The Outreach Committee was created by the Vestry in 2011 to guide and direct outreach ministries in our parish.  In the past much of the outreach was directed by the Women of St. Paul's and other independent and fragmented projects.  This committee brings together the ministry of the former WOSP and other project to provide a more unified vision and direction to our outreach ministry.  Ultimately, we want to make sure we serve as many in our community as possible.  The Outreach Committee has many groups in its umbrella that include such ministries as the Rummage Sale, Food Pantry, Christmas Auction and the Angel Tree. 

 

One of the committee's functions is to distribute funds.   These funds come from a variety of sources, the biggest being the parish Rummage Sale.   These funds are distributed through a grant process.   Members of the parish will submit grants for any project or organization that he/she thinks would be a good project for outreach.  The Outreach Committee will review each project based on their merits, impact, and how it aligns with the traditions and mission of our church.  We will welcome any and all suggestions and will discuss and prioritize each and every one.  The committee then will choose grant recipients and make their recommendations to Vestry.  The vestry then will present their approved recommendations to the parish for vote at the parish meeting.  The process begins and ends with the parish, the committee is only a vehicle for review.

The other function of the committee is to guide and direct any new outreach projects that the church may undertake.  The enhancement and growth of the Food Pantry is the perfect example.  We, as a parish, value our dedication to outreach ministries and are always looking for new and innovative ways of reaching out to our community. 

If outreach is a passion of yours and you would like to become more involved, please contact the Outreach Chair, Beth Ruf at ruf.beth@gmail.com or (419)491-8821.