Outreach & Missions Plan
The purpose of the committee is to devise various events which can be implemented over the next year. We believe that Outreach and Missions is important and vital to the potential influx of new members into this Church.
Outreach and Mission work lie at the heart of what it means to be the Church. These efforts are not merely programs, but essential expressions of our baptismal calling to love our neighbors and build bridges with those who have yet to encounter the eternal life-giving presence of Christ. We believe that intentional, welcoming outreach creates pathways for new members. As we look ahead to the coming year, we are excited to explore fresh opportunities that reflect both our traditions and the evolving needs of our community. If you are new to the area, new to the Episcopal Church, or simply searching for a thoughtful, liturgical Christian community, you are welcome here."
Our Actionable Projects
PROJECT 1: The "New Neighbors" Welcome Initiative
If you are moving into our community and are actively searching for belonging, services, and social connection, we are here for you. Please consider this a warm invitation to our church.
- We have created a professional and well-designed Welcome Packet specifically for new residents of surrounding developments in the community. It is a warm, cultured, and community-minded packet and will contain a letter from the priest, a refrigerator magnet (with a QR code on it for our website) and a personal handwritten note from a member of the congregation who lives nearby. We will include a small, tasteful gift card for a free drink at a local coffee shop, and a printed house blessing encased in a picture frame.
- Assign a "Welcome Ambassador" This will be a current parishioner who lives in or near surrounding communities, to personally deliver the welcome packets to make brief and friendly introductions. We believe that this one-on-one human contact is priceless.
- Partner with the country club or homeowners' association. We will offer to host a small "Welcome to the Neighborhood" wine-and-cheese reception at the church for new homeowners once a year. This is a purely social event with no agenda and no sales pitch. It is just gracious hospitality with refreshments.
PROJECT 2: The “Visitors" Welcome Initiative
We are aware that people visiting our Church are actively searching for belonging, services, and social connection. We want to make certain that many of the ministry opportunities and Church activities are available to our visitors.
- We have created a professional and well-designed Visitor Packet specifically for families and/or individuals who visit our Church for the first time. It is a warm, cultured, and community-minded packet and will contain a letter from the priest and a refrigerator magnet (marketing for the church).
- We will include a brochure (with a QR code) including ministry/opportunities for available service within the church.
- We will have photographs of Vestry members, whom to call at the Church with questions that you might have, and a list of upcoming events.
- Follow-up. We may have one follow-up contact from either the Priest or Senior Warden, approximately 24 to 36 hours of your visit. It may be in the form of a letter from the Priest, a phone call, a hand-written note, or an email message
PROJECT 3: A Strategic Digital and Physical Presence Upgrade
We know that people moving to a new area will Google "Episcopal church near Kemp/Mabank" before they are likely to ask a neighbor. As a result, we are developing a modern website with a robust social media presence.
Before visiting our church, please visit our website and social media presence. You will see service times, style of service (Rite I, contemporary, family, music, etc.), leadership, the Church street address, and a way to contact the Priest on the home page. There will also be up-to-date images of people in fellowship, individuals doing ministry work and recordings of past services.
What is happening now:
- New and Modern AV System Installation: We are currently purchasing and having installed a modern Audio-Visual Streaming system so that the Church’s presence will be professionally displayed on Facebook and YouTube.
- Please visit our photos page to see many of the activities at our Church.
Future Projects:
We have several projects we are working on for the spring of 2027. These will be discussed at the beginning of 2027.
