Outreach Director

For many years the church has been able to employ an Outreach Director to help manage areas of ministry for the church in our neighborhood. The salary has been underwritten for the most part by an annual grant from the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, through the Mission Support Committee of the conference.

The Outreach Director at the church is Angela Richardson. It is our Outreach Director who is the key manager for programs like the Book Nook, the Food Pantry, Summer Enrichment program for children, and the like. The Outreach Director also works with the Emergency Assistance program.

Most churches have some people who come to the door seeking immediate emergency assistance. Our location means that we have even more than average. Many who come simply speak to the church secretary, Nora, who is able to give them a voucher for the food pantry nearest their home. Many are directed to the food pantry at Second Baptist Church, which is a neighbor church with a week day food pantry. Nora also has access to small packets of disposable diapers - we collect these at Christmas through our "Diapers for baby Jesus" program. (Members bring packets of diapers and place them under the Christmas Trees in the sanctuary.) We also have a modest supply of local bus passes, to help folks get to doctor visits and the like.

However, some who approach the church need some counsel and support. These persons are referred to the Outreach Director. Angela is able to listen. We also have a slogan, "treat everyone with dignity and respect." While this sounds simple we sometimes get the impression that such an approach is difficult to find for those seeking emergency assistance. Many times Angela is able to provide some imformation and referral that is a help.

Many issues are well beyond our ability to help. But we do what we can. We remember that we are a church and do what we do because we are loyal to Jesus, who encouraged those who follow him to offer simple, direct support to those in need.