‘Tis A Good and Joyful Thing…

to share our resources with people in crisis

Our Outreach “A Good & Joyful Thing” was a remarkable event, both in terms of fundraising and community-building. We give thanks for the tremendous generosity of so very many
parishioners, as well as businesses in our community that share our values:  give generously to
help those in need.

The Outreach Team gathered to discern an allocation and disbursement plan to recommend to
the vestry at their October meeting (all Outreach allocations must be approved by the vestry).
The Team spent a fair amount of time in conversation about how to manage the funds
entrusted to us, in a way that:

It was paramount to donate the $ 31,344.06 raised at A Good and Joyful Thing as our first
priority. We revisited the 2025 grant applications and determined that we could fulfill all
requests, and bump especially needy agencies up using all the fundraiser money plus a portion
of the Outreach Budget for 2025. We decided to save a portion of the 2025 budget
apportionment for use in 2026 so that we could maintain consistency with our valued
charitable partners. We believe the allocations accomplish all of these goals and allow St.
Michael’s to be joyful givers.

Please see a more detailed report of the allocations here:   Allocation Detail

Thank you from all the Outreach Team Members!

Leaders:  Ann Ryba, Sam Adams-Lanham

Email:  

Outreach Ministry Partners

Barrington Area Council on Aging/Meals with Wheels (food for seniors)

Barrington Youth & Family Services

Chalice House (housing for asylum seekers)

CUMALI (feeding homeless)

Food for Greater Elgin (food pantry)

Porche De Salomon (building homes in Guatemala)

Ravenswood Community Services (food pantry, emergency food for kids)

Redeemer Church Families in Crisis (emergency rent/financial support)

Rebuilding Together (repairing low-income homes in Chicago)

Renk, Sudan Microloan program (for women to build businesses)

St. Cyprian’s Food Pantry (food pantry)

St. Leonard’s Ministries (housing formerly incarcerated citizens)

Each of these agencies has been in partnership with St. Michaels Episcopal Church for at least 3 years (most have been supported for over 10 years). The Outreach Team reviews annual grant requests and funds are allocated with vestry approval.

Our Mission

St. Michael’s Outreach Ministries mobilize the human, spiritual and financial resources among the people of St. Michael’s Church in order to proclaim together by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. 

Our Goals

Whether we are considering grants or planning hands-on activities, we keep in mind the following goals:

• Align funding and activities with St. Michael’s mission and strategic goals.
• Maximize meaningful parishioner giving and involvement.
• Commit resources (financial and human) to activities that can be enthusiastically sustained over time.

How do we decide what organizations to support?

A variety of factors are considered when determining our involvement:

• Involvement of St. Michael’s parishioners
• Designation as an Episcopal charity
• Recommendation by parishioners, clergy, and diocese
• Effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.  Priority will be given to agencies demonstrating the ability to meaningfully impact the lives of the less fortunate. Priority will also be given to agencies that channel the greatest amount of funds into programs
• Maintain a balance of participation: locally, regionally, and globally
• Organizations that promote the health & well-being of the less fortunate
• Capacity for parish to fulfill the commitment (in terms of money, time, and commitment)

Learn more about:

Outreach Activities

Volunteer Opportunities

Grant Allocation Committee & Process