MISSION MINISTRY
Our Vision
We focus on social justice, specifically working to reduce homelessness in Tucson. The Mission Team provides opportunities for church members to use their time, talents, and treasures to do what Jesus requires of us to help others.
This ministry is unique in that the Mission Team partners with five non-profit agencies across Tucson. Team members meet and interview agencies to learn about them and make sure they align with the church’s vision as part of the selection process.
Current mission partners include Old Pueblo Community, Our Family Services, Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson, Primavera Foundation, and Youth on Their Own.
Volunteer List
Click here to see the St John on the Desert Master Volunteer List. Do let us know if you’d like to volunteer. We can always use the help!
Old Pueblo Community Services
builds futures one step at a time.
Our Family Services
provides a continuum of services to people in every stage of life.
Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson
treats people with love, dignity, and respect. We provide for basic needs such as shelter, food, and clothing. We also provide addiction recovery, employment, and housing programs to those experiencing homelessness
Primavera Foundation
provides music to the congregation. The Tanque Verde Valley Singers, a community choral group, rehearses at the church. The choral group provides a Christmas performance at SJOTD each December and donates the proceeds to the Mission Team.
Youth on Their Own
has a mission to educate homeless teens and to invest in Tucson’s future.
Additional Missions We Support
Fill the Cart Campaign
The church also supports the Tucson Community Food Bank (CFB) through ongoing food donations and volunteers organize the warehouse. The Mission Team has a monthly “Fill the Cart” Campaign where congregants can donate food items delivered to CFB.
Jane’s Lunch Bunch
Jane’s Lunch Bunch is part of this ministry, meeting once a month to prepare lunches for the homeless. The food is prepared and delivered to be served at Casa Maria Soup Kitchen.
Just Fifty Cents
Just Fifty Cents takes place on the 5th Sunday of any month. Those donations are given to the Sabin Vaccine Effort to help sustain vaccination efforts. The church supports missions of the Presbytery de Cristo through donations. The Deacons also hold an annual Diaper Drive.
Hearts for Giving
Hearts for Giving is an annual campaign which gives our congregants an opportunity to a tax-credit donation to the Mission Partner of their choice. This past year this donation took place during the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Since in-person opportunities were limited this year, we increased our financial donations and checked in with our partners through emails and phone conversations regularly. The Mission Team takes pride in the relationships that have been formed with these agencies. SJOTD congregants are known for their generous giving to the Mission Team’s work.