Christ the King-Epiphany supports many outreach ministries in a variety of ways such as financial assistance, volunteer participation or other in-kind contributions. For a list of upcoming mission outreach events please see our Mission Outreach Calendar.
www.communitysurvivalcenter.org
Located in Indian Orchard, the Survival Center provides emergency food, clothing, and household goods to the working poor and others in Ludlow, Indian Orchard, Sixteen Acres, Hampden, and Wilbraham.
Loaves & Fishes Community Kitchen has provided prepared meals to people who are disadvantaged in Greater Springfield on a daily basis since it began in 1980. Lunch and supper are available seven days a week. Last year they served over 69,000 meals to people in need.
Prior to the pandemic, the people of Christ the King-Epiphany came together twice a month to prepare a meal for the homeless of Springfield. Volunteers buy, cook, deliver, and sometimes serve the food. Presently, we continue to fund a monthly luncheon and 10-12 parishioners prepare and assemble a “take away” dinner meal that serves 50-75 Loaves and Fishes guests. This is a tangible way in which we can answer our Lord’s command to feed those who are hungry.
Cathedral in the Night is an outdoor Christian community in downtown Northampton which seeks to create a safe place for all people: the homeless, the housed, the church-less, the churched, the student and the resident to explore, question and live out their spiritual beliefs; to gather for a meal and to empower one another to engage in issues of social justice by working to fight the causes of inequality and homelessness.
Each year, Christ the King-Epiphany participates in the Cathedral in the Night Ministry by making sandwiches and collecting snack foods. Children of our congregation also contribute their time by putting water bottles in socks that are then donated to those in need. The outdoor worship service begins at 5 pm followed by a meal. Additionally, members of our congregation participate in food preparation (a hot meal), delivery and worship on a designated night.
During the pandemic, members have been given an opportunity to purchase food and supplies through an Amazon wish list that goes directly to Cathedral in the Night. Funding has also been provided through our Mission Outreach budget.
ACTS is an ecumenical Christian-based tutoring program, that for 36 years, has confronted illiteracy by providing one-on-one tutoring after school. This program helps Springfield area elementary school students learn and grow in a loving, caring, Christian environment. Numerous parishioners have donated their time as tutors in this program. Presently, two parishioners serve as board members.
Christ the King-Epiphany supports ACTS during its Giant Mum Sale each fall. This year Christ the King-Epiphany was the leader with $1,425 in pre-orders. At the moment, ACTS has been forced to “pause” the program due to the inability of church sites to host the program on their premises.
Our aim is to build a relationship with the congregation of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the Mason Square neighborhood of Springfield. In becoming allies with an urban church, we can unite and do the work of God so that all walks of life can feel safe, respected, and loved. We look forward to providing open ears, arms, and hearts as we journey together in faith, education, and service.
We have hosted a Zoom meeting with the Reverend Michael DeVine from St. Peter’s who has served urban parishes for 37 years. He led a discussion in regards to his work with our black and brown brothers and sisters in Christ. A Bible study group has also been formed as well as a card ministry for those in need.
As a result of the pandemic, twice during the year we made $500 donations to support the work of the Community Survival Center, Open Pantry Loaves and Fishes, Cathedral in the Night and the Springfield Rescue Mission. That totaled $4,000 from our Mission Outreach budget.
Previously, parishioners were able to determine the allocation of some Mission Outreach funds through the use of “Starbucks”. The eight ministries selected in December 2020 included: Action Centered Tutoring Services, Cathedral in the Night, the Community Survival Center, Episcopal Relief and Development, Lutheran World Relief, Open Pantry Loaves and Fishes, Mampong Babies Home-Ghana and the United Thank Offering. The Vestry-Council has voted to allocate an additional $8,000 to support these ministries in 2020.
