Outreach
Outreach is our response to Jesus when he tells us in Matthew 25:40, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
As Episcopalians, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves, striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being. Much of this promise is fulfilled through outreach.
Tithing Outreach Grant – a new vision of outreach for Trinity Parish
In 2022 Trinity launched the Tithing Outreach Grant program, to support our vision of seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves, striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.
The grant provides funds for needs such as food, clothing and shelter, and supports organizations that provide emotional and spiritual support through its outreach. Funding is targeted toward programs in the greater Clarksville area, especially those that are Christian and provide opportunities for our volunteers to build relationships through hands-on involvement. Please feel free to share the grant information with organizations you feel may be eligible.
Year-to-date the program has funded Judy’s Hope, SAFE (Soldiers and Families Embraced) and Project Transformation. Grant request information and forms for submittal can be found below.
For more information contact Christie Crawford, Outreach Grant Committee Chair, at 931-624-4943. Requests are processed quarterly, and applications are due the last day of each month listed below:
September, December, March, June
MINISTRIES OF TRINITY
EMPTY BOWLS
Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort to fight hunger. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other craftspeople, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. Trinity hosts and Empty Bowls each February.
EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
GIFTS FOR LIFE
This Christmas season give a Gift for Life through the Episcopal Relief & Development. To learn more visit episcopalrelief.org/gifts or see below.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the agency of the Episcopal Church dedicated to international relief and development. It was established in 1940 as the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief. The offering on Easter Sunday is designated for this fund. Contributions to this fund are encouraged throughout the year, especially after natural or man-made disasters. Visit episcopalrelief.org to learn more about this fund.
FAITH IN ACTION
Join Trinity for our 5th Sunday initiative: Trinity’s Faith in Action. Every 5th Sunday Trinity’s 10 am service reaches out to the community by providing a service as we work and worship either off-site or on-site.
F.U.E.L.
Trinity is doing our part to help combat hunger among our youth and children by participating in the F.U.E.L. program in Montgomery County. Trinity is able to provide weekend food for 60 students (this is over a 50% increase from this time last year) at Byrns Darden Elementary School, one of many schools in Clarksville that participates in this food subsidization program. To help with the cost, we have a special collection every fourth Sunday of the month.
INSIGHT COUNSELING CENTERS OF TN
Trinity contributes financial support to this ministry. Located in the First Christian Church building at 516 Madison Street, Clarksville, this organization provides professional counseling services for individuals, couples and families. Visit insightcounselingcenters.org for more information.
LOAVES & FISHES
Loaves and Fishes serves between 150-200 meals daily to the hungry six days a week and distributes food to area agencies through volunteer efforts. Trinity volunteers with this group at least once a week.
OPEN ARMS OF TRINITY
The mission of Open Arms is “To bring the LGBTQ+ community together for support and interaction in a safe place, and to embrace them with God’s love. ” We will accomplish our mission by offering a supportive gathering for anyone in this community who are struggling or just need support the last Thursday of every month, at Trinity Episcopal Parish, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in our Parish Hall located at 317 Franklin Street, downtown Clarksville. During these support group gatherings, we will offer quiet contemplation and a place to share without judgement, with peers within your local LGBTQ+ community. Open Arms is a non-denominational group hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church, open to people of all, some, no faith, or those struggling with faith.
PROJECT TRANSFORMATION
Project Transformation’s mission is to transform communities by engaging children, college-age young adults, and churches in purposeful relationships. Trinity is one of several local churches that support a summer day camp provided by Project Transformation for elementary and middle school-aged children.
ROOM IN THE INN
Room in the Inn provides overnight shelter and meals for homeless individuals and families during the colder months of the year through the use of local church buildings and volunteers. Trinity works in cooperation with St Bethlehem United Methodist Church to provide for those in need on Friday nights November through March. Trinity typically provides the meals on these evenings. Together we are able to assist up to 16 people per night.
URBAN MINISTRIES
Provides help with food, utility bills, prescription medication costs, temporary emergency shelter, transportation, services to the homeless and seasonal needs to the needy in Clarksville. Trinity contributes financial support to this ministry of the United Methodist Church.
COME TOGETHER FOR LASTING CHANGE