OUTREACH COMMITTEE
In Services to our Neighbor
"He who loves his neighbor, fulfills the love he owest to God; for God, accepts his love as an act as love offered to Himself." -- St. Basil the Great
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The Outreach Committee of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church exists to encourage activities that promote a deeper understanding of Christ's commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 35-40). As we are providing a framework for putting this love into action in Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 10:29-37, James 1:19 and 2:26 and Hebrews 13:1, the committee will research and promote the development and participation in ministries that provide food, occupation, hospitality, clothing, understanding, care, visitation and shelter to our neighbors in need. The scope of these efforts will have first priority in Northeast Florida but will reach into national and international ministries as needs exist.
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The faithful of Holy Trinity continues to be engaged in several outreach ministries serving our neighbors in the greater St. Augustine community, across Florida and around the world. There are many opportunities to become involved in these growing ministries. Please prayerfully consider where your heart may be calling you. The Holy Trinity Outreach Committee partners with the Ladies Philoptochos Society [link to Ministry 1] on many outreach initiatives and thanks the Ladies for its ongoing support.
Outreach ministries of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church include:
Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County was developed as a bridge between the street/shelter and permanent housing. The Outreach Committee collects goods in good shape, such as small home furnishings, home essentials such as cookware, dishes, and cleaning supplies, for needy families. Clothing and items such as books and play toys are always welcome. These goods are provided to the needy families, who live in transitional housing homes from two months to two years and receive intensive services such as education, job training and placement, parenting classes and childcare services.
Coats 4 Kids
In late fall, we collect winter clothing items to be given to some of the more than 500 students in the St. Johns County School District who are homeless. Many of these students do not have winter clothing items such as winter coats, raincoats, umbrellas, rain boots, socks and belts.
St. Francis House
We provide dinner on the second Monday of each month, for the 25-40 residents of St. Francis House. Ongoing needs include cooking team of 7 to 8 people as well as regular food donations to St. Francis throughout the year. We also recruit residents for pay to assist with church events as needed.
Other Assistance
We also provide as-needed assistance to many other ministries, including Salvation Army, Betty Griffin House, St. Gerard House and United Way. We also participate in various fundraisers to raise awareness and funds.
Homeless Outreach Bags
Bags of basic survival items are created. These are provided to Holy Trinity parishioners, who for money donation, can offer to neighbors in need as they meet them throughout our community, especially to neighbors at intersections holding signs for assistance. These bags contain pop-top canned goods; small bottles/pouches of juice, water; snack crackers/granola bars; breakfast bars; fruit cups (non-perishable); socks and travel-size toiletries. Volunteers are needed to prepare these bags as well as offer to carry them in their cars to those in need around our community.
Project Linus
This initiative provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, created by volunteer "blanketeers". We are always seeking donated yarn for this worthwhile project.