Outreach
We invite all to walk with us on this journey.
Outreach Committee Mission Statement
In that the mission of the Church is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” and the Church pursues that mission “as it prays and worships, proclaims the gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love” (The Catechism, p. 855 in The Book of Common Prayer); we, the people of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk, Maine, through its Outreach Committee seek to better the lives of people in need in our community and beyond. We will accomplish this through programs which will aid people in helping themselves, thereby bringing dignity to all of God’s people whom we serve in God’s name.
Below is a brief summary of some of our work in the community.
Caring Unlimited is a shelter for abused women and children. Each year Saint David’s sponsors a Christmas Party for the residents of Caring Unlimited that includes gifts for these mothers and children, many of whom would go without any gifts at Christmas. Also, each fall Saint David’s co-ordinates a multi-church Back Pack drive to ensure that each Caring Unlimited child begins the school year with proper school supplies.
Hands Across Our Community is a food collection drive at Saint David’s. Parishioners are encouraged to bring canned goods and other needed food supplies to church on Sunday mornings. The food is then delivered to local Maine food banks. The collection goal for 2022 is 30,000 lbs.
Saint David’s also gives financial and volunteer support to numerous local, national and international organizations that provide help and comfort to those in need such as St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry in Portland (a Jubilee Center), Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford (a Jubilee Center), Camp Bishopswood, Habitat for Humanity, Community Outreach Services, and Episcopal Relief and Development.
St. David’s also supports the Harmony Ministries LaSalle School in Haiti.
The school was built next to the new church in a remote mountain “voodoo” village where there were no educational opportunities until now. They are in need of books, school supplies, uniforms, and much more. There is much we can provide besides prayers for these precious children so that they may excel. If you are interested, but want more information about Haiti, Harmony Ministries or the LaSalle school, please e-mail Betsy Mihan. Betsy has had a relationship with Harmony Ministries for over 25 years and has personally been on medical missions there seven times. Betsy may be reached via email by clicking here.
On the 4th Tuesday of every month from 9:30-10:30, the Outreach Committee distributes food boxes to local seniors, as part of a federally funded commodity food program. Each eligible senior receives a box filled with 30 pounds of mostly non-perishable food items, including juices, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, oats, nonfat dry milk, peanut butter and cheese.
Also on the 4th Tuesday of the month, a free community soup lunch is served from 10:00am to 12:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
If you are interested in participating in or learning more about any of these outreach ministries, contact John Cuozzo by clicking here, or Mary Provo by clicking here.