“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction and to keep one’s self unspotted before the world.” James 1:27.

All of our Grace’s Outreach Projects are made possible by an "infra-structure" of deeply caring and committed persons who give their time and energy to keep the programs of giving going year after year. No doubt, this represents one of the truest glimpses into the heart of Grace Church. There are many outreach opportunities that do not require a long-term commitment, but are rather single opportunities to provide support by sharing your time or resources.

The many outreach projects are publicized in the “Words of Grace” newsletter and Weekly Bulletin or are posted on the Community Bulletin Board in the Parish Hall. You will also find many exciting outreach activities summarized in Grace Church’s Annual Report. The Outreach Commission is always open to new ideas and ways for our collective resources, talents and generosity to "seek and serve Christ and all persons." Please contact Mary Fenno (867-7020) or Karen Smith (877-2555 ) for additional information or to volunteer your time and talents.

GRACE OUTREACH IN ACTION

JOINT MINISTRY WITH ST. PAUL’S OF NEWPORT NEWS

Grace Church is involved in an exciting joint ministry with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newport News. St. Paul’s is an urban church with a vibrant ministry to the city’s hungry and homeless citizens. Many Grace parishioners are already familiar with St. Paul’s wonderful “Port” ministry program that helps feed the area’s hungry.

There are other opportunities to serve Christ’s flock through St. Paul’s. One such opportunity is St. Paul’s “Good Friday dinner and a movie” ministry. Each Friday, St. Paul’s opens its door for the neighborhood folks to enjoy a meal and a movie in a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment. Cooking begins at 4:00 and wrap-up is around 8:30. If you’d like to volunteer to help with a “Good Friday” evening, call Kat Sage at 898-1588.

LEARNING FOR LIFE PROGRAM

In a bold venture, Grace Church and St. Paul’s have entered into an exciting new joint ministry program called “Learning for Life.” Learning for Life is for boys and girls age K-12. It is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. The goal of Learning for Life is to teach essential life skills to at risk children. The group sponsored by Grace and St. Paul’s will include children in grades 4 through 6. An sample of the learning goals for this age group is:

• Identify poor decision making
  
  

• See the possible consequences of not overcoming poor decisions
  

• See the possible benefits of overcoming poor decisions

• Recognize the power that people have in their own lives to make good decisions

Learning for Life is an after school program that will meet for approximately one hour per week. Besides the weekly classroom time, we will make periodic field trips and outings to scout camps in the local area. The curriculum comes complete with lessons plans and instructor guides, so all that’s required to be a leader or instructor is a dedicated heart. We need volunteers to serve as long-term leaders and to present individual classes. For more information contact Bob Frady at 890-9302. The official Learning for Life website may be found at www.learning-for-life.org.

St. Paul’s is located at 221 34th Street in downtown Newport News. Take I-664 and get off at 35th Street exit. Take a left at the off ramp light and a left onto Washington Street. Go to the first stoplight and turn left onto 34th Street. You’ll immediately see the church on your left.

For additional information on outreach contact a member of the Grace Outreach Commission:

Mary Fenno (867-7020) or Karen Smith (877-2555 ).