Events · Sunday, September 7th, 2008 – Friday, October 24th, 2008 Episcopal Diocese Launches Historic Statewide Shoe Drive With Shoe Charity
The Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota announced today that it is partnering with Soles4Souls, an international charity dedicated to providing free footwear to those in desperate need, to launch a statewide shoe collection program – the largest of its kind in Minnesota history.“It is significant that in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota we have chosen to focus on the needs of others and how much we can accomplish in alleviating suffering when we work collectively,” said Bishop James Jelinek. “This is the Gospel in action; a church in mission.”
Shoes of all types and sizes, new and gently used, will be collected in 150 locations -- Episcopal churches and organizations throughout the state. The drive will begin on Rally Day, traditionally the first Sunday after Labor Day, and extend through to Diocesan Convention, which will be held October 24 in Rochester, Minnesota. At that Convention, the thousands of collected shoes will be gathered and blessed during a special ceremony dedicated to celebrating the work of the church. The service will be keynoted by acclaimed speaker and biographer for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Rev. Canon Michael Battle.
At St. Christopher’s, Roseville, the congregation is only a couple of weeks into the drive - as they started a bit early. They already have four overflowing boxes of shoes and they are making room for more. Sandy Wittman, the Children’s Ministries Director at St. Christopher’s comments, “This has brought energy into our fall programming. It’s important in working with children that they recognize our call to sharing our abundance with others.”
At St. Stephens, Edina, the community has rallied around the shoe collection, making it the focus of both their summer Vacation Bible School as well as fall activities. “I expect that our community will really engage the idea of providing shoes for people throughout the world. Especially in the wake of recent hurricanes and floods, donating shoes is a simple thing we can all do to alleviate suffering both here at home and throughout the world.”
The shoe drive is part of The Episcopal Church’s support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The eight MDGs – which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015 – form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and all the world’s leading development institutions. They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest. The MDGs are the number one mission priority of The Episcopal Church.
About the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota: The Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota is a community of 106 churches and affiliated organizations striving to live into God’s call for the world through the message of Jesus Christ. The Diocese was founded in 1858. James L. Jelinek is the VIII Bishop of Minnesota.
Visit their website for more information.
Local Contact: Wendy Johnson 612-870-3303 wendy.j@episcopalmn.org