

Worship with us! At around 11;30 am on the dates we host, we offer a brief bilingual service where we can give thanks for our guests’ presence with us and pray for their safety on the road ahead. Drop in and join in this blessing – and whether or not you are able to be with us in person, please continue to keep our guests and all migrants and refugees around the world in your prayers.

More Opportunities to serve…

• St. Thomas’ Parish was a founding congregation of Samaritan Ministry, whose Next Step program provides housing and employment search guidance, coaching, and referrals to partner services.
• On the first Saturday of each month, our volunteers make dinner at Christ House, a long-term medical facility for the disadvantaged. These volunteers enjoy coming up with healthy and fresh recipes, shopping for the ingredients, and then preparing the meal to feed an average of 60 residents. The residents graciously share these meals with the volunteers from the parish. New volunteers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join! Contact Laura Sinram for more information.
• Recently, we have become more active in marches and protests where we feel our common values are being challenged. We march for those who are marginalized because we believe Christ is always calling us to stand with those who are suffering or in danger.