Neighbors helping neighbors is one of the things that makes Essex a strong and connected community.
There is so much good happening in Essex, and much of it happens quietly, month after month, because neighbors and local organizations choose to show up for one another. At Essex CDC, community engagement is about more than hosting events or sharing information. It is about building connections, strengthening relationships, and recognizing the people and organizations already doing meaningful work throughout our community.
One great example is St. John’s Lutheran Church, a longtime community organization located at 518 Franklin Avenue in Essex.
Serving the Essex Community
Like so many local faith communities, St. John’s Lutheran Church is committed to finding meaningful ways to support its neighbors. One of its community-focused programs is Friends for Supper, a monthly feeding ministry that provides a meal and an opportunity for connection for local individuals and families.
Friends for Supper takes place on the last Tuesday of each month from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Church Hall.
According to a September Facebook post from St. John’s, the program served more than 68 friends and neighbors in August – a powerful example of the impact that local organizations can have when they come together to support their community.
Following the September gathering, the next Friends for Supper is scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 27
4:00–6:00 PM
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Church Hall
518 Franklin Avenue, Essex, MD
Community Engagement in Action
Programs like Friends for Supper show what community engagement in Essex can look like in action. They create opportunities for neighbors to meet one another, provide support to people experiencing a need, and give those who want to help a meaningful way to contribute. But the impact goes beyond a single meal.
Community programs help build relationships and create connections that can strengthen a neighborhood over time. They remind us that building a stronger Essex is a shared effort, and that there are people and organizations throughout our community doing this work every day.
Want to Help—or Need Support?
Whether you are looking for a way to volunteer, want to learn more about the feeding ministry, or could benefit from attending Friends for Supper, St. John’s Lutheran Church welcomes you to reach out.
Contact Karen Leventis through St. John’s Lutheran Church:
Phone: 410-687-4621
Email: stjohnsofessex@gmail.com
Contact the church to learn more about volunteering with the feeding ministry or attending Friends for Supper.
Connecting Essex Residents With Community Resources
At Essex CDC, part of our role is to help connect the dots. That means helping residents learn about resources available in their community, helping organizations find partners and volunteers, and shining a light on the people who are making a difference throughout Essex.
St. John’s Lutheran Church is one of many organizations giving back to our community, and we are grateful to have them as part of Essex.
Community is built when people show up for one another. And in Essex, that happens every day.
Know an Essex Organization Making a Difference?
Do you know a local nonprofit, church, community group, business, or volunteer making a positive impact in Essex?
We want to hear about them.
Essex CDC is always looking for opportunities to highlight the people and organizations helping strengthen our community. Share a community initiative or organization with us by emailing info@essexcdc.org and help us celebrate the people making Essex a great place to live, work, and connect.
