Serving Others
Reaching out to others in need is a hallmark of the St. Augustine’s community. Christian outreach is rooted in God’s call to care for strangers, the hungry, homeless and sick, and those who are alone. St. Augustine’s serves others through direct hands-on efforts, financial support, education and advocacy.
Serving Directly and Personally
Good News Partners
Since 2004, St. Augustine’s has been in a partnership with the Good News Partners, a Christian group providing shelter and support in the Chicago neighborhood north of Howard Street and east of the CTA tracks. Their mission is to end homelessness and hopelessness in that community and to build bridges of reconciliation and justice among all people.
In 2007, we made a three-year commitment to supporting a single family’s move from homelessness to self-sustaining, independent housing - $15,000 annually.
Hunger Ministries, including:
- Second Sunday all-parish food collection supports three local emergency food pantries.
- North Shore CROP Walk - raised over $2,700 in 2008.
- “Bread Brigade” rescues day-old baked goods every day, for local emergency food kitchens.
- Good News Community Kitchen. Supply and serve dinner, also donated $3,500 in 2008.
Sustainability Ministry:
The H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Precious Earth) committee works to educate the parish on environmental issues. In 2008 introduced the Pledge for Stewardship of Creation. Also coordinated special recycling collections.
El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza
The Home of Love and Hope in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. In 2009 we are continuing to support Reina Gamez with a gift of $1,500.
New Ministries in 2008
- Mosquito Nets - Raised over $2,000 from Children's Craft Sale and donations
- All-Parish Mission Trip to Grace House in VA. Will take place in August 2009.
- Youth group Thanksgiving Food Collection. 57 bags for pantries.
- J2A group's "No Water Car Wash"
Other Ministries include:
- Cathedral Shelter Christmas baskets
- Spring and Fall clothing drives
- All-parish Christmas Card
Serving Financially - In 2009, we will give $80,000 to serve others in need.
Diocese of Chicago. Being part of the larger community of Episcopalians, we support our Diocese, its ministries and programs. For 2009, this amount will be $56,000.
Agency Grants. Since 1980 the annual parish budget has provided a sum for making direct grants to agencies. We try to balance local, national and international interests. In 2009, we will make the following gifts:
-
Good News Partners $15,000
- Good News Community Kitchen 3,500
- El Hogar (for Reina Gamez) 1,500
- Grace House Parish Mission Trip 1,000
- Connections for the Homeless 500
- St. Cyprian's Food Pantry 500
- St. Augustine's Indian Center 500
- Canterbury House Campus Ministry 500
TOTAL GRANTS $23,000