Many of us are passionate about issues of poverty, homelessness, hunger, racial and economic inequality, sexism and other social justice concerns. As in Micah 6:8 : "Do justice, have mercy, and walk humbly with your God," we believe that it is our responsibility as Christians to incorporate outreach, advocacy and study into our spiritual faith.
We welcome anyone who would like to participate in our social justice ministries.
Our current social justice activities are:
The Blue House - providing support for a Ugandan orphanage that houses and schools girls who have lost parents to AIDS. St. Matthew's has a special relationship with the Blue House, because it was founded by a longtime parishoner and minister at St. Matthew's, Beatrice Garubanda. A major fundraiser, called the Blue House Boutique is held in our parish hall on the first weekend in December each year, with artisanal gifts for the holiday season. Coordinator: Marilyn Grantham; for information on the Blue House Boutique, contact Linda Lopez
Loaves & Fishes - Four Sundays a year, we serve meals to homeless individuals and families at the Dorothy Day Center in downtown St. Paul as partner of Loaves and Fishes. An average of 265 individuals are served each time ranging from 225 to 325. We need volunteers to serve and cook and donate cookies and bars. Coordinator: Mahlon Collins
Project Home - As part of Intterfaith Action Project Home, each night in August we offer our downstairs as an overflow shelter for homeless families when the regular shelters are full. Sadly, the last couple of years, we have been very busy. We need volunteers to offer hospitality to these families during the evenings and nights. Coordinator: Elaine Tarone
In addition, we proudly partner with other programs and organizations in the community:
Community Power-ups - We promote and sponsor these programs led by Interfaith Action to bring practical education on work, finances, legal issues, housing and more to people in Greater Saint Paul. Coordinator: Bruce Nerland
MICAH - A group from diverse faith communities, community organizations, and individuals, focusing on the need for shelter and affordable housing in the Twin Cities. We acknowledge the role racism plays in housing and strive to fight it. We work to educate ourselves and others about current affordable housing needs and to identify ways we can help create and preserve more affordable housing in the city, county, and state. Coordinator: Joan Lessner
Northside Achievement Zone - The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. Together with our partner organizations, we are walking side by side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college. Coordinator: Cecelia Caspram
Opportunity St. Paul - We are an Anchor House of Worship for this program through Interfaith Action. Through our members who volunteer with the nonprofit partners listed here, we weave learnings from Opportunity Saint Paul into the life of the congregation. Co-coordinators: Bruce Nerland and Elaine Tarone
Protect Minnesota - Protect Minnesota defends the inalienable rights of all Americans to life, liberty from the threat of gun violence, and the pursuit of happiness in safe communities. Our statewide network includes gun violence survivors, gun owners, veterans, physicians, educators, public health professionals, social workers, hunters, farmers, faith leaders, elected officials, law enforcement officers, moms, dads and all who are committed to protecting Minnesota from gun violence. Coordinator: Vicki McKenna
Racial Reconciliation - We partner with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in organizing and promoting this series of forums that raise awareness of issues that create and promote racial division and strategies for overcoming them. Coordinator: Blair Pogue
Youthlink - YouthLink works with homeless youth, ages 16-23, connecting theme with a community of resources and support. Coordinator: Bruce Nerland
