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For more information on specific outreach activities, you may go directly to that section.
Outreach Report to the Parish Annual Meeting
February 6, 2011
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Ephesians 2:10
Outreach activities continued to grow and expand during this past year, involving our parish in the lives of those of our community and of those around the world.
Food and Shelter
In the past, members of our parish joined others in the community to meet the need of those less fortunate. From this vision Care for Real was born. As the need for assistance grows, Care for Real continues to respond with a variety of services. In addition to our financial support, this year we held a Farmers Market to provide fresh fruit/vegetables to families in need. Our annual turkey and ham collection also continued at Thanksgiving and Easter. And this year 2 groups of volunteers worked at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, their time providing additional food to the pantry. These joined the many members of the parish who faithfully volunteer distributing food, raising funds and organizing food drives.
A new and vibrant part of our efforts has been the growing partnership with the Epworth Shelter. Operated by Cornerstone Community Outreach, this site provides shelter and food to 65 men each night at Epworth Methodist Church. Atonement volunteers provide a monthly meal, as well as the opportunity to visit and encourage those who call the shelter “home”. The parish youth have also been involved, assembling hygiene packs, baking cookies and serving a meal. Other essential items, such as clothing, laundry cards, kitchen equipment and warm weather clothing have also been provided.
Programs for Youth
Our parish has developed a close relationship with Swift School. In an environment of constantly declining funds, we have been able to step in with much needed resources. During the fall the parish provided and our youth filled 47 backpacks with supplies for children who would not have had these basic items.
Other activities included the assembly and distribution of Easter candy and a Halloween party that provided a safe alternative to the children in the neighborhood. And at Christmas gifts of hats and gloves were wrapped by many hands in the parish. These went to keep young hands and heads warm this winter.
International Efforts
With a history of involvement in mission projects overseas, a group was born this last year that specifically focused on international needs. Beginning with the earthquake in Haiti, funds were raised for relief efforts. We committed money to help rebuild the cathedral and cathedral school. Seed money was also committed to sponsor the development of a Haitian Art project, enabling relief money to be raised from the work of Haitian artists.
Seed money was also used to begin offering Bishop’s Blend Coffees and Teas for sale at coffee hour. This fair trade initiative provides local growers with the best price for their products, helping them to effectively provide for their families. The year ended with a campaign to meet our Bishop’s’ challenge to build wells in our sister diocese of Renk, Sudan.
Emerging Ministries
As 2011 begins we are excited about strengthening our ongoing relationships. We also see new opportunities for ministry. In both our objective will be to work together to express the love that God has shown us in Jesus Christ.
If you wish to develop new or expanding outreach programs, please contact a member of the Outreach Team.
Respectively Submitted,
The Outreach Team
Wayne Mitchell—Chair
Dan Cairo
Jeff Eng
Bill Hancox
Tom Kmiecik
Scott Lybrand
Rachel Pearsall
Tom Robb
Maitland Young
Amy Youngkin
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