St. Paul has may ways to serve with ongoing service projects and special projects throughout the year.
Ongoing Service Opportunities
Well of Life – St. Paul was one of the founding churches in creating this emergency food pantry for individuals and families residing in the downtown Springfield area. We contribute funds and foodstuffs to this pantry and have a representative on the governing board. The pantry is located on the St. Agnes Catholic Church grounds.
Bus Ministry – Our bus ministry involves developing new ways we can use our church bus to expand our outreach, especially to young people and children. The bus ministry also involves taking calls from parishioners needing a ride to church, and driving the bus for pick-up and delivery of these persons. Anyone driving must have a chauffeur’s license and be approved by the pastor.
Chancel Choir – St. Paul has a rich music tradition. Our Chancel Choir is anchored by four collegiate voice majors, and is conducted by a retired music professor. The choir is accompanied on St. Paul’s beautiful pipe organ expertly played by another professor of music. Choir membership is open to anyone who enjoys singing. The choir sings each Sunday except one month during the summer. The choir usually sings a Christmas Cantata and sometimes an Easter Cantata.
Praise Band & Praise Singers – Our contemporary worship is dependent on the talents of our praise band and praise singers. Praise band and praise singer membership is open to anyone with the interest and talent on an audition basis.
Special Service Opportunities Throughout The Year
September – Festival of Sharing (Family Food Packs). Various prescribed foodstuffs are collected and packed for needy Missouri families, and delivered before Festival of Sharing in October.
October – SPS 37 (School Supplies) Various requested elementary school supplies are collected for distribution to Springfield R-12′s 37 elementary schools to re-stock the schools’ emergency supply that is shared with needy students whose families cannot purchase their own school Supplies. St. Paul partners with Crosslines for this effort.
November – Hats & Mittens Tree (Crosslines) Hats, scarves, gloves and mittens are collected for distribution through Crosslines for their yearly holiday assistance program for families in need. These items are assembled on the Christmas tree in the Walker Parlor specifically for this purpose. The tree is put up during Hanging of the Greens in late November. The items are delivered in early- to mid-December to Crosslines, but donors accumulate these items all year long. Most hats are homemade, but ready-made items are just as appreciated.
November – Methodist Manor. This UMW mission program is open to the entire church. Items for senior citizens living at Ozark Methodist Manor are collected and donated for use as Christmas gifts. Items include (but not limited to) yearly calendars, stamps, lap robes, etc.
November – Toys (Crosslines). Age-appropriate new toys are collected and donated to Crosslines for their yearly holiday assistance program for families in need. Toys are donated at the same time as the hats and mittens.
November – Thanksgiving Baskets (Crosslines). St. Paul UMC packs foodstuffs for families in need. This is a one-morning-per-year effort.
December – Christmas Baskets (Crosslines). St. Paul UMC packs foodstuffs for families in need. This is a one-morning-per-year effort.
May – AnySoldier.com Program (Care Packages). Requested personal hygiene products, foodstuffs, and other items are gotten, packed and shipped to soldiers serving in harm’s way.
Yearly – Crosslines Food Distribution. Five times per year (January March, May, July and September) St. Paul provides foodstuffs and mans the distribution of food for individuals and families in need at the center.
