OUTREACH
We take our Baptismal Covenant very seriously "Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?...Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?..."
Below is a list of some of the programs and groups we are involved with in serving our parish, community & world.
We provide meeting space to a downtown chapter of this important group that fights alcohol abuse and supports those who suffer from alcoholism.
Bridge is the refugee resettlement agency for East Tennessee. Over the last 20 years, they have resettled more than 1,500 families from Bosnia, Burundi, Congo, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq, Poland, Romania, Sudan, Ukraine, Viet Nam and many other countries.
Chattanooga non-profit that provides assistance to those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The Chattanooga areas largest mission group that ministers to the Homeless, hungry, and low income families with a food pantry, day shelter, soup line, medical services, night shelters, counseling and financial help.
We assist the area food bank with work teams from time to time to sort food items & we also hand out food vouchers to those in need.
Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry provides the services which make possible the church's direct financial aid to poor and needy persons in the Chattanooga Area. Volunteers are needed for primarily clerical duties. Please contact them directly at 423.624.9650
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) used to be known as the Presiding Bishop's Fund. ERD is the Episcopal Church USA's outreach organization. ERD is often first on the scene at major disasters around the world, such as the Asian Tsami and Hurricane Katrina, with lifesaving supplies and medical assistance. For more information go to their website at www.er-d.org/.
Food For The Poor (FFP) ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3)corporation, our goals are to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children we serve.
St. Paul's has been extremely involved with this nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry throughout the years. Please go to their website for additional information.
Did you know that there are over 12,000 people that are homeless in Chattanooga? Do your part to help by walking with other parishioners in the Grateful Gobbler Walk at Thanksgiving. For more information see www.homelesscoalition.org
Hosanna Community’s mission is to create an environment that fosters independence for adults with disabilities. Hosanna Community sustains a home where adults with disabilities live together, encouraging, and enabling one another to grow in the community and in the world. The goal is for residents to reach their greatest potentials physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually.
Chattanooga Room in the Inn is a 90 day residential shelter for homeless women and children. Services provided at Room in the Inn are free of charge and include shelter, three meals a day, access to affordable or free health care, life skills training, parenting classes, assistance with finding affordable housing, and intensive case management services.
Our next door neighbors that provide nursing care, assisted living and apartments to the elderly.
There are dozens of other ways we as a parish family "reach beyond the walls" in our community and world.For information on how you can become involved at St. Paul's please contact us.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Help The Chattanooga Food Bank Meet Increased Demand
St. Paul's is holding a food drive to help the Chattanooga Area Food Bank fill emergency food boxes for families. Rising unemployment and families displaced by recent flooding are stretching food distribution at the Food Bank which transfers around 10,000 pounds of food per month. Foods particularly needed are canned vegetables: green beans, peas, corn, tomatoes, and canned fruit. Collection bins are near church entrances. Thanks for sharing your abundance with those in need.
Bereavement Ministry
The Inreach Committee, in its effort to help St. Paul's families who have lost a loved one, has organized a casserole ministry. A nourishing chicken casserole - enough for 8 to 10 people - will be provided to bereaved families. At this time, the committee wishes to recruit people to help deliver the casseroles, which will be prepared and stored at the church. If you can be a volunteer driver, please call Sally Durand, Inreach Committee chair, at 423-886-2300, or e-mail . Thank you for joining in this caring effort.
Friends of St. Catherine's Shelter
Anyone wishing to learn more about St. Catherine’s Shelter for Women and Children housed at St. Paul’s — and opportunities for service here — please contact Vestry liaison Deanne Irvine or 423-886-3143. Interest has been expressed in starting a support group for this wonderful outreach. Details will follow soon.
Community Kitchen Needs Tents
If you have a tent gathering dust in your garage, please consider donating it to the Community Kitchen. Many newly displaced citizens in our area are in immediate need of shelter. Tents may be taken to Brother Ron Fender, St. Paul’s parishioner and Community Kitchen Case Manager, at 727 E. 11th Street.
Ministry to Armed Forces families
We are developing a new ministry of outreach to those members of Saint Paul's who serve in the Armed Forces, or have loved ones who serve. We want them to know we carry them in our thoughts and prayers.To that end, if know anyone currently serving in the military, please email the information to Amy Sandy in the Church Office
A New Way to Help Episcopal Metropolitan Ministries
While Helping Yourselves
Bluewater Grille is working with several churches in our area in providing financial contributions to local not-for-profit agencies while also giving a discount to customers who participate in their Church Partnership Program. St. Paul’s Vestry has designated Episcopal Metropolitan Ministries (EMM) as the beneficiary of proceeds from this program generated from purchases by parishioners. Those who present a discount card for food purchases at Bluewater Grille will receive a 10% discount, and 5% of the check will be donated to EMM. Discount cards (one card per purchase, multiple cards available) are at the Volunteer Desk in the Chris Smith Parlour, and at the Greeters Desk in the Narthex.
