St. Nicholas has a strong tradition of serving others, especially those in need. We hope you will find a way to volunteer.

ELIZABETH HOUSE: Elizabeth House is part of FISH of Laurel, an ecumenical ministry supported by Churches and service organizations in the Laurel area. The kitchen serves meals every evening year-round without charge to those in need at Elizabeth House on Route 198 near Route 1 in the heart of Laurel. Kitchen volunteers are assigned once a month, either preparing the meal from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. or serving and cleaning up from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The food pantry also distributes groceries to needy families. We welcome donations of non-perishable food, for use in preparing meals and in the food pantry. Also needed are helpers to sort and pack items for the pantry. Contact www.FISHofLaurel.org or Mike Woodruff 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Knights of Columbus (K of C) members welcome any man wishing to join this faith-filled organization known for its works of charity and service. Meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the church. Contact: Charles Hall; [email protected]

LARS (Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service): A community-based, ecumenical ministry serving the homeless, low-income individuals and families in crisis. St. Nicholas plays an important role in supporting LARS.  LARS provides help to Laurel residents who are facing homelessness or other crises. For instance, LARS may be able to provide clients with a month's rent or a month's utility payment when LARS has the appropriate funds available. LARS also has a Food Pantry to which our parishioners can contribute. The parish liaison to LARS also sits on the LARS Board of Directors. If you have questions about LARS, you may call LARS at 301-776-0442. Contact: Mike Woodruff 

LAUREL WINTER SHELTER: This outreach ministry is a community-wide effort by churches and synagogues in the Laurel area to provide hospitality to the homeless. St. Nicholas hosts a men’s shelter (in the church) for one week in January each year. Many hands are needed to prepare meals, set-up, clean-up, staff the shelter evenings and overnight, and do laundry at the end. Contact: Tom & Karen Arnold.

MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION: This ministry goes hand-in-hand with the Bereavement Committee, providing prayers and emotional support for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Contact: Mary Lou McKenna.

PRAYER WARRIORS: Members of this prayer ministry pray for specific needs. When a request for prayer is received, members are emailed. Contact: Rita McGlothin; [email protected]

PRO-LIFE MINISTRY: Activities to promote respect for life include the Spiritual Adoption Program (praying for one unborn baby by name), a baby shower for Laurel Pregnancy Center, a fundraising dinner in November, baby bottle collection of coins, National March for Life in January, and the Maryland March for Life in March. Contact: Dorie Ranaghan 

SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME): Each year, parishioners donate cooked meals for Thanksgiving, providing turkey, stuffing, vegetables, pies and other holiday foods on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The meals are transported to SOME in Washington, DC, to feed the homeless. Contact: Sue Griebner 

SPRING GROVE OUTREACH: Participants provide snacks to patients in a ward of Spring Grove Mental Hospital. Each team provides snacks and drinks for a week at a time, between three and four times a year. Contact: Ener Cunanan