The mission of the Outreach Committee at Trinity Church is to provide opportunities for parishioners of all ages to participate in charitable giving through projects that engage us as a community, both physically and spiritually, with an eye toward maintaining a balance in meeting local, national, and international needs.
To accomplish this, the committee coordinates outreach activities spearheaded by various parish members. We help assure that donations of goods, services, or cash are distributed over the course of the entire calendar year and are of sufficient variety to speak to our different hearts. Our outreach efforts include both long-term commitments and one-time opportunities.
Because the giving of "time, talent, and treasure" to those in need is a spiritual necessity for all Christians, the Outreach Committee tries to have at least one opportunity before the congregation at all times, with goals, deadlines, and response clearly published. While striving for flexibility, the committee endeavors to distribute funds allotted in the parish budget as "seed money" to pay for raw materials that make larger parish projects possible or that allow needy recipients to move toward self-sufficiency rather than dependency.
Donations of goods or funds from Trinity Church are through the auspices of reputable organizations. The Outreach Committee invites participation at all levels and keeps before the community the awareness of our responsibility to respect the dignity of those receiving gifts as children of God, and of our own vulnerability since any of us may, at any time, be in the position of needing to accept gifts rather than giving out of our abundance. We pray that our hearts may be open to God's love so that it shines through us joyfully in service to others.
Please feel free to speak with Susan Quade, our vestry liaison, by contacting the Parish Office at (845) 896-9884.
Trinity's Outreach Committee is open to all members of the parish, and newcomers are invited to join at any time. In 2008, the committee began a process of self-examination to deepen our mission. We represent a congregation that feels called to help others and maintains a longstanding tradition of generosity, but we wondered how we could be more effective in our ministries with others and how that might engage our own spiritual growth.
We began by examining past missions and activities in light of who the community of Trinity is now. With so many people in need and so many well-established charities to assist, how could we come together as the community to do God's work to the best of our abilities? As we explored the possibilities for outreach, we asked the questions, "How does a project engage us in the ministry of reconciliation and justice? In what ways does this gift engage us with people who are in need?" Our discussions have led us on a journey of discernment, as we seek to touch the lives of others and so, be touched ourselves.