Belonging to God through Jesus Christ, we are an inclusive, welcoming community of faith seeking through fellowship and evangelism to create Christ connections with our neighborhood, the city of Knoxville, and the world with a mission to 'go and make disciples.'

The Outreach Team of St. John's Lutheran Church is comprised of individuals with an expressed passion for compassion ministry within the neighborhood and city of Knoxville.  This team is committed, through the use of their time and talents, to providing leadership and guidance to all who share an interest in serving the community through the programs listed below.

Tyson House Lutheran / Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Tennessee
Tyson House exists to serve the spiritual needs of students, faculty and staff of UT, by offering the campus community a vibrant Lutheran-Episcopal ministry led by students.  Rev. Michelle Warriner Bolt is the Tyson House chaplain, who oversees the ministries and activities at Tyson House.  If you would like to learn more about and/or how to get involved at Tyson House Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry, please contact Rev. Michelle at mwbolt@gmail.com or 865.637.2031 or Thea Peterson at Thea@sjlcknox.org.

Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. They build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with those in need. Volunteers and future homeowners provide the labor in building the homes. Tax deductible donations of money, land and materials are provided by individuals, organizations and corporations.
St. John's Lutheran Church has committed to provide labor and funding to build a house every other year.  The next house that SJLC will help to build is on the schedule for August 2009.
There are always opportunities for involvement at Habitat for Humanity, so if you just can't wait until August 2009, please contact Trudy Akers at vol4hab@khfh.com, or Thea Peterson at 523.3330 / Thea@sjlcknox.org.

  Family Promise of Knoxville, also known as Interfaith Hospitality Network, is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, meals and support to families without homes, in an effort to enable independence.
St. John's provides congregational support to 1st Presbyterian Church, by sending a team of volunteers to cook and serve meals to families staying there, for 1 week, every 3 months.
If you would like more information about Family Promise of Knoxville, or would like to volunteer, please contact Konnie Anderson at konkey82@comcast.net

  Knox Area Rescue Ministries has emerged as Knoxville's answer to the plight of the poor and the homeless; to meet the needs of the growing population of the homeless in Knoxville.  St. John's Lutheran Church is one of 7 Lutheran congregations that sends a team of volunteers to cook and serve lunch every 7th Saturday.  SJLC also sends a team 1 time a month to provide music and worship leadership.  If you are interested in volunteering at KARM please contact Thea Peterson at Thea@sjlcknox.org.

  The Volunteer Ministry Center is a non-profit, interfaith agency serving the poor and homeless of Knoxville. Their mission is to restore dignity and productivity to the lives of the homeless, mentally ill and working poor by providing programs that help them achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency.  
Volunteer Ministry Center has ministry opportunities in all areas of professional experience, whether medical, dental, psychological,
handiwork, music or ministry.  If you would like more information about VMC or how to serve, please contact Rev. Bruce Spangler or Thea Peterson at 523.3330 / Thea@sjlcknox.org.

The Senior Nutrition "Mobile Meals" Program provides hot, nutritious meals to the homebound elderly delivered by volunteers Monday through Friday.  St. John's Lutheran Church volunteers serve at two of the 61 routes; people living at Guy B. Love Tower, and a driving route within the neighborhood around St. John's Lutheran Church.  In addition to serving meals, volunteers also check on the meal recipients, reporting any concerns regarding health or safety to the staff of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office On Aging for follow-up.
To learn more about Mobile Meals or to become a volunteer please contact Thea Peterson at 523.3330 / Thea@sjlcknox.org, or Jennifer Oakes, Volunteer Meal Coordinator at jennifer.oakes@knoxcac.org.

KIDS HOPE USA is a national program that began in 1994, and is now in 27 states, to engage church members in a one-to-one relationship with at-risk public elementary school children.  In coordination with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the KIDS HOPE USA Program currently has 17 trained St. John's Lutheran Church volunteers carefully matched with an at-risk child.  Volunteers spend one hour per week mentoring a student at Christenberry Elementary School in the St. John's Lutheran Church neighborhood.  If you are interested in mentoring a student at Christenberry Elementary School please contact Thea Peterson, KIDS HOPE USA Director, at 865.523.3330 / Thea@sjlcknox.org.