Matthew 25:40 Committee

The primary purpose of the Matthew 25:40 Committee is to provide Christian outreach and service to our local community, our diocese and the working of the church throughout the world. This committee must operate within the budget established by the Vestry. Committee members operate as a whole or independently when specific research is required. Members are expected to attend meetings and to help with all projects. This committee was formed in 1981.

The committee meets monthly. There are 21 members, 12 being active as a rule. Members may be appointed by the rector or they may request to serve or be recommended to the rector by other members. The chairperson is appointed by the rector, usually to a three-year term subject to reappointment.

A line item called Community Discretionary Giving is appropriated by this committee. Requests range from local to international needs. Examples of recommendations are as follows:

-- Aid to local Urban Ministry in such areas as helping with needy families

 or assisting with The Father's Table

-- Fund raising and construction of a home to support Habitat for Humanity

-- Aid to local Open Door Shelter

-- Special aid and assistance to a single parent family through the EMMAUS

-- Support of the Episcopal AIDS Foundation

-- Aid to Thompson Children's Home

-- Support of an orphan child in Ethiopia through the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief

-- Support for Adult Literacy programs at Reading Connections

Often volunteers are needed not only for monetary support but for hands-on projects. For example, the Open Door Shelter is an on-going project which requires people to cook and serve on a monthly basis. Volunteers from the church constructed a home as part of the support for Habitat for Humanity.

This committee recommends to the Vestry the recipients of the church's Christmas and Easter offerings.

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