The Church of the Holy Apostles

Outreach

In its mission, the Church is called to recognize the injustice and disparity around us and serve those in need. Church of the Holy Apostles embraces this mission and identifies outreach as one of its core values. Seeking to make a difference in the world, Holy Apostles strives to create leaders who reach out beyond the congregation in Christian service.

The Outreach Committee provides opportunities for parishioners to be the hands of Christ in the world. There are opportunities in outreach for everyone—children, newcomers, older members, working or retired. The Outreach Committee can help you help those in need. Outreach is done at a local, national and international level; some programs are ongoing while others occur seasonally or annually.

Meal Ministry

The third Thursday of each month, a “home cooked” meal is prepared by parishioners and taken to a local shelter. Feeding up to 90 men, parishioners are asked to assist by cooking and delivering meals that day, or providing desserts as requested. This ministry is overseen by the Men’s Group, with all parishioners invited to participate.

KERMIT

The Katrina Episcopal Relief Maryland Impact Team, or KERMIT, began in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast. As a joint ministry of Church of the Holy Apostles and St. Christopher, Linthicum, relief teams began traveling to Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, Mississippi to clear debris and rehab homes. To date, nine teams totaling more than 100 people have given thousands of relief hours to assist in the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast.

SWES

Southwest Emergency Services is an ecumenical support agency located at the Arbutus United Methodist Church. People in the local community in need of food, clothing and other kinds of assistance can find compassion and support at SWES. Each week, Holy Apostles parishioners bring canned and dried foods to church which are distributed through SWES. In February, we sponsor a “soup-er bowl” on Superbowl Sunday to fill the shelves at SWES during the cold winter months. Church of the Holy Apostles provides financial assistance to SWES, as well.

African Team Ministries

Church of the Holy Apostles works with African Team Ministries, a project which supports low-income artisans in Africa. Handmade crafts and jewelry are sent to the church and sold, with all proceeds going to the artists. Dates for African Team Ministries deliveries vary.

Back-to-School Project

Each August, parishioners collect supplies for local school children in preparation for the beginning of another school year. As budgets in schools tighten, children and teachers are required to supply more and more basic supplies in the classroom. This ministry lessens the burden on families and supports education in our community.

Holiday Baskets & Christmas Gifts

At Thanksgiving and Christmas, SWES provides the parish the names of local families that are in need of food for the holidays. With donations of food and financial contributions from parishioners, the Outreach Committee distributes food baskets to these families which provide an abundant holiday meal for recipients. At Christmas, gifts are purchased for these designated families to provide them with holiday gifts. Parishioners can assist the committee in a variety of ways to support these ministries.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon

Church of the Holy Apostles provides a location for local AA groups and an Al-Anon group. These meetings are listed in our weekly calendar.