February 22, 2008 Outreach Ministry Mini-Fair

Dear E-pistle subscriber:

I’ll never forget the first time I went on an outreach mission trip to Appalachian North Carolina.

My crew was assigned the task of running rudimentary plumbing – really just a series of PVC pipes – from an uphill stream to a filtering tank/pump – to a trailer.

The trailer had electricity and plumbing, but no running water. In order to get water, the father, or one of his kids, would trek upstream two or three times a week to fill up jugs. That’s how they got their water for drinking, bathing, and washing dishes.

Remember, this is not some third-world country we’re talking about. This is the mountains just outside of Boone, North Carolina.

Prior to our arrival, other crews had been laying the pipes. So we were lucky enough to be there to finish the job.

When the water supply was turned on, and water was successfully running to the trailer, the father looked at one of our crew members and said,

“A couple years ago I bought a hot water heater. Now I’m going to fill it up. And tomorrow my wife will have a hot shower for the first time in years.”

There are many reasons St. James’ encourages all members to undertake a hands-on outreach project.

The most obvious is that our faith calls us to serve the poor: to help transform the lives of the financially downtrodden.

A less obvious, but equally important reason, is that in serving the poor, we ourselves are transformed.

For instance: it’s been ten years, but ever since hearing this man’s story, I’ve never taken a hot shower for granted. Every time I remember that trip, I realize how blessed, how fortunate, I am.

This Sunday, immediately following the 11:15 service (say, 12:30 or so) you are invited to explore ways you can be engaged in hands-on outreach through St. James’.

In the Parish Hall, there will be six tables, one each for

• The Woods and Good Shepherd Alliance
• Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers
• New Orleans (Katrina) Mission Trip
• West Virginia Mission
• Africa Mission
• Honduras Mission

Each of the tables will have photos and materials, as well as someone who can answer your questions, so you can come away with a better idea of what kind of outreach project you can be involved in, in 2008 or 2009, locally, nationally, or internationally.

I hope you’ll make a point to attend this Outreach Ministry Fair, and take a step toward transforming not only the lives of the financially less fortunate, but your own life as well.

See you Sunday,

Fr. John