Community Outreach
At Calvary, we take seriously Jesus’ call to love our neighbors and offer many ways to serve in Columbia and the surrounding area. Feeding ministries are our signature outreach, but there are countless ways to put your faith in action at Calvary.
If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved in any of these ministries, contact the church office at 573-449-3194, or send us an email at info@calvaryonninth.org.
Blessing Box
Calvary has provided emergency food assistance through the Blessing Box since 2020. Non-perishable food items are donated by church members. The box is located along the street outside our church. We added a Narcan Life Box in 2025 to offer life-saving nasal spray to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. The medicine is supplied by St. Louis University. New volunteers are welcome to help us keep these boxes well-stocked.
Columbia CROP Hunger Walk
Calvary walkers come together each fall to participate with other local organizations to support programs that address issues of hunger and poverty locally and around the world.
Green Team
The Green Team is focused on helping our congregation live our mandate to “Care for Creation.” Members gather for study, discussion, and activities on ecological sustainability. Ongoing activities include a monthly Garden Service Day with Grant Elementary students, a Green Congregational Climate and Environment Assessment and Columbia energy audit to identify priorities for Calvary, a recycling program for aluminum cans to support the CoMO Bike Co-op, 5th Sunday educational sessions during coffee hour, and the weekly Green Team Goodies.
In the Spirit Gallery
Born out of the opportunity to revitalize a portion of Calvary’s wonderful spaces, provide a more meaningful environment for our church family, and a desire to connect with a wider community, the In the Spirit gallery opened in 2023. The gallery offers visual stimulation to Calvary parishioners and invites the Columbia community to interact with the church through the shows and contact with church members.
Journey Church
Journey Church in Fulton is a church “plant” in our diocese, and it is Calvary’s Companion Congregation. We accompany and support the church in many ways, including worshiping and eating together regularly, collecting needed items (like warm clothing), and collecting financial contributions.
LGBTQIA+ Ministry
The LGBTQIA+ ministry at Calvary is a group of individuals dedicated to supporting and promoting the relationship between Calvary and Columbia’s local LGBTQIA+ community. This group meets once every three to four months. The group helps organize and facilitate Calvary’s involvement in Columbia’s annual PrideFest.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes, a community meal that serves unhoused and hungry people in Columbia, is one of several feeding ministries at Calvary. Our congregation cooks and serves a meal on the first Sunday of each month.
PIE – Grant Elementary School
Calvary began a partnership with Grant Elementary School in 2023 and has enjoyed helping in classrooms and the lunchroom. Volunteers provide brunch during Teacher Appreciation Week, assist teachers in the classroom, contribute to the Wish Granted program at Christmas, and host fourth grade art students for special projects at our church.
Saturday Breakfast Café
Calvary parishioners open their hearts to the community through Saturday Café, providing hot homemade breakfasts through Columbia’s Room at the Inn organization. Our group cooks and serves breakfast every Saturday in July, August, and September.
St. Nicholas Bazaar
This annual event kicks off the season of Advent each year and is open to all in the Columbia community. Visitors can shop, enjoy a delicious country breakfast, meet St. Nicholas, and marvel at our famous Church Mice! The sale raises thousands of dollars each year, which are donated to non-profit organizations doing important work in our community.
The Wardrobe
The Wardrobe assists some of Boone County’s most “in need” residents. Calvary volunteers serve at the Wardrobe’s thrift store, located on Park Avenue, which offers gently used, low-priced clothing, and household items obtained through donations.
