Outreach at Grace Episcopal Church

Outreach

Grace Outreach Team Visits Lawrence Hall

I was not familiar with Lawrence Hall Youth Services even though the organization is a long time affiliate of Episcopal Charities and Community Services. During our visit to the campus I wanted to learn something about the history of Lawrence Hall, how it has evolved over the years, and, especially, how much it matters to our community that there is a Lawrence Hall.

We toured the campus and talked with some of the staff, both administrative and front line. I found the campus to be clean and inviting, the staff to be warm and enthusiastic. Buildings and grounds are being renewed to reflect the latest research in effective delivery of a variety of services to children and youth. Attractive art work contributed by the students decorates the walls. Computers are considered an essential learning tool. The cheerful, spacious, dining area provides nutritious meals as well as an opportunity to develop appropriate social skills. One of the most recent additions is the establishment of a wellness center which provides treatment and medical care to the adolescents living in the Residential Treatment Center.

It was gratifying to realize that this well run, well supported, institution is part of our Episcopalian organization, and I wondered how Grace Church could help, and whether our help is needed. Then we met Father David Stanford. For the past 16 years he has headed Lawrence Hall's Pastoral Care Program, and he plans to retire soon. The Pastoral Care Program is designed to help children to develop spiritually and to learn to be of service to others in their lives. This is the piece that is missing in so many child welfare programs. He has been there, ready to listen, mirroring life values, and lending a hand whenever, needed. He has organized visits to over 40 places of worship as well as various youth ministry opportunities.

Funding for this program must come from private sources, and faith communities are key. We can help to make sure the resources are there to continue to maintain this valuable Program which can mean so much to these vulnerable young people.

Sale and Silent Auction: Sunday, October 17, 2010. Proceeds to go to Lawrence Hall Pastoral Care Program. Help a child who has never known what our own children take for granted.

-Sarah Hunt

A TIME TO CARE, A TIME TO SHARE: Grace Church Outreach to Lawrence Hall Youth Services.

~What is Lawrence Hall Youth Services?

One of Chicago ’s oldest and most respected child welfare agencies, an affiliate of Episcopal Charities and Community Services, Diocese of Chicago. LHYS provides specialized services to at-risk youth and families throughout Chicagoland.

~Where is Lawrence Hall?

The main campus is located on the North Side of Chicago.

~Who does Lawrence Hall Youth Services help?

LHYS provides services to children and adolescents experiencing severe emotional and behavioral disorders due to abuse, neglect, trauma, and abandonment.

~Why do they need the support of Grace Church?

The Pastoral Care Program must rely exclusively on private donations.

~What is Grace Church Outreach doing to support The Pastoral Care Program?

We are organizing “A Time to Care, A Time to Share,” FALL SALE AND SILENT AUCTION to take place on SUNDAY OCTOBER 17^TH, following the 9:00 and 10:30 services.

~How can you help now?

This summer consider what goods and services you can donate and start handcraft projects.

~What type of goods and services can you donate?

Holiday Crafts & Gifts (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

Jewelry, Pottery, or Artwork

Gift Baskets (Spa, Green Products, Food/Wine) and Baked Goods

Tickets to concerts or theatre

Services

Lightly used items

Your own creative idea

Please contact Leslie Atwood, Sarah Hunt, or Sue Wells for more information.

oakparkers1@att.net sarah.j.hunt@comcast.net sue@wells1.com

St. Luke's: Our Partner Parish in Renk, Sudan

We began our partnership with Saint Luke's in early 2007. We have prayed for them as they have prayed for us. It is our hope that one day members from Grace will be able to visit Renk, Sudan and worship with Rev. Alice Justin Tadayo and her congregation. Bishop Joseph Garang Atem helped form a list of needs for us that we may work toward with the help of God and the members of Grace Church in Oak Park. This is the list and the progress toward fulfilling the needs of St. Luke's.

1. Salary for Rev. Justin Tadayo: The priest of a parish in Renk, Sudan is a pivotal role in the life and events of the church. It is the only source of income for the priest. The Vestry of Grace has agreed to include Rev. Alice's salary of $2,500 as part of the annual budget.

2. Chairs for the Church: St. Luke's was in need of chairs for Sunday services. Grace was able to raise the money for St. Luke's to buy 200 chairs. They were used for Bishop Joseph's installation in August 2008.

3. Grace has been sending money to pay for an English tutor for Rev. Alice.

4. Small Project: The parish has come up with a plan to help make it self-sufficient by having an eight-room tent to be rented out for occasions. The budget is $11,500 for the whole project. Grace has sent over $4,000 to buy the tent which was used in August at Bishop Joseph's installation

5. Build a Church: At the moment, St. Luke's worships in a church built of straw. A permanent building, using local materials will cost around $7,000 to $10,000.