Outreach – the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the act of reaching out; the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits“.
Within the church, to be a servant with Jesus is to be a partner in God’s mission in the world. It is a reaching outward to others, with a particular concern for the marginalized in our society, wherever they may be found – the poor, the weak, the despised. It is the Outreach Committee’s responsibility to sponsor and promote activities, and to administer the outreach funds of the congregation, engaging with the wider community.
Help for the vulnerable of the world is an important part of Christian life and our congregation makes a significant commitment to Outreach. We currently direct 13% of envelope offerings to a combination of (i) the United Church of Canada’s Mission & Service Fund and (ii) projects identified by the Outreach Committee locally and globally.. Unless otherwise directed by individual members, the funds are split 50:50.
Outreach projects are also supported by our United Church Women groups, the Sunday School, and our Youth Groups. In addition, members of the congregation offer their time and talents to a number of worthy missions including our on-site food cupboard and Pathway Community Programs.
Streetsville United Church, along with Solel Synagogue, and the Unitarian Congregation of South Peel were founding members of Pathway which was created to address the need for affordable housing in Peel Region.
Local Missions
Local Missions supported in the past include: Pathway Community Programs, The Open Door Mission at Square One, The Scott Mission, The Dam, Teen Challenge, and The Mississauga Food Bank, amongst others.
World Missions
In recent years we have provided ongoing support in the past to World Missions through a number of partners – Hope International, Christian Blind Mission, The Leprosy Mission Canada and Operation Christmas Child. Other funds have been sent to The Botswana Mission and Invisible Children.
April 2013 Support
Funds are dispersed quarterly by the Outreach Community following a review of potential recipients. Funds are generally equally divided between local and global projects. In April 2013, the following agencies received funds:
Local Missions
The Dam: A community program for youth and young moms that offers love, respect and dignity for all.
The Open Door: A city-wide, frontline ministry located at Square One
Pathway Community Programs: Supervised activities for children and caregivers residing in the apartment complexes of Forest Ridge and Arbour Mill.
My Life Centre: Support center for young women in Mississauga
Lake Scugog United Church Camp: Camp for children,youth and mothers from the inner city.
Scott Mission: Christian street mission in downtown Toronto
Georgian Native & Outreach Ministries: Small group ministry with Aboriginal people.
Global Missions
Hope International; Christian Blind Missions
For further information contact the Chair of Outreach, Bev Oag by send an email to Outreach.
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