Why be part of Christ Church outreach? For John Hill, volunteering at our Thursday food pantry is an opportunity to live out his faith.

John Hill

For the past two years, I have volunteered at the Lazarus food pantry. Every Thursday morning, I join a group of Christ Church volunteers to provide vital groceries to our neighbors in need.

Lazarus is a perfect example of what makes Christ Church special. It’s a wonderful community of volunteers and guests. We don’t just hand out food – it’s a deeply personal experience where the volunteers get to know the guests as friends. And the volunteers have bonded into a close-knit group where we all look forward to seeing each other every Thursday morning.

What I like most, though, working at Lazarus is “faith in action”. Every Thursday morning, I know I am helping someone in a direct and hands-on way. For me, it’s an opportunity to live my faith.   

It’s a wonderful experience! I will continue working at the pantry as long as I can lift heavy boxes and push the food cart over the bumpy brick paths of the churchyard.

Why be part of Christ Church outreach? For Claire Chow, lending her talents to support several of our ministries helped her feel at home when she and her husband moved to Alexandria during the pandemic.

Claire Chow

Volunteering with Christ Church outreach efforts has been especially important to me. My husband and I moved here from California literally as the pandemic was shutting things down. I knew that finding a church home and getting involved with outreach would be one of my top priorities, but the inability to attend anything in person made that task all the more difficult. Luckily, I found this church and learned about the tremendous amount of good it does for the community. As things evolved, I’ve been able to participate in a number of different projects and have been able to meet some absolutely wonderful, committed people. Connections I knew would be so important in helping me to feel at home in a brand-new community.

I really appreciate the work that leadership does to keep informed about the needs of the community. I love the diversity of opportunities available: everything from making and distributing bag lunches to helping screen people for eviction prevention. I am very grateful that Christ Church has given me this opportunity to serve and to connect.

Why be part of Christ Church outreach? For Bob Carpenter, cooking for Carpenter's Shelter brings joy that is deep and strong. 

Bob Carpenter

“Do” is one of the shortest words in the dictionary. But it is powerful.

“Do” is action. Action that can warm hearts, summon a smile, prompt a “thank you” and even fill an empty stomach.

For several years now I’ve been cooking on the Christ Church team at Carpenter’s Shelter, a haven for the homeless right here in our parish neighborhood. When I’m in Old Town on a first or third Friday, I literally beg to be included.

It only takes about two hours on a Friday night. Why would I “beg” to spend this time among strangers?

Because the experience warms my heart, summons many smiles, and allows me to say “thank you” to our guests for the opportunity to serve them.

Yes, they do say “thanks” to the team, they do give us wide smiles (especially the kids at dessert time!), and they do get a meal that they might not otherwise have.

But I cannot count the joy that I receive in this small service to others less fortunate, those that struggle for shelter, for clothing, for nourishment and for the blessings of this life that I so easily enjoy. This joy is deep and strong. And causes me to be grateful for all that the Father has provided me.

You’ve heard it: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” [Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)]

“Invite” is another powerful word. I invite you to join the Christ Church team at Carpenter’s Shelter. You might even entertain an angel!