OUTREACH
Our Outreach committee brings the mission statement of St John’s to life in a practical way.
This means building ongoing relationships with groups and organisations, as well as providing specific financial support.
But it’s not about just giving money. Part of what we do is about engaging theologically at a local, national, and international level. Outreach goes both ways; we hope members of our congregation can also grow in faith as we learn about the needs of the city, the country, and the world and how God is at work there.
Our specific activities change from year to year, but in broad terms, we:
provide grants to organisations to help them in their work
organise public forums and lectures with a theological slant
conduct and/or support mission programmes.
Some of our Outreach activities
St John’s Cafe - What was once known as the Dixon Street Cafe has now moved over to the St John’s Hall on the first Thursday of every month, starting at 11 am. We offer friendship and a sense of belonging to those who wish to visit us, as part of our commitment to our wider Wellington community. We have a large group of volunteers who supply luncheon. If you would like to volunteer, either your time or with food donations, please contact us.
Local ordained Ministry - Our Minister mentors David Jackson in his Local Ordained Ministry as College Chaplain at Scots College. This includes providing guidance, support, and training.
Public theology - We hold a number of public forums throughout the year on diverse topics to foster a critical thinking environment on contemporary issues from a theological perspective. These include (along with Victoria University) inviting overseas scholars to come and explore theological issues with us in our New Zealand context.
Support for local and global projects - Each year, St John’s provides grants to local community projects. (See our Grants section below for more details on these and how you can apply). We also look for ways that supporting global projects can be reflected in our worship and encourage faith development. One of these includes supporting (since 2004) two St John's members called to mission work overseas. They support people in great need and where there is no one else to turn to. St John's provides both financial and prayer support.
Relationships
We can’t do this alone. We work with various organisations to provide help and support to some of our most vulnerable people. We also have strong ties with two local Presbyterian schools, Scots College and Queen Margaret College, which were founded by our third Minister, Rev James Gibb. Click on the logos to find out more about these organisations.
Grants
Community grants
The St John’s Outreach Committee considers requests on an annual basis from groups, organisations, and individuals involved in activities compatible with the work of the Christian Church, in particular those whose work assists others in the community.
We have previously funded community programmes and organisations relating to family violence, poverty, rape crisis, sexual abuse prevention, mental ill health issues, people leaving prison, hospital chaplaincy, counselling for the disadvantaged, and education.
We consider applications irrespective of religious denomination, but the projects must be for the wider Wellington region and we give preference to supporting specific projects rather than general funding. Applications close on 31 March each year.
Edward Carter Special Assistance fund
This fund was established in 1991 by Edna Mary Carter in memory of her husband Edward, to assist people who need a second chance in life, or a new start. We consider project applications for up to $5000 from organisations who work with and assist, for example:
people serving a custodial sentence; young people in contact with the criminal justice system
recent arrivals in New Zealand as displaced people, former refugees, or vulnerable migrants, especially those who might be more vulnerable to destitution due to visa status
persons of any age or gender at risk of poverty, racial discrimination, social exclusion, mental ill health, violence, including family violence and/or homelessness.
Projects may be for the local community, communities in the greater Wellington area, or national in scope.
Applications close on 30 September for consideration in October.
How to apply for an Outreach grant
Click the button below to access the application form and download this. (It will then be an interactive PDF form where you can directly type into the boxes.)
Fill in the information requested, including which grant type you are applying for (note the submission dates), and save the form.
Send the completed form and supporting documentation to St John’s in the City.
Become a Partner
If you would like to partner with us, fill out the form below and one of our staff members will get back to you.