Sharing with our community!

Report from the Social Ministries treasurer:

Among the perks of receiving the funding requests is the opportunity to become more aware of the myriad ways in which St. Matthew's parishioners are involved in ministries outside of the parish.  One of the parish's core values as articulated in the 2010 mission statement is "To carry the spirit of Christ into the world, both locally and globally, by serving and working in partnership with others." Many thanks to those who requested funding on behalf of various organizations and to all those working to share God's gifts with others.  

The social ministries committee met June 15th and approved funding requests for everyone who requested funding this year in addition to other programs traditionally funded in the past.  22 parishioners have served to bring the needs of these programs to the committee.  The committee is tasked with disbursing discretionary funding allocated by the vestry and collected from FEST proceeds.  For 2025, this includes $4360 to be spent on organizations serving people globally per vestry allocation and $12,912.85 from proceeds raised through FEST last December.  In addition, 7 local organizations are funded directly by the vestry which totaled $12,367 for 2025.  The total amount of money in these three categories given on behalf of St. Matthew's congregation to support 27 organizations serving people in need outside the congregation is $29,639.85 for 2025.  Checks will be mailed out over the next few weeks.  Anyone who wants additional details on what organizations we are funding this year and the amounts disbursed can contact Eileen Camp, committee chair or Ellen McRae, committee treasurer.  

Due to federal funding cuts, many organizations serving those among us living with food/housing insecurities, legal inequities, mental health and educational challenges locally and globally are struggling more intensely this year.  Our ability to contribute financially and in many other ways especially is needed now more than ever.  "All things come of thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."

Ellen McRae