Outreach grows from our baptismal promise to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" and to "respect the dignity of every human being." We must answer God’s call to action and work to spread his joy and love with gratitude, becoming the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We do this by sharing our time, talent, and resources.
We support several organizations in our community that focus on Children and Youth such as the Emmanuel Center and Binghampton Christian Academy, Food for the Hungry including Manna House and St. Luke’s/University Food Pantry, and Hospitality and Shelter such as Hospitality Hub and Room in the Inn.
Core Ideas for Outreach Program
Direct Interaction
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We prioritize organizations that offer direct services rather than funding middlemen.
Parishioner Hands-on Involvement
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When we say we want to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world, we mean it! We choose to commit time and money to organizations that place our parishioners directly into the work.
Opportunities to Work Together
- We prioritize two-way relationships and work together to promote the dignity of, "Christ in all persons," rather than "drop-off" or "give and receive" relationships that foster dependency and separation.
Movement of the Holy Spirit
- Does the organization or ministry have clear signs of the Holy One moving through it? We prioritize such ministries to help maximize our impact and team up with God.
Neighborhood Ministry
- We focus first on local ministries, especially those near Saint John's, both in time given and money granted. We then, branch out into city-wide partnerships and beyond.
Impact of Contribution
- What effect will a gift of time and money from STJ have on the organization? Will it be a small donation for a well-established fundraising machine or a difference maker that enables an important ministry to blossom?
Verified Transparency
- Organizations we support need to have an established accountability structure and transparent use of funds. This is not exclusive to large-scale, corporate non-profits, but we seek to avoid those groups which do not demonstrate good stewardship of their resources.
Emergency Need
- Some needs we encounter are truly emergencies and merit direct intervention on a short-term basis. This includes individual emergencies and disaster relief. However, such assistance is given careful consideration and not available to walk-in requests.
Outreach Grant Request
We are now accepting Grant Request Applications for 2023! The deadline to apply is February 15, 2023.
Please send questions and completed application to Deacon Debbie McCainless at debbie@stjohnsmemphis.org.