THE WILL PROJECT
Named for an Eagle Scout in the parish, Will Nedds, The Will Project: Willing a Difference in our Community is the ongoing ministry of collecting non-perishable food items for The Center for Food Action in Mahwah, NJ. The shopping basket is available in the narthex (entrance) of the church at all times and everyone is encouraged to bring items regularly. On Super Bowl Sunday we participate in “Souper Bowl” and collect cans of soup and dollar bills in a giant soup pot to benefit Center for Food Action as well.
ST. PAUL’S MEN’S SHELTER
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Paterson operates a homeless shelter for men year round on its church site. For over twenty years St. Alban’s has joined other faith and civic organizations in adopting one night a month to host dinner for the shelter residents. In 2020, we stopped our monthly dinner hosting and shifted to a festive celebration at Easter and Christmas with special gifts. During the summer we provide barbeques on our monthly visit. We offer carpools for those who do not want to drive. People can donate and prepare the food or donate funds to support the costs. All are welcome to join in this hands-on opportunity for service in a joyful and fun setting.
SCHOOL SUPPLY COLLECTION
: In the early ‘90’s, Steven Wurster was a high school parishioner and began an annual tradition that continues to grow. Each August our narthex fills up with backpacks, crayons and all the sorts of things that our children need to head back to school in September. Our donations are then boxed up and delivered to local Oakland schools, St. Paul’s, Paterson and the Center for Food Action in Mahwah for distribution to the children in the Community Development programs. This effort is another example of the many ways we reach out beyond ourselves to spread the joy of the life we share.
CHRISTMAS PROJECTS
St. Alban’s participates in two main outreach projects at Christmas. ADOPT A FAMILY Gifts are purchased for local Oakand children and families through our connection with the Oakland School system. The children’s ages, needs and wishes are given to us around Thanksgiving. Participants select and purchase items from the wish list provided and gifts are delivered to the church for delivery in time for Christmas. For ST. PAUL’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER through our connection with our parishioner Maria Palmer, both the church and preschool participate in collecting and providing Christmas gifts for hundreds of children in Paterson. The church also provides new shirts, socks and gloves wrapped and given to the men at St. Pauls’ Mens Shelter during the holiday season.
RELAY FOR LIFE
Starting in 2010 The Saints of Saint Alban’s Relay for Life Team has been walking and raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life walk-a-thon in Oakland. Held in early June the event gathers thousands together and in 2012 our team reached Gold Team status and was the third highest fund raiser in the event. Although we haven’t participated as a church in the last couple of years, we look forward to participating again and are looking for anyone interested in getting involved again to speak with the rector. We are so proud to participate and we stand together in support, thanksgiving, and memory for all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Join us on our team. We have a BLAST!
St. Alban's Episcopal Church 