Sometimes at a Sunday service we are blessed with the rare combination of solemnity and gentle humor as wee members of the Episcopal Church are introduced into the Community. At that time we also renew our own baptismal covenant.
Have you ever considered that St. Paul’s Outreach Ministries could be a tangible way to “proclaim by … example the good news of God in Christ” and “seek and service Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?”
Our current Outreach Ministries invite interaction with congregants, members of the San Diego community and the global village. Here are some of the activities that power this good work:
Fair Trade is led by Carolyn Lief and other volunteers. Fairly-traded foods and other items are sold bimonthly after services and sometimes at other events to support farmers and artisanal communities throughout the world.
General Outreach is co-led by Jen Jow and Diane Lopez Hughes, coordinating communication for this ministry and acting as a catch-all for random acts of outreach, either on a one-time or ad hoc basis. One example is last year’s Lunches for Migrants at the Airport. Sometimes we reach out with an idea that has a short life or fizzles. Suggestions are always welcome!
Peace and Justice ministry is lead by Paul Teyssier with a volunteer planning group. In addition to city-wide presentations, meetings are held regarding many related issues. Adult Forums are presented as well as the bi-monthly Listening Hub, where participants share the ways that their faith informs their responses to spiritual and world issues.
Our Sacred Ground in Action ministry currently advocates for and with communities of color and frontline communities primarily through weekly bulletin articles inviting readers to take action by contacting their decision makers, or with physical presence, such as attendance at recent solidarity rallies and marches in the San Diego community. This ministry organized the ad hoc ministry to write and enact our St Paul’s land acknowledgment.
Showers of Blessings is led by Claudia Dixon with a wonderful group of active volunteers who provide monthly service with showers, breakfast, snacks, haircuts, clothing, and tender loving care to our unhoused neighbors.
Simpler Living is our Creation Care Ministry led by a small group that plans Adult Forums and events during April Earth Month, the September Season of Creation, and various times throughout the year. We participate with other St Paul’s ministries and committees to work towards “greening the Cathedral.”
At the September Ministry Fair many ministries, including Outreach, will offer information and opportunities to discern your own path to increasing your baptismal commitment.
Diane Lopez Hughes
