Outreach Committee Mission Statement, Christ Church Cathedral
The mission of Outreach is to improve the quality of life within the greater Springfield community, our nation, and the world. Our objective is to reach beyond the church walls to bring Christ’s vision of a loving and sharing community to fruition. We recognize that there are unmet needs within all segments of society as we support those agencies that attempt to heal our brokenness. We will also be engaged in direct participation when we can be of service.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

La misión del comité de alcance es mejorar la calidad de vida dentro de la comunidad de Springfield, nuestra nación y el mundo. Nuestro objetivo es llegar más allá de las paredes de la iglesia para hacer realidad la visión de Cristo que es una comunidad que comparte y que ama. Reconocemos que hay necesidades insatisfechas dentro de todos los segmentos de la sociedad así como apoyamos a esos organismos que intentan curar nuestro quebrantamiento. Nosotros también estaremos envueltos en participación directamente cuando sea necesario.

‘Dónde está su tesoro, allí también estará su corazón’. Mateo 6:21

In 2018, the Outreach Committee welcomed several new members, participated in the Ministry Fair, received and approved grant requests from a variety of partner agencies, acquired a large “blank check” to be used for Outreach presentations, successfully promoted a variety of service opportunities, and expanded the practice of having Cathedral partners visit to speak about their agencies during both church services and forums.  We also collectively read the book Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It by Robert D. Lupton and had targeted discussions to relate and apply our findings to the work of Outreach.

We sponsored the following activities: Cathedral participation in the annual April Revitalize Green N Fit event in Springfield; forums and church testimonies from Square One, NuDay Syria, Friends of the Homeless, Loaves & Fishes; more frequent updates/feedback from funded agencies by members of Outreach Committee; collection of classroom supplies and Thanksgiving food items for Square One; attendance at Square One Lunch Bunch events; attendance at the opening of Gardening the Community’s Walnut Street Farm Stand and the Square One Tea; volunteer serving of meals at Friends of the Homeless; Christmas caroling at Hampden County Jail in Ludlow via REC; and collection of clothing for Big Blue Ministry and Friends of The Homeless.  Outreach members continued to address the Opioid Crisis with weekly prayers for recovery; a Christian worship service for those in recovery, those struggling with substance use disorders or compulsive behaviors, and for friends and loved ones; and via the recent appointment of Donna Barten to a Diocese Commission on Opioid Addiction.

In 2019 the Outreach Committee looks forward to expanding opportunities for volunteer service, especially to those who are struggling or in need.  We will also revise our applications for grant funding and expand our evaluation of donations and partnerships.

For additional information about the Outreach Ministry at Christ Church Cathedral, contact Judy Cox, Co-chair or Judith MacMunn, Co-chair.