Ministries - St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Children's Sunday Programs

Sunday School Grades Pre-K-7
Our Sunday School classes meet each Sunday at 9:45 AM for pre-school through seventh grade. The teachers and students are a vibrant, dedicated and spiritual group. The school session runs from September to June. All are warmly welcome.

Sunday School meets in the Christian Education Buillding, adjacent to the Church.

Community Outreach

Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a community-sponsored program. St. Luke's parishioners volunteer one week each month to deliver meals to approximately 15 local individuals and families, who are not able to provide for themselves.

Blood Drives
Our parishioners participate in the local Council of Churches Blood Drive program. We donate two or three times a year.

Compassion/Mercy Ministries

Christmas Giving Tree
During the Holiday season, a Christmas tree stands at the entrance to the chapel. It is filled with tags listing gift items needed for the less fortunate of our community. Donations are given to Norwescap, our local Social Services organization.

Luke's Pantry
For many years, St. Luke's collected food for the needy in food barrels placed near the entrances of the church. After reviewing the needs of the community, St. Luke's opened a food pantry in January, 1998 called Luke's Pantry. The Pantry is located in the lower level of the church and is run by volunteers from the parish and members of the local community. Parishioners are involved in the food pick-up, bagging and distribution each week to the needy. Luke's Pantry distributes over 1,500 pounds of food each week. Both food and funding are received from many community donors.

Seasonal Rummage Sales
A rummage sale is held twice each year. These sales allow the local community the opportunity to purchase clean, used, affordable clothing and household items. All leftover items are donated to a charitable organization.

AA Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-step recovery program, meets on Sunday at 8:30 PM , Wednesday at 7:30 PM (women's meeting), Thursday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 12:00 noon. All meetings are open discussion format. Entrance is at the rear of the church, through the door on the left at the end of the driveway, opposite the Phillipsburg HS field house.

Christian Education Ministries

Confirmation Preparation
A Confirmation preparatory course for youth from 7-9 grades is offered. This is a two-year program where young adults will begin to participate in the actual workings of the church. They will learn more about themselves and their faith as they prepare to join the Episcopal church as adults.

Baptism/Confirmation/Marriage Classes
To arrange for these services/classes, contact Fr. Tom at the parish office.

Facilities and Special Services

Accessible entrance
St. Luke's has a ramp entrance located at the Lincoln Road entrance. There is also limited parking behind the parish hall, from which people can enter the parish hall on the lower level of the church.

Family Ministries

Family Counseling

Pre/Marriage Counseling

Contact Fr. Tom at the parish office to arrange an appointment.

Small Group Ministries

Shut-in Visitations
In addition to our priest, who administers the Eucharist to our shut-ins, parish volunteers also visit our parishioners who, for whatever reason, cannot make it to the church. Our shut-ins always appreciate receiving a visitor to update them on parish news.

Fellowship Committee
The committee's purpose is to enhance the quality of our life and fellowship together. This committee develops and coordinates the social functions of the parish. These include events such as breakfasts, receptions, dinners, congregational meetings and the yearly parish picnic.

Women's Ministries

Episcopal Church Women ECW
ECW is a working organization of the church. Through many events scheduled throughout the year, the ECW raises money for non-budgeted items, as well as providing fellowship. The organization participates on both diocesan and national levels.

All women of the parish are automatically members and are warmly welcomed to particpate in all of activities and events.

Additional Ministries

Altar Guild
There are currently 11 members on this very active Atlar Guild.

Eucharistic Assistants
We have a large group of lay readers, chalice bearers and ushers. Many of our parishioners actively participate and are a loyal part of our parish life.

Acolytes
Acolytes serve at the 8 AM and 10:15 AM service and also at special services on all holidays. This ministry is open to adults and youth.

Social Hour
There is coffee, tea, juice and snacks during the social hour following most Sunday services. This affords the congregation an opportunity for social fellowship. Social hour is held in the parish hall following both the 8 AM and 10:15 AM Eucharists.