The purpose of the Mission/Outreach Commission is to empower the parishioners of St. Thomas’ to give witness to the Kingdom of God in the world with the support of the parish family. We achieve this purpose through the allocation of parish family generated funds along with the contribution of our members’ time and talent to support those in need - the hungry, the incarcerated, the elderly, those in need of proper shelter, and those that are discriminated against for reasons of race, sex, or other issues.
Funding is primarily raised through the dedicated efforts of our Parish members. Some events have a targeted area, and some events are for the general Outreach fund such that the help can be delivered to those most in need. Additional funds may also be designated through the Vestry as operating funds become available. The Commission members review applications from within the parish, and these applications are required to illustrate the ‘soundness’ of the organization being benefitted, as well as the current level of commitment of the parishioner(s) making the application for Outreach funds. Sunday programs may be held to educate the congregation on certain projects to be funded, and to publicize opportunities for additional volunteers. YPF mission projects are included. Examples of recently funded programs are: A Meal & More, Cameron Community Ministries, Flower City Habitat for Humanity, Step by Step and Boy Scouts of America. To download an application form for Outreach funding, click here. Applications should be submitted to the Commissioner of Mission/Outreach.
Click on the links below for more detail on each of the projects that St. Thomas’ parishioners are currently active with.
A Meal and More
Cameron Community Ministries
Eastern Service Workers Association
Episcopal Church Home
Fiber Ministry
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB)
Flower City Habitat for Humanity
I Can Cope
Inner-City Elementary School Tutoring
Literacy Volunteers
Prison Re-entry and Aftercare Ministry (PRAM)
SEM/FISH
Step by Step
Youth Intervention and Aftercare Ministry (YIAM)