Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Outreach

For several years St. Martin’s has had a budget goal of giving 10 percent of income to outreach in addition to commitments to the diocese and national church. Currently the commitment is just under 10 percent of operating budget. Outreach Committee members consult with the rector and work with parishioners to identify Primary Outreach Partners, organizations in which St. Martin's parishioners may be involved as volunteers. These partners are currently: companion parishes in Guatemala ($20,000 in 2009), Northwest Interfaith Hospitality Network ($15,000), and Jubilee School in West Philadelphia ($15,000). Parish commitment to outreach has been strong and consistent for many years. Many in the parish cite outreach efforts as one of the most important ministries of St. Martin's and believe that the help we provide to others is crucial to who we are.

Many in the parish cite outreach efforts as one of the most important ministries of St. Martin's and believe that the help we provide to others is crucial to who we are.

Since 1997 the parish has had a companion relationship with three parishes in the western highlands of Guatemala. Adult and teenage members of St. Martin’s have visited our companion parishes several times, and we have hosted priests and two parishioners from the parishes at St. Martin’s. Several of our joint projects have involved education. Contributions from parishioners have funded a scholarship program at one parish for 12 years. Other projects have involved construction. Relationship building—participating in joint projects and worship together—has been very important. We are blessed to receive the intense warmth, love, and hospitality given to us by the Guatemalans.

Our largest participation of volunteers is with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provides shelter and support to homeless families in nearby churches. Although St. Martin’s does not currently host families, over time more than 100 parishioners have volunteered to prepare and serve meals, talk and eat with families to get to know them better, play with the children, and help them settle in for the night. Some spend the night at a neighboring church and help with morning activities.

Three years ago a second Guatemala outreach effort, which included medical mission trips, began. This is a joint effort with other parishes in the diocese. A team of our parishioners has gone to Guatemala, treating patients in clinics, participating in training health volunteers and midwives in three communities, and taking donated medicines to a clinic.

Another outreach program closer to home includes making soup and delivering it to St. Mary’s Bainbridge Street, an aided parish of the diocese.

In addition to our Primary Outreach Partners, we give smaller financial grants to 14 other institutions and projects.

St. Martin’s outreach also comes in the form of significant participation at the diocesan level by clergy and laity. Parishioners in recent years have filled positions on the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council. They have been deputies to General Convention, board members of Episcopal Community Services, and members on other diocesan committees. Our director of music was called to be in charge of music for the most recent Episcopal consecration in the diocese.