Fellowship of St. Photini
Icon of Samaritan Woman at the Well
In April of 2018, members of the St. Mary Magdalene came together to create the Fellowship of St. Photini, in honor of the Samaritan Woman and her experience at the well with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The fellowship was established to better organize the outreach ministries here at St. Mary Magdalene.
The fellowship has identified several types of outreach ministries that are needed in our communities. The first, a ministry of presence, is inspired by our Lord's visit with St. Photini, the Samaritan Woman at the well. One of the most difficult, but most necessary tasks that we are called to do in this life, is to be the "gentle presence of Christ" in the midst of those whoa re suffering in this world. Outreach events of this type will be focusing on being a "compassionate presence" to those in need.
The second type of outreach ministry that was identified, is that of a "hands-on support" type. Partnering with organizations like FOCUS Detroit and Habitat for Humanity, the fellowship will be creating opportunities and events for the parish to participate in outreach programs which require a hands on presence.
Part of the Leadership Team of the Fellowship of St. Photini
The third type of outreach ministry that was identified was inspired by Matthew 25. It is in this Gospel Passage that we learn about how important it is to love our neighbor as we love Christ. The fellowship will be organizing drives and events which are focused on clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and visiting the sick, shut-ins, and those who are in prisons.
If you are interested in taking part in the Fellowship of St. Photini, or would like more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our leadership team at smmocafenton@gmail.com.
November
November’s project will be our collection for the Seminarian Angel Tree. These gift cards will benefit the Seminarian’s and families at St. Tikhon’s Monastery. Please pick a gift card in the amount you wish to give from the tree (please leave the angel) and return the gift card the following Sunday. Please only purchase the gift cards we ask for as stores are limited around the monastry.
If you would like to make a monitary doation please mark charity on your giving envelope and place in the tithe box.
December
We have two outreach events in the month of December.
First is our annual toy drive for the Foster Closet of Mid-Michigan. We ask that each one of our church school families bring a new unwrapped toy to donate on December 8th. St. Nicholas will be visiting this day and will drop off the toys on their behalf.
The second is our annual caroling at the Nursing Home. Following Divine Liturgy on Christmas Day we share the joy of the Incarnation with those who have no one on this day. This is a quick visit that brings so much joy to our shut-ins!
2024 Community Outreach Projects
January 2024
Holy Dormition Monastery Charity Dinner -January 18th
February 2024
Lazarus Bags Collection and Packaging
March 2024
FARR Cereal Collection
Bethany School Project
April 2024
Bethany School Project
May 2024
Pascha
June 2024
Foster Parent Awareness Month
July 2024
OCPM Sunday
August 2024
School Supply Pack the Truck
Sock & Underwear Dive for Foster Closet
September 2024
Community Pet Blessing
October 2024
Blanket Making for Memory Care Facility
November 2024
Angel Tree
Veteran’s Day Celebration
December 2024
Angel Tree
Toy Collection
Christmas Caroling at the Memory Facility
Our Street Team ministering to people in Downtown Linden
Members of our Street Team working with Children on St. Nicholas Day
Packing, Blessing & Distribution of the Lazarus Bags February 2021
