Outreach

The purpose of the Outreach Committee is to further the mission of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church by:  identifying and coordinating opportunities for our parish to engage in meaningful service locally and globally, and recommending annual allocations of local and global outreach funds for final decision by the Vestry. St. Stephen’s carries out these activities as a sign of our Christian commitment.  We recognize Christ in ourselves and all others, and welcome and support all with love and compassion.

In 2010, as a community of faith, St Stephen’s outreach to our neighbors near and far made a difference. Together we:

  • Provided nearly 3,400 pounds of food to area food shelves;
  • Prepared and served over 1,500 community lunches;
  • Raised Pennies for Peace funds for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with our children leading the way with big penny jars;
  • Volunteered at the Charter House shelter and HOPE food shelf;
  • Collected clothing and diapers for 32 AIDS orphans in Zambia;
  • Cooked and served over 450 community supper meals;
  • Raised over $2,300 for 2010 CROP Walk for Hunger with a team of 19 walkers;
  • Provided 20 children from low-income families with gifts at Christmas;
  • Sponsored an Alternative Gifts Fair that raised over $4,000 to address issues of poverty and social justice for those who need it the most.

It should be noted that many of these are interfaith activities that connect us to the wider community of faith in the Middlebury area and increase the impact of what we all can do.

Local and international outreach grants were made in 2010 – totaling $17,400.  Funds were raised by the parish during Peasant Market 2009. While Spring/Summer grants focused on children, Fall grants focused on food, heating fuel, housing/shelter, and essential health needs in Addison County; and Episcopal-sponsored schools in Vermont. International Grants (25% of the overall outreach budget) focused on projects addressing the Millennium Development Goals.

We are actively seeking people interested in outreach to join us!  We meet once a month.  For general outreach information, please see St. Stephen's contact list for selected outreach programs.