The Mission Statement: “We believe that God is a creative living being that has endowed humanity with some of God’s nature: the ability to create. It is the mission of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church to encourage the divine creative urge by providing a safe haven for musicians and artists to become empowered to live a life free of hunger, despair, homelessness, economic and social marginalization. In becoming such a haven we live out Jesus' reckoning, “For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” Matt: 25. In living our lives as ministers of hospitality and resources we fulfill our Lord’s model for living as vibrant Christians. In meeting the physical and emotional needs of an identified group we hope also to bring a spiritual liveliness and health to their lives which will surely feed their creative spirits.”

New Orleans Musicians and Artists have always found it difficult to make a living wage. It was the vibrant tourist industry that kept most working musicians afloat. For now, that economy is in disarray, and musicians and artists are hard pressed to make ends meet. Even before Katrina there was no comprehensive social policy to support the health and welfare of musicians. Yet, they played for us with only a few rising to places of economic security. This mission was needed before Katrina - it is absolutely needed after Katrina. If our culture is the measure of our civilization then we must care for this precious living resource that brings joy and creativity into so many lives. Many working musicians play fewer than three nights a week and often make less than $200 per week. Rents have doubled in many cases in post Katrina New Orleans; that is if you can find an apartment to rent. Some estimates say that the housing stock is down by as much as 70%. What is true for musicians is also true for those that love the music perhaps the most, working class folks who are the cultural starting points for blues, gospel, and folk songs. This mission gathers both listeners and players to a place that offers food, resources, spiritual comfort, and music. "Help us to keep the music playing."

St. Anna's Mission to Musicians is a collaborative effort offering resources and care to musicians and residents alike. The Mission was started in March, 2006. Between March 29th and October 1st this ministry has served 1,390 dinners (musicians and artists eat free!) and, by grants and donations, 124 working musicians have been employed (with only a few repetitions). The evening currently has three principal components: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Mental Health and Wellness Clinic in collaboration with Tulane Medical School and Daughters of Charity; 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Rite II Worship Service with anointing and healing; 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM "Inn That Number" Community Supper, Concert, and Jam Sessions.

 

The Real Outcomes: Worship provides a place to heal, to rest, and to gather, exposing mind, body and spirit to the Holy Mysteries; Food, Music, and Fellowship begins to build a community of hope and restoration knowing that one is not alone; resources and health care remind everyone that in some way our physical health and mental health effects our spiritual and social health. Truly this ministry says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt: 11:28.