Outreach

AAA commitment to bold and innovative outreach was one of the founding hallmarks of St. Martin’s, and we continue to strive to be a beacon in our community.     We give our time and talents both publicly and privately, as a church and as individuals. As a parish, we regularly support a variety of charities and community services. We also respond eagerly when special fund-raising appeals are brought to our attention.      

For example, we have generously contributed scholarship funds for low-income children to attend a local day camp, for homeless and Gulf Coast needs, and we’ve sponsored children with HIV-AIDS to attend a special camp in Norfolk. At various times of the year, our narthex is filled with food donations for the local food bank, coats for the needy, and school supplies for children who can’t afford them. December heralds our annual Cherub Tree Projects, with proceeds targeted for additional outreach needs.      

Individual parishioners are also eager to respond to calls for mentors and tutors in the community, and we look for ways to provide hands-on assistance to our local schools and charities. One new venture this year is a parish-wide fundraising project, which will bring us together to share in fun educational programs that bring attenAngel Treetion to global poverty.

In addition, the women in our parish have joined women at Williamsburg Community Chapel new program called Sisters in Service, which also addresses global poverty concerns. Our private giving takes place under the auspices of the rector’s discretionary fund and an Individual Assistance Fund. Many times over the years, this latter fund (managed by laity) has been used discreetly to help parishioners and community members in times of emergency. Monthly disbursements from this fund average $1,000. “Bridge Builders” is the race relations committee of the Parish. Its work is dedicated to fostering racial harmony, cooperation, and good works in both the church and its community. Bridge Builder programs focus on education, worship, and fellowship as demonstrated in the interracial partnership maintained with our sister parish in Hampton, Virginia - - St. Cyprian’s - - and in the ongoing support both parishes have given to the diocesan Anti-Racism Commission.  

The church provides educational opportunities tthrough forums and book studies.

  



* Grove Christian Outreach Center (GCOC) was established in February 2000 to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of residents in the Grove area of James City County. The Chapel’s own Deena Walls serves as the center’s Assistant Director. Included among the services that GCOC offers are a food pantry, a clothes closet, transportation, and health screenings.


Community Organizations St. Martins Episcopal Church Supports

Avalon

Camp Wakonda
Crossroads Community Youth Home
 Jackson-Field Homes

Eastern State Hospital
Grove Christian Outreach Center
Habitat For Humanity
Heifer Project
Historic Triangle Senior Center
Hospice House
NAACP Scholarship Program
Olde Towne Medical Center 
Meals on Wheels
Rita Welsh Literacy Center

St Martin's in the Fields
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Shop with a Cop
Sisters In Service

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
Williamsburg Aids Network


Other Organizations St. Martin's Supports (without webpages)

Historic Triangle HELP Project for the Homeless
Bishop's Relief Fund - Diocese of Southern Virginia relief fund
 Camp Save-A-Child -
A program by James City County to send kids from low income families to programs during the summer
D.J. Montague Elementary Afterschool Program
James River Elementary School Cherub Program
FISH Emergency Services
  - 757- 220-9379
Williamsburg Faith In Action - Faith in Action is an Interfaith volunteer agency which provides transportation for the infirm and the shut-ins as well as respite care for care givers who would not otherwise be able to get away for short periods of time.For more information, please contact Frank Bagli at 229-8693.



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