As a collective body, fed by Sacrament and Word, the Mission Committee will strive to do the work of Christ in our Church community, the local community, and the world. The acts of mission in identified need will be met with monetary and physical support.
The Mission Committee membership currently includes Steve Keyser, Chairman, Becky Farrar, Beth Sibbick, David Cole, Trippi Penn, Pat Walmsley, Rives Coleman, Sarah Beth Morrison, Steve Keyser, and Susan Critz. The meetings are held the third Thursday on April 20th, July 20th and October 19th in the Parish House at 10:00a.m. Additional membership is desired, please consider joining us!
The purpose of our church is to not only minister to our internal needs for worship and prayer but to also reach out to the community to share our faith and abundance. This offering of outreach is best be described in the stated goal – "To oversee and disburse all monies earned from the Mission Endowment Fund in a responsible and fiduciary manner". In the last year fifteen community service organizations and charities received a portion of the several thousand dollars distributed by this committee. We try to meet that obligation through various outlets.
The need at Grace Food Pantry is great! From October to December 2023: we are requested to provide:
Use the Food Lion card for your shopping. “Grace is counting on us to help keep their food pantry balanced. Thank you for supporting this outreach ministry.”
A first-stop center for distressed families in the Martinsville-Henry County area this organization is the product of the combination of many local churches and social service groups. During the past year approximately 4,100 clients were served with financial assistance, food donations, heating and electricity grants, hygiene supplies and homeless help. Our parishioners help as on site volunteers, donate food and supplies and the church gives a regular financial contribution.
Please place all items in the Grace Network red wagon in the Narthex or the designated box in the office.
You may also take donations directly to Grace Network at 16 Liberty Street Extension. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM - 12:30PM, and Thursday 4 - 7PM. Use your grocery cards to benefit the church and Grace Network.
Perhaps the centerpiece of our outreach ministry is the monthly free community meal we prepare and serve to all who want or need a delicious hot meal. Typically we will serve 80 to 100 guests each last Wednesday of the month. This offering has been a part of our parish life for nearly fifteen years when we were one of the first to serve regular meals. Now well over ten churches in Martinsville offer free meals on a regular basis giving life to our appellation “Loaves and Fishes”. The meal is served from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Undercroft.
Please volunteer to join our skeleton crew to cook, serve, or wash dishes on the last Wednesday of the month. You will enjoy being a part of this valuable outreach ministry. You may volunteer by contacting the Church office and ask how you may be of assistance. Desserts and fruit are always needed.
Christ Church regularly supports the annual United Thank Offering ingathering and the work it underwrites. The focus of the offering is Love, Joy, Hope, and Grace expressed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By connecting our prayers and offerings for positive change, we are helping to transform society towards peace and reconciliation. Let us continue!
Generosity leads to charity and forgiveness. "Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands - all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you." Luke 6:38
Let us match our coins in the blue box with our prayers of thanksgiving and hope. Let us share the many blessings that the Lord has given us, so that those who benefit will continue God's work in their communities and improve the lives of others.
Each Advent, a Christmas tree is erected in the narthex with cardboard ornament “Angels” that supply the name, age and suggested gift for children whose parents are incarcerated. Parishioners are asked to select an angel or more to supply an appropriate gift. On the weekend before Christmas we host a party for the children in the Parish House where the gifts are distributed and refreshments are served. The youth of the parish are participants by helping with the purchase of gifts, wrapping packages, and making certain all requests are met.
