OUTREACH COMMITTEE
SERVE
Since its establishment in 1960, Redeemer Parish has been concerned about people in our immediate area and beyond who have personal and financial needs due to life circumstances. Based on Redeemer’s financial and human resources, the parish has provided support to organizations and individuals in an effort to relieve their burdens and improve the quality of their lives.
GOALS OF THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE
INVOLVEMENT
To encourage involvement in Redeemer’s Outreach programs by all parishioners.
FELLOWSHIP
To engage in Outreach projects that promote fellowship among all participants regardless of age or ability.
PARTNERSHIP
To expand Outreach through development of mutual ministry projects with neighboring churches.
PAT CARMICHAEL
OUTREACH CHAIR
LOU MARKWITH
VESTRY
In the past Redeemer has provided support for Remote Access Medical (RAM) clinics in Wise, Va.; Churches Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter (CARITAS); victims of major natural disasters in the South; a school in Tanzania; and Rise Against Hunger’s international feeding program.
Ongoing collaboratives include a cooperative church-based food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, diaper and clothing drives, holiday meal bags, holiday gifts for children and adults, and recognizing and supporting active military persons and veterans.
For more than 20 years the Christmas tree lot has been the main fundraiser for outreach. Committee members and volunteers operate the tree lot, which opens the day after Thanksgiving, selling fresh trees, wreaths, and roping. The trees, from Smokey Holler Tree Farm in western N. C., are cut shortly before delivery, ensuring that Redeemer offers some of the highest quality trees in the Richmond area.
Pat Carmichael is the contact (outreach@redeemermidlothian.org) person for this active group that welcomes input and participation from all parishioners!
COLLECTIONS
FOOD PANTRY
Through the calendar year, Redeemer collects nonperishable food items that are donated to the food pantry at nearby St. Matthias’ Church. Drop off donations in the baskets located in the church narthex. Wynne Sbertoli is the contact for this ministry.
SPRING
LENTEN FOOD DRIVE
March 2 - April 14 2021
During Lent, Redeemer typically conducts a food drive by collecting nonperishable items that are donated to the food pantry at St. Matthias’ Church. Requested items are advertised in the weekly church newsletters. Wynne Sbertoli is the contact for this ministry.
MISSION UNDERCOVER
Mission Undercover supplies low-income families with much-needed undergarments through donations of diapers (N-6), pullups, wipes, girls’ underwear (2T/3T–16), and boys’ underwear (XS–XL; 2–20). The spring and fall drives are publicized in the weekly church newsletter. Contact Pat Carmichael with any questions.
FALL
BENSLEY OUTREACH
Aug - Sep 2021
In 2018, Redeemer’s rector, Fr. Robert Marshall, suggested collecting school supplies and backpacks for a school that had a diverse population and economic needs.
THANKSGIVING MEAL DRIVE
Oct - Nov 2021
Coordinated by the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry, this annual drive feeds thousands in the surrounding localities of Colonial Heights and Hopewell as well as the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George. Redeemer supports this initiative by collecting donations of items selected from a predetermined list of nonperishables and $15 gift cards to cover perishables. Wynne Sbertoli coordinates this project.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
October 10, 2021
Give the gift of life by donating blood at one of our local blood drives, co-hosted with nearby Salisbury Presbyterian Church. The local chapter of the American Red Cross manages the blood collection. Please visit their website and check out the Redeemer’s blog for more complete information.
CHRISTMAS TREE LOT
Nov - Dec 2021
Grab some holiday spirit by working at Redeemer’s Christmas Tree lot. Volunteers from all age groups greet shoppers, prep trees for customers, and conduct sales. There are jobs for everyone. To volunteer please use the Sign Up Genius link on the website. Working at the lot is a great opportunity for fun and fellowship, so sign up now! Detailed information can be found on Sign-Up Genius.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Redeemer collaborates with area churches by sending a team of builder-helpers to a Habitat for Humanity construction site. Interested? Lou Markwith is the contact. Please visit their website and check out the blog for more complete information.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Redeemer’s program is designed to support some of the food needs of Meals on Wheels clients in the Richmond-area. Volunteer teams of two pick up meals at Central Baptist Church on Friday mornings for delivery to local clients. Volunteers are asked to serve one Friday per month. Delivery routes usually last two hours. For more information, see Redeemer’s blog.
