WHAT IS OUTREACH?

As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to service in his name:

I was hungry; you gave me food, I was thirsty;       you gave me drink,

 I was a stranger; you welcomed me, I was naked; you gave me clothing, 

    ...I was a prisoner; you visited me.

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.

(Matt 25: 35-37; 40b)

“ In the summary of the law Jesus said we were to love God and our neighbor.  Love in this context is not just an emotion - but an action.  When we love God, we worship and pray; when we love our neighbor, we serve.   Service in the name of Christ is truly transformative, not just soley for those we serve; but it changes us as well."

How can I help?  St. Francis in the Fields has many options for you to consider. The parish offers a wide array of outreach ministries, with varying commitments of time, treasure and talent.  The Outreach Ministries of St. Francis encourages your call to ministry through these programs and partnerships.  The following Outreach Ministries are illustrative:

Aunt Mary’s Storybook ProjectMinistry-Help mothers in prison stay connected with their children at a particularly difficult and vulnerable time.  Volunteers provide books, facilitate the mother’s recording of the books and send the book and recording to the children. 

"Backside" Ministry at Churchill Downs - In partnership with the Chaplain at Churchill Downs, volunteers assist in collecting clothing, mattresses, and hygiene items for distribution to the poor and itinerant labor force of "hot walkers" and day laborers who populate the "Backside".

Boy Scouts of America -Boy Scout Troop 109 and Cub Scout Pack 109 are sponsored by St. Francis in the Fields. Clergy provide spiritual guidance and instruction through BSA curriculum like "God and Family" and "God and Me".  Scouts of Troop/Pack 109 or any scouts of the parish who are members of other troops/packs are welcome to attend these programs.  Training is available to become a Scout Leader or an adult volunteer to provide assistance in supporting these worthy programs.   

Caring For Our Armed Forces  -Volunteers help to collect food stuffs and hygiene items, write letters and pray for members of our parish community and their comrades serving our country overseas.

Episcopal Church Home  - Help elderly people by volunteering time at the home or through donations.

Habitat for Humanity Home Building Ministry  - This program changes the community and the lives of people one home at a time.  Volunteers help with fundraising activities, provide donations, teach financial responsibility to families who qualify and assist in constructing homes in the midst of some of the most depressed areas in our community.  St. Francis has sponsored homes for six years.

Harrods Creek Fire Protection District St Francis in the Fields partners with our local fire department in supporting a number of worthy causes.  Additionally parishioners participate as volunteers and explorers with our local fire department. 

Home of the Innocents Ministry - Help by volunteering your time and services or with donations to provide emergency shelter and medical care for special needs infants, children and teens. Ongoing care is provided for disabled children and respite for struggling parents.

Norton Hospital Women’s Board  - Volunteers at Norton Hospital help patients and their families by working in the gift shop, the ICU waiting area, at the information desk, or by distributing books and magazines.

Portland Elementary School Tutoring Ministry - Volunteers help children who need more individual attention to improve their educational skills.

Prodigal Prison Ministries - Volunteers give prisoners recently released from prison a leg up in adjusting to their new lives by mentoring prisoners, donating  clothing, household goods and supplies as well as money to support half-way houses in the community.

Short Term Mission Trips  - Adults and youth participate in mission trips to assist the needy in the Dominican Republic, David Kentucky, in disaster areas like those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.  The mission team can find themselves engaged in anything from doing supervised construction, help in feeding workers or provide Vacation Bible Schools for the youth in the mission area.  Volunteers can join the mission team, or assist in supporting fund raising events held at the parish.

How do I get started volunteering for an outreach ministry?   

Answer:  Call our Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Wood, 228-1176.  She will help you take the next step.