Overview

We do outreach and mission work because we are Christians. A commitment and willingness to walk alongside our brothers and sisters—wherever they may be and who ever they may be—is what characterizes Christian ministry at its best. When Paul wrote to the men and women of Corinth, he said, “…Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it” (1 Cor. 12:25-27). Outreach and mission work is our attempt to be God’s hands and feet in the world. When we work in His name, we enter into relationship with others, enrich our own lives, and deepen our willingness to accompany God’s people on unforeseen journeys..

Emmanuel has had a long tradition of outreach and extended ministries, and in December of 2006 Fr. Robert called us to take a critical look at our work and challenged us to do more. As a result, the Vestry embarked upon a period of study, reflection and planning that culminated in a number of Vestry actions and an Outreach Summit held in September of 2007. That Summit re-affirmed our commitment to outreach and mission and suggested that the parish wanted an articulated framework for this work and a more coordinated approach to it. It also revealed a deep hunger among parishioners for more “hands-on” activities and the desire to do “something big” in our outreach and mission activities to make a real difference in our community and the wider world.

The parish asked that our outreach work extend beyond the generous dollars (over a quarter of a million dollars each year) allocated annually from Endowment revenues and our operating budget to include meaningful work to build relationships with God’s people. This outreach effort is in accordance with Emmanuel’s mission to “honor God by nurturing the spirit and ministering to God’s people.” The Vestry has responded to that call by creating the Mission and Extended Ministries Committee (MEMC) and setting some priorities that will guide Emmanuel’s outreach efforts for the next few years. You can learn more about the Mission and Extended Ministries Committee by selecting the link in the menu at the left of of your screen. In capsule, the MEMC coordinates mission and outreach efforts at Emmanuel. All outreach grants are given in the name of Emmanuel Church, and all work is done in the name of Emmanuel Church. The MEMC reports to the Rector and the Vestry and works in collaboration with them. The committee makes funding recommendations to the Vestry, but final approval for funding, as per Canon, rests with the Vestry.

A second very active group involved in outreach at Emmanuel is the Emmanuel Thrift House. Once again there is a link in the menu at the left of your screen that will tell you more about the Thrift House and its purpose. Location and contact information is also provided.

The third ministry under the umbrella of the Extended Ministries Commission is the group of Emmanuelites that devote time and resource to the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). IHN is a community effort to supply shelter to families while they look for work and more permanent housing in Athens-Clarke County. More information about IHN can be obtained by using this link. Volunteers are always welcomed with open arms!

And the king will answer them, ‘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.’

Matthew 25: 40