SHARING OUR BOUNTY
MATT. 24:40
OUTREACH/INREACH
INTREACH
Inreach is an area that extends a helping hand to those within our faith community. We have in the past helped with rent, food and utilities for parishioners who have found themselves in need. As Jesus himself washed the feet of his disciples, so we too have an obligation to help from resources that Almighty God has given us.
OUTREACH
At St. Francis has been evolving over the past few years. Outreach is that area of service where we respond to the needs of those outside our faith community. We do it monetarily as well as with donations of food and life comfort necessities. We have recently extended our Outreach ministry to include:
CAMP WINGMANN
Camp Wingmann is a diocesan summer camp for youngsters and a place for large meetings and retreats. Taking a great leap of faith because of its rundown condition, it was purchased by Fr. Bill and Joanie Yates along with Fr. Bill's brother in the hope that it would again become what it was many years ago. Parish members have donated time and talents to help renovate some of the buildings at Camp Wingmann near Avon Park. St. Francis took on the project of renewing Serenity House and have provided needed assistance on some of the other buildings and in other areas as the need arises. Camp Wingmann is a Diocesan youth camp for Central Florida.
ANCHOR HOUSE
Anchor House is a home for teenage boys who are unable to remain at home through no fault of their own, and need the nourishing of a Christian environment and the training needed to become useful members of a community. Deacon Mark Rivera was its founder and Spiritual Leader. St. Francis collects needed items and delivers them to Anchor House. more »
The Thrift Shop is housed in a building next to the pavilion and is open two monings a week - Tuesday and Friday. The Thrift Shop receives and resells various clean, top notch items of clothing and some household items. Most of the items are donated by members of the parish. Helene Hamrick is in charge presently and could use your help to sort and fill in for her where needed.
MANNA MINISTRIES
Manna Ministries provides food and supplies for needy families with donations from area churches. Their facility is located in Lake Placid. It is staffed by volunteers and open weekedays from 10:00 to 4:00. St. Francis collects non-perishable food items and other items periodically requested such as school supplies and toys at Christmas.
Crossroads is an assisted living home located in Davenport, Florida near Haines City. St. Francis has parishioners who are residents of Crossroads, formerly known as Bishop Gray Inn. At Christmas, several gifts are provided by parish members and are delivered. During Easter, baskets are made. When you visit, the residents love to show you around.
NEW TESTAMENT MISSION
The Reverend Mike Karl and his wife Pat, run the Mission which holds church services, serves meal to the homeless, and provides sleeping arrangemens in dormitory-type rooms to those in need. They rely on the generosity of community members to provide money, food, and prayers so that they can continue this service they have been called to through His ministry. It is their hope that the people they serve will be able to find their way to provide for themselves and in turn, help others through the love of God.
HONDURAS
St. Francis has undertaken a large project in 2007. A church has been planted in Jacaleapa, Honduras under the direction of Marlene, Leader pastorale. A few of our parishioners have visited the area and the church site. Items have been collected and sent to Honduras. Christmas gifts have been sent to the children and funds are collected monthly to help support this outreach ministry. more »