Faith that stays inside a building is faith only half-lived. We are committed to serving every corner of Woodstock with practical love and genuine compassion.
At St. John's Church, outreach is not an optional add-on to our ministry — it is one of the central expressions of our faith. We believe that the Gospel compels us outward, toward the needs of our neighbours, and that a church's impact on its community is one of the most powerful witnesses to the love of God.
Located on Dundas Street in the heart of Woodstock, we have the privilege of being embedded in the daily life of this city. We see its needs, we know its people, and we are committed to responding with programs that are practical, respectful, and genuinely helpful to those who access them.
Our outreach programs serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, clothing need, health challenges, and social isolation. We work not from a position of charity but from a posture of solidarity — walking alongside people, not above them. Every person who comes to us is treated with the dignity and respect that is their birthright as a human being made in the image of God.
Our work in Woodstock is made possible entirely by the volunteer hours and committed service of our congregation members and community partners. We are grateful for every person who gives their time and energy to make these programs run week after week, month after month.
Our outreach ministry is organized around four core programs, each addressing a specific and persistent need in the Woodstock community. Together, these programs allow us to serve hundreds of individuals and families each year with practical support and compassionate care.
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, our Food Pantry opens its doors to provide grocery hampers for individuals and families in Woodstock and Oxford County who are experiencing food insecurity. No questions asked, no judgment offered — simply food, provided with care and respect.
Our pantry is stocked through ongoing community food drives, donations from local grocery partners, and the generous contributions of our congregation. Volunteers arrive early each week to sort, pack, and distribute hampers — their service makes this ministry possible.
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Twice yearly — in spring and autumn — St. John's organizes a major clothing drive that collects, sorts, and distributes gently used clothing to those who need it. Our spring drive focuses on light clothing for warmer months, while our autumn drive ensures that families in Woodstock have adequate winter wear before the cold sets in.
The clothing drive is one of our most visible community events, drawing hundreds of volunteers and donations from across Woodstock. All items that cannot be distributed locally are redirected to partner organizations serving neighbouring communities.
Next Drive: October 2025 — call 519-539-2985 to volunteer
Illness and hospitalization can be deeply isolating experiences. Our Hospital Visitation Ministry exists to ensure that no member of our congregation — and no person in our community — faces a medical crisis without the comfort of pastoral presence and compassionate support.
Trained pastoral visitors from St. John's make regular visits to Woodstock and Area Community Hospital, providing prayer, listening, encouragement, and connection to community resources for patients and their families. This ministry is available to anyone, regardless of church affiliation or faith background.
To request a visit: Call 519-539-2985
Life brings challenges that can feel overwhelming — grief, anxiety, relationship difficulties, isolation, and transitions of every kind. Our Community Counselling Support service provides a free, confidential space for individuals to be heard, supported, and connected to appropriate professional resources.
Pastoral counsellors at St. John's are trained in active listening and crisis support. While we do not offer clinical therapy, we provide genuine, caring support and maintain relationships with professional counsellors, social workers, and support organizations across Oxford County to ensure that every person who comes to us receives the help they need.
To speak with a counsellor: Email us or call 519-539-2985
Every number represents a person served, a need met, and a relationship built.
St. John's does not serve Woodstock alone. We are part of a wider network of organizations across Oxford County that are working together to address the social and practical needs of our community. Our partnerships with local schools, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and other faith communities multiply the impact of everything we do.
We believe that collaboration is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom — that the challenges facing our neighbours require a coordinated, community-wide response. We are proud to be one voice in that broader chorus of care that makes Woodstock a more compassionate and connected city.
If your organization is interested in partnering with St. John's Church to serve the Woodstock community, we would welcome that conversation. Please reach out to our pastoral team.
Partner With UsOur outreach programs run entirely on the generous commitment of volunteers who give their time, skills, and heart to serve their neighbours. Whether you can spare two hours on a Tuesday morning or are looking for a regular weekly commitment, there is a place for you on our outreach team.
Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life. You do not need to be a member of St. John's Church to serve with us — you simply need a willing spirit and a desire to make a difference in Woodstock. Training and orientation are provided for all new volunteers.
We believe that service is one of the most fulfilling expressions of a meaningful life. Come serve with us — and discover what it means to love your neighbour.
Volunteer Today