Ministry to Community

Haven of Hope for Kids Since 2005, Haven of Hope for Kids has provided cost-free country retreats for more than 250 urban families caring for a child with a life threatening illness. Visiting families stay for up to six days in our fully equipped, handicap-friendly cottage. All costs for these visits, including food and transportation, are provided by our mission.

Afghan School Project The Afghan School Project has as its goal to support women’s education in Afghanistan through a pen pal exchange with girls at the Yakawlang Central Girls High School in Afghanistan and financial help to the school, enabling them to buy needed items such as sports equipment and white boards. Another goal is to educate girls here about Afghanistan and the importance of education for women. The American girls involved in the project come from St. Luke and St. Mary, as well as from three other churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark: Grace Church, Nutley; Church of the Messiah, Chester; St. James Church, Upper Montclair. Letters are collected, then sent off to our partner in Kabul, the Afghan Friendship and Cooperation Organization, to translate and deliver. There are two letter exchanges in the year, one in the spring and one in the fall. In their letters the girls exchange information about their lives, their favorite books and activities, along with photos and drawings, often accompanied by small gifts. Funding for the Afghan School Project comes from generous grants from the Alleluia Fund and churches in the Diocese, as well as from fundraisers, such as spaghetti dinners, which the girls plan and organize. 

Family Promise The Warren County Interfaith Hospitality Network extends compassion, care, and hope to homeless families through a network of host and support congregations, social and business organizations, and individual volunteers.  We provide emergency shelter, meals, clothing, and other support for helping families regain their independence.  We also offer these families essential services and programs for locating and securing housing, employment, and job training as well as helping them rebuild their savings, repair their credit, and restore their unity.

Senior Lunch Program With the Belvidere Area Senior Nutrition group, a dedicated group of volunteers feed 20-25 seniors a free lunch on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

Thrift Shop The Thrift Store, located in the basement of our church in Belvidere, has designed to be a place that serves many people.   People who need very low cost and gently used items come in and are blessed by our prices.  It is a safe haven where friends meet, are introduced, stories are shared, and where laughter and love reside.   In addition, the Thrift store donates 10% of what it makes every month to the Methodist Church Food Pantry. It is open on Mondays and Wednesdays 9 am to 12 noon, and on Fridays and Saturdays 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Please call 908-475-4602 for any questions for the thrift store.