Join In and Reach Out!
Saint Clement has a long history of serving our community. Join us as we live out our mission to
Spread the Word of God, Share the Love of God, and Serve the People of God.
The Church of Saint Clement is well known in the community for its long history of outreach activities to the less fortunate among us. There are many ways for parishioners and friends to participate in these activities, working with other members in the community at large in ways that strengthen relationships, help improve the quality of life of those in need, and deepen our own sense of the holy and the sacredness of all God’s people.
"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
(Matthew 25:40)
Supporting the City
One of the primary ways in which we support those in need in Alexandria is through ALIVE!, a city-wide ecumenical non-profit that helps connect people with food, shelter and childcare. ALIVE was founded in part by members of Saint Clement over 40 years ago and is now run by hundreds of volunteers from over 40 local religious groups. Volunteers are needed to help sort and deliver groceries for the needy, and to pick up and deliver donated furniture. Parishioners also enjoy supporting this wonderful organization through the Annual ALIVE! Walkathon.
During the winter, we partner with Alexandria's homeless shelter, The Carpenter's Shelter, to provide overflow accommodations for the city's homeless men. Volunteers are needed to prepare the space before the men arrive and to stay overnight. Parishioners who've participated in this ministry describe it as a meaningful experience.
Helping the Hungry
Saint Clement is one of six local churches that participate in Alexandria's brown bag lunch program for the hungry (hosted by Meade Memorial Episcopal Church). Once every seven weeks, it's our turn to assemble over 60 nutritious lunches for those who might otherwise go without.
On the 3rd Sunday of every month, our parishioners also prepare and serve a dinner for the residents of The Carpenter's Shelter. The Carpenter’s Shelter is Alexandria's main shelter for the homeless. In addition to providing emergency housing, Carpenter's provides the training and programs (A.A., adult literacy, mental health counseling) that lead to self-sufficiency.
Saint Clement usually makes our famous chicken casserole (late fall and winter) or goulash (late spring and summer). During the months we do not serve the main meal, we provide delicious salads and desserts.
Helping Children
Saint Clement parishioner Margaret Connor founded the Christmas toy drive in 1991, which has grown from serving 50 families in its first year into a non-profit that serves over 1,000 children today. As it's grown, the non-profit has added new donation drives, including the Back-to-School Donation Drive (pictured).
For Christmas, families receive a special invitation to attend the Distribution Day in time to wrap their children’s gifts before the holidays. On Distribution Day, volunteers transform a local recreation center into a winter wonderland. The children are entertained with fun activities while the parents select the gifts. Volunteers are needed to sort and count the donations, escort families to select gifts, and do arts and crafts with the children.
Saint Clement Thrift & Gift Shop
The Saint Clement Thrift & Gift Shop, located in the church basement, is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays, September to May, from 10 - 1. Members of the Church of Saint Clement are warmly invited to help price and process donations, arrange creative displays, assist customers, and SHOP!
Proceeds go to local charities such as ALIVE! and The Carpenter's Shelter and back to Saint Clement.
Donations are welcome when the shop is open. The shop accepts clean clothing (adult and children), jewelry, accessories, books, toys, games, decorator items, dishes, housewares, small appliances, electronics, office/home supplies, small tools. Due to space constraints, the shop cannot accept large furniture or desktop computers.
See videos from two of our primary community partners: ALIVE! and The Carpenter's Shelter.