Outreach News
As many of you are aware, Manakin Outreach supports a long and continually growing list of ministries in our community and around the world. Three years ago, I spoke to the congregation about how Outreach was aligning our programs with the Millennium Goals adopted by the Episcopal Church. At that time, I stated we were already doing a great deal, but “we can do more.” That year, Outreach began an effort to raise additional funds to help make a bigger difference.
Four years ago, Outreach disbursed approximately $7,000. In 2009 Manakin will disburse more than $19,000 through our outreach programs. In addition, the Men of the Church, the Women of the Church, our Youth programs and Church School raised funds throughout the year. This is a giving congregation, and I know that many of you support other charitable causes privately, as well.
Despite economic conditions, the Outreach Committee decided again in February of this year to begin planning for a “second annual” auction and gala. The commitment was tentative with the understanding that the event could be called off if, at any time, it looked like the donations, interest, etc. was not there. There was a point in May when the auction committee had the contracts for tables, linens, and catering and only 21 tickets sold that we were worried. But the Holy Spirit moved and donations and ticket sales started coming in. In the end, we sold 20 more tickets than last year and raised approximately $10,600 (we raised $12,000 last year).
On behalf of:
the battered and abused women of Madeline’s House,
the Powhatan families who now own their home through Habitat for Humanity,
the patients of the Powhatan Free Clinic who would not otherwise be able to get medical care,
the children of Holy Cross Episcopal School in Belize who cannot otherwise afford an education,
the homeless whom we feed through CARITAS and our feeding programs,
the young women of Eleventh House and the boys of the Boys Home in Covington who need someone who cares,
the less affluent children at Riverside school and Robious Middle School,
the inmates on death row who enjoy reading, but cannot afford magazines (such as Time, National Geographic, and Redbook) and their local newspapers
the countless children and families who received cows, ducks, chickens, mosquito netting, or even seeds through the Gifts for Life program
and the Outreach Committee, I want to thank everyone for helping make these outpourings of God’s love possible.
Despite the success of our yard sale and the auctions, today I ask “Can we do more?” and know God’s answer, “Yes we can!” It is impossible for the members of our committee to decide which manifestation of Christ we would turn away if we decided to “take a year off.” If you have ideas about how our fundraising can be done even better, I invite you to volunteer to serve on the fundraiser committee next year. Otherwise, I beg your support, whether you are a member of the Vestry or just a member of our Manakin family, for those who are called to serve God by taking His love outside these walls and into the world.
- Craig Akers
