
A 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 atten

tion 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.