A name can tell you so much about a group or a place. For the last two years, the St. George’s Outreach Commission has been discerning a new name. Over the years, this Commission, which works with the community to address areas of need, has had many names – Mission, Evangelism, all reflecting the direction and emphasis of the Commission at that time.
Today, our Commission members find that the St. George’s Outreach Commission has been a powerful incubator for many strong non-profits in our area: Empowerhouse, Hope House, Big Brothers / Big Sisters and the Food Bank. The 2000’s have been a time of strong justice work with the Commission spending a great deal of time devoted to work of understanding the needs of our Community, how we learn about God’s grace through them and with them. We have worked hard to move away from the language of “us” and “them” and “we have, you take”. We try to be a place where all who reach out find a hand to shake, an ear to listen, hearts to share the work. We also want to be the ones reaching out – listening deeply to the needs and stories of our community and moving into the world together.
So, in February of 2018 we officially voted to change our name to Grace in Action. The Committee members felt that reflects the work of this time – that it is by God’s Grace we are able to move in loving Action among and with our community, feeding, caring, working for justice for all God’s beloved. Grace in Action encompasses much more than just The Table or the Community Dinners. Others around the table are Environmental Stewardship, Death Penalty work, Refugee support, Economic Justice and Deaf Ministries, Interfaith Ministries and Micah. The conversations about the way our different lenses inform each other are rich and wide.
Responding to our baptismal call, we look to help our community of St. George’s understand more about the realities of those at the margins of our community, those in prison, and those without a voice. We also look to work in those places, joining hands in solidarity and strength. We meet each month on the second Monday at 7 pm in Sydnor Hall. All are welcome to join us and to offer thoughts on this journey. Sometimes we are sharing updates, other times we have speakers to present.
We are a community of Action through God’s Grace. Join us.
Contact Carey Connors for more information.
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