Outreach Opportunities

Giving is an expression of love - As God gave us his only son, we believe that joyful giving to those in need is one of the greatest expressions of our love for our church, for our community, and for one another. That’s why Outreach is such an important aspect of parish life at Church of the Messiah. Whether you have an abundance of time and resources, or just a little to share, every contribution is deeply appreciated and we hope that you will join us in participating in one of our vital Outreach programs.​
Attention parishioners....  +++ THANKSGIVING MEAL BASKETS +++
A collection box and donation basket will be made available in the parish hall from Tuesday November 15-Sunday November 20th.  Seniors who use the building for SRC can also contribute.
 Requested Items include the following:  (you can sign up on SignUp Genius) or just drop off at the Church.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BAEA928A0FAC70-thanksgiving
·         Canned ham 
·         Canned green beans
·         Can french onion soup
·         Crispy onion toppers
·         Canned yams
·         Instant potatoes
·         Bag of marshmallows
·         Canned corn
·         Canned cranberry sauce
·         Corn bread mix
·         Box stuffing mix
·         Canned or packet of gravy
·         Boxed macaroni and cheese
·         Cake or cookie mix
·         Tea or lemonade mix
·         Hot chocolate or coffee
·         Grocery store gift card
·         Paper products, especially holiday themed one
·         Single use casserole pans
·         Extra frozen turkey can be stored in our church freezer
Based on the volume and types of items received we plan to be able to pull together 2 baskets for delivery to the Chester Mendham Food Pantry.  
Anyone interested in helping with the basket preparation can contact Julie.
​Click here for information on Angel Giving Tree Holiday Gifts for Homeless Solutions
On Sunday November 27th, after Church you are welcome to join the Outreach Team to decide where to provide Outreach direct donations.   We will meet in the back of the parish hall.
 At the end of each year we decide to provide a donation for outreach to various groups.  Last year funds were distributed to the following groups:
  • Bishop’s Fund for special needs in parishes 
  • Operation Chill Out (local veterans) 
  • Prison Ministry Bibles 
  • Refugee Assistance Morris Partners (R.A.M.P.) 
  • Community St. John Baptist 
  • Alleluia Fund (Diocesan outreach) 
  • Episcopal Relief and Development Fund 
  • Haven of Hope 
Click on the image below for a video of the International Day of Peace ceremony on 9/21/22
See Margaret highlighted in the Homeless Solutions Happenings!
Photos from a recent visit by Messiah members to Homeless Solutions

How to Participate
Please call or email the office for further information during COVID:
​Phone: 908-879-7208  Email: messiahchester@earthlink.net

Homeless Solutions - An opportunity for ”hands-on” ministry, cooking and serving the dinner at the Morris County Homeless facility called “Homeless Solutions.  We cook a hot meal− usually baked chicken, roasted potatoes, a vegetable, salad, bread and butter, and dessert. Anyone 9 or older can participate.
Please refer to the Messenger for dates and times.
​Neighbors in Need - program, collecting requested items throughout each month (on a rotating basis) for the Chester Food Pantry, the Washington Township (Long Valley) Food Pantry, and North Porch in Dover, which ministers to the needs of mothers and infants. Our members bring their donations to Messiah, where they are brought up the altar to be blessed during the offertory hymn. 
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon, where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.