The Community Concerns Council is comprised of a number of groups whose focus is meeting the needs of people in our community. These groups encompass both acts of charity, as well as Peace and Social Justice.

Peace and Social Justice Committee focuses on advocacy issues. Holy Spirit specifically addresses issues related to the poor and vulnerable in our society. The committee typically meets the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm.

A number of groups meet at specific times throughout the year to address acts of charity within the parish, local community, and the broader community of our state, country, and the world. These groups include the Blood drive, Christmas in October, Angel Christmas Tree, St. James Soup Kitchen volunteers, Shoe Box drive for Hope House, Lee's Summit Social Services Food Pantry, People Helping People, and Heifer International Project.

Please contact Deacon Rich Akins or the parish office for more information.

BeFriender Ministry is a lay pastoral care program. Specially trained lay persons enter into caring relationships with others at times of special need by visiting them and bringing them emotional and spiritual support. (They do this by accepting people as they are and listening with compassion.) BeFrienders are not “counselors.”  They do not solve problems or give advice. They are simply the loving presence of God’s Church for others by their listening  and faith sharing. For more information, download a brochure. For more information, call Father Tierney or Ann Hayles.

The first blood drive at Holy Spirit took place in early 2002. With only 14 donors, it was much smaller than it is today. Even so, the seed was planted and these Sunday morning blood drives have helped to collect an average of 40 pints per drive. Some of the original blood drive donors have moved on, so we need “new blood.” The need is enormous but the requirements are quite minimal. A donor must be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110 lbs. For screening purposes and as benefits to you, your blood will be examined and you will be advised of any problems. You will also be advised on your cholesterol level. Blood drives are announced in the Parish Bulletin several weeks before they take place.

Each year after Thanksgiving, Holy Spirit joins with Lee’s Summit Social Services to provide Christmas gifts for those in need.  Parishioners choose a gift tag from the tree, purchase the item, and place it, unwrapped, under the tree the following week.  A group from Holy Spirit transports the donations to Lee’s Summit Social Services in time for Christmas.

Co-sponsored by Lee’s Summit Christian Church, New Summit Presbyterian Church and Holy Spirit, this network of volunteers seeks to match those in need of services with those willing to provide the service. The most frequently requested services are:  transportation to medical appointments, laundry and light home cleaning, home repair, lawn care, cooking, and shopping. Call the hotline if you need help or know someone who does. You may also volunteer by calling this number.