Outreach Commission Report

Christi James & Bob Arnott, Outreach Commission Chairs

The mission of Outreach at Christ Church is,

"To Restore Hope to a Suffering World and Be Transformed Into the Likeness of Christ."

Parishioner Patrick Lutalo (in blue suit) and his apprentices in Uganda at the Dedication of a Maternity Facitlity.

Outreach provides opportunities to the members of Christ Church to live into the following baptismal promises: to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, seek and serve Christ in all persons, strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. Our goal is to develop meaningful relationships with each of our ministry partners, meet real needs, and engage parishioners of all ages in active service. 

 Blessing Box Ministry

 Contact: Brice Davis, Bob Arnott

  • Parishioners donated items to Metro Caring, St. Francis Center, and St. Clare's Ministries. Volunteers collected items and delivered them to the three organizations.

El Hogar Ministries, Inc.

Contact: Christi James, Caitlin Woolums

  • Members of Christ Church played key roles in Esperanza: A Celebration of Hope. This virtual fundraising event was viewed by national and international guests. Christ Church volunteers also designed and assembled a gift for each participant.

  • El Hogar team members sold Esperanza Dulce coffee throughout the year. There was also a Christmas Coffee Sale. All proceeds support El Hogar.

  • Service trips to El Hogar have not yet resumed due to the pandemic.

High Plains Region

Contact: Fr. Joseph

  • High Plains Region is a convocation of parishes and missions in the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. Each year, the High Plains Region issues grants to ministries in this region that promote Christian formation, evangelism, and service. 

Metro Caring

Contact: Gina Barry

  • Volunteers resumed serving monthly at Metro Caring

  • A team of volunteers served regularly sorting food at a Rotary warehouse for Metro Caring 

  • Parishioners donated food every week by filling the Blessing Box with non-perishable foods. Members of the Men's Group delivered the food to Metro CareRing

  • Christ Church hosted Loaves & Fishes in August and collected food for Metro Caring

 Providence Network

 Contact: Janie Peterson

  • A Christ Church Life Group provided a meal once a month for the residents at Silver Lining House

Set Free Prison Ministry

Contact: Betty Riddell, Vee Henderson

  • Volunteers served weekly at Set Free Prison Ministry

St. Clare's Ministry

Contact: Nate Farr

  • Volunteers have served the second Sunday of every month at the St. Clare’s outdoor clothing distribution

  • Parishioners donated items throughout the year (Blessing Box)

St. Francis Center

Contact: Kathi Rudolph, Fran Berry

  • Volunteers served weekly at St. Francis Center.

  • Parishioners donated clothing items throughout the year and since Covid-19, food to St. Francis housing residents (Blessing Box) 

Sun Valley Youth Center

Contact: Christi James

  • Members of Christ Church participated in an event hosted by Sun Valley featuring an alum (and now Board member) of Sun Valley Youth Center

Teach Men to Fish

Contact: Cyndy McRae, Patrick Lutalo

  • Teach Men to Fish was added as an Outreach ministry partner

  • Christ Church Vacation Bible School featured Teach Men to Fish, collecting donations for tools. The children and their families learned about Patrick’s work in Uganda throughout the week of VBS

  • Patrick returned to Uganda in December to continue his work with construction apprentices

 Other Outreach Activity

  • Parishioners supported the work of Outreach by participating in the King Soopers grocery card program. The money raised through this program was used to fund monthly contributions and grants for ministry partners.

  • Members of Christ Church participated in a matching fund drive to benefit Locally Haiti and its efforts to rebuild after a devastating earthquake

Numbers at a Glance

Outreach Fund-Support 

+ 10% of monthly giving to Outreach $135,317 

+ King Soopers Card program $ 1,654 

+ Bequeaths and Special Donations  (Regas Bequeath & Heart 4 Haiti) $ 22,441  

Disbursements 

- Monthly Giving to Ministry Partners $119,214 

- Giving to High Plains Region- Diocese of CO $ 65,814  

- Grants to ministry partners/organizations $ 28,000 

- Emergency/Special Funding (Locally Haiti) $ 9,700 

The Outreach Commission also manages Equity, Bond, and LMIF (money market) Outreach Funds invested with the Colorado Episcopal Foundation. Market Adjustments and Interest from these funds provide additional money for grants, missions, and special funding. The balance of all these funds at the end of 2021 was $129,492.

Preview of 2022

  • Create a year-long calendar for Outreach with input from each ministry partner

  • Align and integrate Outreach events with the liturgical calendar and Church vision

  • Host Outreach Partner Forums throughout the year

  • Connect existing small groups and ministries at Christ Church with volunteer opportunities hosted by our Outreach partners