St Isidore - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
As we reflect on the year 2023, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and commitment of our cherished community, our small but strong group of "misfits." It's a joy to witness the growth and impact we've collectively achieved, and we would like to share some of the highlights of this year’s journey.
Throughout 2023, The Abundant Harvest Kitchen accomplished extraordinary feats, delivering over 1.2 million pounds of food and providing 15,000 free meals. Operating from Tuesday to Friday for a community lunch, The Kitchen embodies our steadfast commitment to inclusivity by warmly welcoming everyone, irrespective of their ability to contribute financially.
Our community, like a tapestry, expanded to encompass ten vibrant communities: Warrior Church, Grogan’s Mill, Montgomery Chapel, Graceworks, The Fellowship, San Isidro, Kitchen Table, Taco Church, St Brigid’s Guild, and The Contemplative Community. In October, we proudly launched the Graceworks missional community, focusing on authenticity, transparency, and healing for those affected by the scourge of addiction.
Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate the establishment of a new Warrior Church outpost and the initiation of a youth powerlifting program, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding our mission. The monthly "Common Feast" worship has emerged as the cornerstone of our St. Isidore Wide community gatherings, with an average attendance of over 65 people—a historic high. The growth and active participation in our music program and choir further deepen our sense of communal identity.
Entering the new year, St. Isidore is grateful for over 140 active people in more than 66 family units. Our weekly community service sees an average attendance of 112 people. Financially, we stand on solid ground, not only meeting but surpassing our goal of 50 pledging units and $200,000 in 2024. This achievement propels us toward achieving parish status in the coming years. Gratitude is extended to our generous members, ensuring St. Isidore Episcopal Church starts 2024 with financial stability. Of course, challenges lie ahead. Our unique church model requires financial generosity not only within the church but also through our Social Enterprise and Outreach Development team. As they embark on their plan in 2024, we collectively pray for their success.
Despite current challenges, our church stands resilient. We remain a worshiping and discipling community, poised to continue making a positive impact for many years to come.
With gratitude,
Rev. Sean Steele Alyson Hinkie
Vicar Warden
FINANCIAL REPORT (Mike Thomson, Treasurer)
The financial health of the church is solid especially when compared to the five generally accepted “Metrics for Healthy Churches”:
METRIC
ST ISIDORE
STANDARD
METRIC Long-term Debt
ST ISIDORE None
STANDARD Less than 10%
METRIC Capital Investment Reserves
ST ISIDORE 48%
STANDARD More than 10%
METRIC Labor Costs
ST ISIDORE 57%
STANDARD Less than 60%
Financial Transparency * Full
* Annual audits, strong cost controls and regular financial reporting
The sole metric needing attention in 2024 is our months of operating cash without any additional revenue. That stood at 1.9 months at the end of last year vs. the standard of 3.0 months.
As evidence of a vibrant, growing church, the St Isidore annual budget has expanded from $215K when it started in 2016 to $1,123K this fiscal year or over 420%. Last fiscal year (2023), we ended the year with more cash on hand ($52K) than we began the year; and the church has only ended the year in the red once (~$20K in 2022) despite having unbalanced budgets in seven of its eight years as a separate church. For the first time since 2016, St Isidore will start 2024 with a balanced budget of $1,123,000.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 (Jan-Dec)
Last year, we received income from the following sources:
Donations/Contributions
$310,010
28%
Grants
$255,592
23%
Other Fundraising
$252,450
23%
Social Enterprise/Other *
$279,327
25%
* Includes $104,632 from the Federal stimulus Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program.
That is a remarkably balanced revenue stream since a typical, fully established Episcopal parish receives 80-90% of its revenue from member gifts.
Our expenses last year were for the following areas:
Staffing
$591,194 - 57%
Outreach & Program Services
$329,846 - 32
Management & Administrative Services
$95,310 - 9%
Fundraising
$23,801 - 2%
Comparatively, most churches spend less than 10% of their expenses on Outreach activities. In addition, St Isidore has been blessed by large gifts from individuals and foundations outside of our membership who support our “offensively generous” focus to help those in need and to “do church” differently from traditional churches.
Looking ahead, reduced reliance on Diocesan support grants is expected over the next few years as Social Enterprise revenue and member giving grow. That support was reduced by $45,000 this year. Other challenges in 2024 are focused on the continued growth of the Abundant Harvest Outreach food pantries and its Social Enterprise as well as our aging facility and infrastructure in the face of rising food, labor, and utility costs.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 (Jan-Dec)
It is important to realize that our church is an operating enterprise composed of three programs/departments – the Church (worship, ministries & communities), its Outreach (the Abundant Harvest food pantries & free meals) and its Social Enterprise (the Abundant Harvest Kitchen, Bistro, Catering, Gymnasium & Space Rentals). Each program has its own unique sources of revenue and expenses. There is also Shared Revenue & Expenses such as Diocesan grants & assessments, utilities, maintenance & capital improvements.
Our program revenue budgets for 2024 are:
Various end-of-year financial and budget reports are available by request; please contact [email protected] if you would like a copy. We welcome any questions or comments from our members on our efforts to steward various resources including your gifts of money, time, and talents to “feed the body, nourish the soul and help transform the community” as part of St Isidore’s mission to be God’s kingdom here on earth.
Community Updates
Taco Church is a men’s group that meets once a week to discuss Bible scripture. For these meetings, there are two time slots, Monday night at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Each meeting lasts about an hour. There are approximately 30 men who regularly make meetings, with 6 to 15 at any one meeting. At each meeting, a scripture is read and discussed in detail with the goal of determining how best to be faithful to the reading's message during the following week. Because no one is allowed to dominate the available time, meetings are lively and informative. Prior to the Bible reading, Father Sean sets the scene leading up to the reading so the group has a better understanding of the context under which the scripture was written.
St. Brigid’s Guild (SBG) was born 31/2 years ago during the pandemic to meet the specific needs of older women who needed a place to vent our frustrations and fears. The original group of 6 has expanded to 12- steady and faithful beautiful women of God. We meet together every Monday night and check in with each other to uphold and encourage. We have studied Celtic Spirituality, the experiences of being a prayerful community, and numerous other books we have recommended to each other. We sponsor a yearly women’s retreat at the Chapel. This year, I think we have found ourselves in the position of being prayer partners to each other and to the wider communities. It is our joy to pray for each other and through these practices we have grown in our beliefs and understanding of the wideness of God’s mercy and care.
Montgomery Chapel Community (MCC) 11:30 Sunday mornings
This loving community meets weekly for Eucharist and lunch, tucked away in a beautiful chapel in Montgomery County off of HW 149. We have been meeting there for 2 1/2 years and have seen new people come and join us. Deacon Phyllis is part of the ministry team and Rev. Debbie Daigle presides. We believe in outreach in our community of Montgomery County and have an outreach project yearly. This year was to collect baskets of supplies to give to the nurses in the various schools. We participated in the yearly Christmas gathering of the neighborhood to meet others and tell our story of faith. We assisted St. Bigid’s Guild with the yearly St. Isidore quiet day at our Chapel. To our great delight, we hosted a church wide picnic on Pentecost Sunday with great music and great attendance. We have Alice on the piano and other wonderful voices raised in praise every Sunday. Come join us- it is worth the drive!
The Contemplative Community is a small group that meets weekly to seek God in silent prayer and meaningful, transformative discussions on living a contemplative life, followed by a common meal. We meet every Thursday morning, with periodic breaks for holidays and vacations. Currently, we have 9 active members and we hope to potentially expand to a second weekly meeting in 2024, with more people showing interest. This year we have read and discussed Julian of Norwich’s The Showings, Alexander Shaia’s Four Gospel Journey video series, Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ, and recently we’ve been working our way through a fantastic book series called “Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton”. In 2024, we plan to continue with the “Bridges” series, and follow the lead of the group in our focus after that.
Warrior Church is a community designed for people who are looking for a physical way to express their faith. We gather weekly on Sunday mornings at 8:00 am in the St. Isidore Bistro and Warehouse for a liturgy of discussion, exercise, and prayer. We continue to reach out to those working in high stress jobs, those in recovery, and those suffering from PTSD. 2023 has provided some new challenges and opportunities. We continue to offer a hybrid in-person and online service that averages 33 people per week (4 online). We have seen a growth in younger families and now offer full childcare during the gathering. At the end of 2024, over 12 children under the age of 13 attended on a monthly basis. Warrior Church is committed to the larger life of St. Isidore made the bold decision to stop gathering on the 1st Sunday of the month in 2024 in an effort to make it easier for attendees to attend Common Feast. They have also offered Quarterly “Fight Night” opportunities at Condition One Combat Center, open to the entire Church. Warrior Church hopes to expand its presence and hopefully create another “outpost” in 2024 somewhere in either the Tomball or Willis area.
The Fellowship Community was born in 2023 at the request of Taco Church members who were having trouble getting to the Church on Wednesday Mornings. They began in January of 23 and met 36 times throughout the year. They are averaging 7 people at each gathering and currently have 16 people on their “reminder text”. The purpose, shape, and liturgy for this gathering are identical to Taco Church and provide an intimate, focused, and faithful conversation for men in our community. They have elected to move toward a twice-a-month schedule on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in 2024 with the hope of attracting more people. They believe that they have outgrown the conference room and wanted a time where they could meet in the bistro and share a common meal.
Kitchen Table Church (KTC) has grown over the past year with regular attendance between 14-18 individuals, and it continues to provide a place of close fellowship for a wide variety of church members. Meeting the first 3 Wednesdays of each month, members enjoy a meal together with the table set with an intentional liturgy. Focused study of scripture, dynamic group discussions, and contemplation fill the first 2 weeks, with a Eucharist service rounding out week 3. The ages of our members span from early 20’s to early 90’s, and this intergenerational engagement is one of the most special things about this group. It is the hope in 2024 that our relationships will deepen and that KTC will remain a great landing spot for people new to St. Isidore.
Grogans Mill Community (GM) meets every 2nd and 4th week for a Eucharist service that incorporates excellent discussions, utilizing either a video or contemplating a song. Leadership alternates for these discussions. This group is well attended by approximately 10 very established members. GM hopes to continue to deepen relationships while pursuing truth, acknowledging that the “wisdom is in the room”.
Our San Isidro Community continues to meet regularly, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the Month. The community begins with a shared meal filled with laughter and conversation. Following the meal we gather for a traditional Eucharist in the bistro. This past year we moved to having all of the meals provided by the AHKB as that has helped people come directly from work. This worked better than the potluck model that we introduced in 2022. The community has 2 new families that attend regularly and the average gathering consists of 12-17 people. The members look forward to growing this community in 2024 and becoming a more active part of the St. Isidore community by attending Common Feast and other shared events.
Community Impact Letter
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and pride for the amazing work we have
accomplished together over the past year. Thanks to your generosity and support, The Abundant Harvest has been able to make a significant impact in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. Throughout the past year, through our pantries and café we have distributed hundreds of thousands of meals to those in need, working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. We have collaborated with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to provide healthy and nutritious food to children, families, and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained committed to our mission and have adapted our services to meet the changing needs of our community. In fact, the pandemic forced us to think creatively and efficiently which has resulted in innovating our distribution channels to reach more people in need.
None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Your donations have enabled us to purchase food, hire staff, and cover the costs of transportation and other expenses associated with food distribution. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing commitment to our cause, and we promise to continue to use your donations in the most effective and efficient way possible.
As we celebrate the progress we have made over the past year, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done. The aftermath of the pandemic, impending recession, rising food costs, and other challenges continue to pose significant obstacles to our efforts. But with your support, we are confident that we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Once again, thank you for your generous support and for standing with us in the fight against hunger. Together, we can build a stronger and more resilient community where everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
Sincerely,
Sean Steele
Executive Director, The Abundant Harvest
Social Enterprise
From its inception, Social Enterprise has been a vital component of the three-legged stool that forms the bedrock of St. Isidore. While the primary objective is for Social Enterprise to progressively contribute to the direct outreach initiatives of St. Isidore, there is a fun development taking place along this way to that goal. Our restaurant is evolving into a vibrant community hub, extending its impact far beyond our previous reach.
Sharing a meal together has proven to be an exceptional means of forging new connections and deepening existing relationships. An unforeseen yet beautiful outcome is the establishment of new ties between different churches. Various congregations have brought their staff members or groups for lunch, fostering enriching conversations about our shared mission of spreading the love of Jesus, despite the divisive cultural climate.
In order to operate our kitchen and provide meals not only for paying customers but also for community gatherings, workers, and anyone in need, we rely on a dedicated army of volunteers. The sense of family that has blossomed within this group is a poignant testament to how God's grace and love radiate from the core mission of our church. As we navigate this journey, our team fervently prays for God's blessings to shower upon our efforts, anticipating delightful surprises in the coming year.
Communications 2023
Communications directly expanded our missions' social media reach into 50+ small groups across 3 social networks, placing our mission directly in front of more than 80,000+ people. Indirectly coordinated with 20 traditional media professionals in publishing 10 news articles, 2 feature stories and one broadcast reel, resulting in more than 2 million positive media impressions. Our tour program hosted more than 100 guests and intimately connected them with our ministry and outreach missions, resulting in new strategic partners passionate about helping us grow.
As we reflect on the year 2023, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and commitment of our cherished community, our small but strong group of "misfits." It's a joy to witness the growth and impact we've collectively achieved, and we would like to share some of the highlights of this year’s journey.
Throughout 2023, The Abundant Harvest Kitchen accomplished extraordinary feats, delivering over 1.2 million pounds of food and providing 15,000 free meals. Operating from Tuesday to Friday for a community lunch, The Kitchen embodies our steadfast commitment to inclusivity by warmly welcoming everyone, irrespective of their ability to contribute financially.
Our community, like a tapestry, expanded to encompass ten vibrant communities: Warrior Church, Grogan’s Mill, Montgomery Chapel, Graceworks, The Fellowship, San Isidro, Kitchen Table, Taco Church, St Brigid’s Guild, and The Contemplative Community. In October, we proudly launched the Graceworks missional community, focusing on authenticity, transparency, and healing for those affected by the scourge of addiction.
Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate the establishment of a new Warrior Church outpost and the initiation of a youth powerlifting program, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding our mission. The monthly "Common Feast" worship has emerged as the cornerstone of our St. Isidore Wide community gatherings, with an average attendance of over 65 people—a historic high. The growth and active participation in our music program and choir further deepen our sense of communal identity.
Entering the new year, St. Isidore is grateful for over 140 active people in more than 66 family units. Our weekly community service sees an average attendance of 112 people. Financially, we stand on solid ground, not only meeting but surpassing our goal of 50 pledging units and $200,000 in 2024. This achievement propels us toward achieving parish status in the coming years. Gratitude is extended to our generous members, ensuring St. Isidore Episcopal Church starts 2024 with financial stability. Of course, challenges lie ahead. Our unique church model requires financial generosity not only within the church but also through our Social Enterprise and Outreach Development team. As they embark on their plan in 2024, we collectively pray for their success.
Despite current challenges, our church stands resilient. We remain a worshiping and discipling community, poised to continue making a positive impact for many years to come.
With gratitude,
Rev. Sean Steele Alyson Hinkie
Vicar Warden
FINANCIAL REPORT (Mike Thomson, Treasurer)
The financial health of the church is solid especially when compared to the five generally accepted “Metrics for Healthy Churches”:
METRIC
ST ISIDORE
STANDARD
METRIC Long-term Debt
ST ISIDORE None
STANDARD Less than 10%
METRIC Capital Investment Reserves
ST ISIDORE 48%
STANDARD More than 10%
METRIC Labor Costs
ST ISIDORE 57%
STANDARD Less than 60%
Financial Transparency * Full
* Annual audits, strong cost controls and regular financial reporting
The sole metric needing attention in 2024 is our months of operating cash without any additional revenue. That stood at 1.9 months at the end of last year vs. the standard of 3.0 months.
As evidence of a vibrant, growing church, the St Isidore annual budget has expanded from $215K when it started in 2016 to $1,123K this fiscal year or over 420%. Last fiscal year (2023), we ended the year with more cash on hand ($52K) than we began the year; and the church has only ended the year in the red once (~$20K in 2022) despite having unbalanced budgets in seven of its eight years as a separate church. For the first time since 2016, St Isidore will start 2024 with a balanced budget of $1,123,000.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 (Jan-Dec)
Last year, we received income from the following sources:
Donations/Contributions
$310,010
28%
Grants
$255,592
23%
Other Fundraising
$252,450
23%
Social Enterprise/Other *
$279,327
25%
* Includes $104,632 from the Federal stimulus Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program.
That is a remarkably balanced revenue stream since a typical, fully established Episcopal parish receives 80-90% of its revenue from member gifts.
Our expenses last year were for the following areas:
Staffing
$591,194 - 57%
Outreach & Program Services
$329,846 - 32
Management & Administrative Services
$95,310 - 9%
Fundraising
$23,801 - 2%
Comparatively, most churches spend less than 10% of their expenses on Outreach activities. In addition, St Isidore has been blessed by large gifts from individuals and foundations outside of our membership who support our “offensively generous” focus to help those in need and to “do church” differently from traditional churches.
Looking ahead, reduced reliance on Diocesan support grants is expected over the next few years as Social Enterprise revenue and member giving grow. That support was reduced by $45,000 this year. Other challenges in 2024 are focused on the continued growth of the Abundant Harvest Outreach food pantries and its Social Enterprise as well as our aging facility and infrastructure in the face of rising food, labor, and utility costs.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 (Jan-Dec)
It is important to realize that our church is an operating enterprise composed of three programs/departments – the Church (worship, ministries & communities), its Outreach (the Abundant Harvest food pantries & free meals) and its Social Enterprise (the Abundant Harvest Kitchen, Bistro, Catering, Gymnasium & Space Rentals). Each program has its own unique sources of revenue and expenses. There is also Shared Revenue & Expenses such as Diocesan grants & assessments, utilities, maintenance & capital improvements.
Our program revenue budgets for 2024 are:
- Church – $211,200
- Outreach – $264,500
- Social Enterprise - $438,200
- Shared - $205,000
- Church / Administrative Staff - $245,935
- Outreach Staff - $126,510
- Social Enterprise Staff - $241,665
- Administration - $50,700
- Technology & Communications - $17,700
- Contract Services - $21,400
- Financial Services - $10,000
- Leadership Team/Board - $2,250
- Church Communities - $15,000
- Worship - $10,800
- Outreach/Fundraising Events- $46,500
- Vehicle Operations - $10,800
- Food & Catering Operations - $142,750
- Facility Operations - $181,600
Various end-of-year financial and budget reports are available by request; please contact [email protected] if you would like a copy. We welcome any questions or comments from our members on our efforts to steward various resources including your gifts of money, time, and talents to “feed the body, nourish the soul and help transform the community” as part of St Isidore’s mission to be God’s kingdom here on earth.
Community Updates
Taco Church is a men’s group that meets once a week to discuss Bible scripture. For these meetings, there are two time slots, Monday night at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Each meeting lasts about an hour. There are approximately 30 men who regularly make meetings, with 6 to 15 at any one meeting. At each meeting, a scripture is read and discussed in detail with the goal of determining how best to be faithful to the reading's message during the following week. Because no one is allowed to dominate the available time, meetings are lively and informative. Prior to the Bible reading, Father Sean sets the scene leading up to the reading so the group has a better understanding of the context under which the scripture was written.
St. Brigid’s Guild (SBG) was born 31/2 years ago during the pandemic to meet the specific needs of older women who needed a place to vent our frustrations and fears. The original group of 6 has expanded to 12- steady and faithful beautiful women of God. We meet together every Monday night and check in with each other to uphold and encourage. We have studied Celtic Spirituality, the experiences of being a prayerful community, and numerous other books we have recommended to each other. We sponsor a yearly women’s retreat at the Chapel. This year, I think we have found ourselves in the position of being prayer partners to each other and to the wider communities. It is our joy to pray for each other and through these practices we have grown in our beliefs and understanding of the wideness of God’s mercy and care.
Montgomery Chapel Community (MCC) 11:30 Sunday mornings
This loving community meets weekly for Eucharist and lunch, tucked away in a beautiful chapel in Montgomery County off of HW 149. We have been meeting there for 2 1/2 years and have seen new people come and join us. Deacon Phyllis is part of the ministry team and Rev. Debbie Daigle presides. We believe in outreach in our community of Montgomery County and have an outreach project yearly. This year was to collect baskets of supplies to give to the nurses in the various schools. We participated in the yearly Christmas gathering of the neighborhood to meet others and tell our story of faith. We assisted St. Bigid’s Guild with the yearly St. Isidore quiet day at our Chapel. To our great delight, we hosted a church wide picnic on Pentecost Sunday with great music and great attendance. We have Alice on the piano and other wonderful voices raised in praise every Sunday. Come join us- it is worth the drive!
The Contemplative Community is a small group that meets weekly to seek God in silent prayer and meaningful, transformative discussions on living a contemplative life, followed by a common meal. We meet every Thursday morning, with periodic breaks for holidays and vacations. Currently, we have 9 active members and we hope to potentially expand to a second weekly meeting in 2024, with more people showing interest. This year we have read and discussed Julian of Norwich’s The Showings, Alexander Shaia’s Four Gospel Journey video series, Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ, and recently we’ve been working our way through a fantastic book series called “Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton”. In 2024, we plan to continue with the “Bridges” series, and follow the lead of the group in our focus after that.
Warrior Church is a community designed for people who are looking for a physical way to express their faith. We gather weekly on Sunday mornings at 8:00 am in the St. Isidore Bistro and Warehouse for a liturgy of discussion, exercise, and prayer. We continue to reach out to those working in high stress jobs, those in recovery, and those suffering from PTSD. 2023 has provided some new challenges and opportunities. We continue to offer a hybrid in-person and online service that averages 33 people per week (4 online). We have seen a growth in younger families and now offer full childcare during the gathering. At the end of 2024, over 12 children under the age of 13 attended on a monthly basis. Warrior Church is committed to the larger life of St. Isidore made the bold decision to stop gathering on the 1st Sunday of the month in 2024 in an effort to make it easier for attendees to attend Common Feast. They have also offered Quarterly “Fight Night” opportunities at Condition One Combat Center, open to the entire Church. Warrior Church hopes to expand its presence and hopefully create another “outpost” in 2024 somewhere in either the Tomball or Willis area.
The Fellowship Community was born in 2023 at the request of Taco Church members who were having trouble getting to the Church on Wednesday Mornings. They began in January of 23 and met 36 times throughout the year. They are averaging 7 people at each gathering and currently have 16 people on their “reminder text”. The purpose, shape, and liturgy for this gathering are identical to Taco Church and provide an intimate, focused, and faithful conversation for men in our community. They have elected to move toward a twice-a-month schedule on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in 2024 with the hope of attracting more people. They believe that they have outgrown the conference room and wanted a time where they could meet in the bistro and share a common meal.
Kitchen Table Church (KTC) has grown over the past year with regular attendance between 14-18 individuals, and it continues to provide a place of close fellowship for a wide variety of church members. Meeting the first 3 Wednesdays of each month, members enjoy a meal together with the table set with an intentional liturgy. Focused study of scripture, dynamic group discussions, and contemplation fill the first 2 weeks, with a Eucharist service rounding out week 3. The ages of our members span from early 20’s to early 90’s, and this intergenerational engagement is one of the most special things about this group. It is the hope in 2024 that our relationships will deepen and that KTC will remain a great landing spot for people new to St. Isidore.
Grogans Mill Community (GM) meets every 2nd and 4th week for a Eucharist service that incorporates excellent discussions, utilizing either a video or contemplating a song. Leadership alternates for these discussions. This group is well attended by approximately 10 very established members. GM hopes to continue to deepen relationships while pursuing truth, acknowledging that the “wisdom is in the room”.
Our San Isidro Community continues to meet regularly, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the Month. The community begins with a shared meal filled with laughter and conversation. Following the meal we gather for a traditional Eucharist in the bistro. This past year we moved to having all of the meals provided by the AHKB as that has helped people come directly from work. This worked better than the potluck model that we introduced in 2022. The community has 2 new families that attend regularly and the average gathering consists of 12-17 people. The members look forward to growing this community in 2024 and becoming a more active part of the St. Isidore community by attending Common Feast and other shared events.
Community Impact Letter
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and pride for the amazing work we have
accomplished together over the past year. Thanks to your generosity and support, The Abundant Harvest has been able to make a significant impact in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. Throughout the past year, through our pantries and café we have distributed hundreds of thousands of meals to those in need, working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. We have collaborated with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to provide healthy and nutritious food to children, families, and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained committed to our mission and have adapted our services to meet the changing needs of our community. In fact, the pandemic forced us to think creatively and efficiently which has resulted in innovating our distribution channels to reach more people in need.
None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Your donations have enabled us to purchase food, hire staff, and cover the costs of transportation and other expenses associated with food distribution. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing commitment to our cause, and we promise to continue to use your donations in the most effective and efficient way possible.
As we celebrate the progress we have made over the past year, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done. The aftermath of the pandemic, impending recession, rising food costs, and other challenges continue to pose significant obstacles to our efforts. But with your support, we are confident that we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Once again, thank you for your generous support and for standing with us in the fight against hunger. Together, we can build a stronger and more resilient community where everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
Sincerely,
Sean Steele
Executive Director, The Abundant Harvest
Social Enterprise
From its inception, Social Enterprise has been a vital component of the three-legged stool that forms the bedrock of St. Isidore. While the primary objective is for Social Enterprise to progressively contribute to the direct outreach initiatives of St. Isidore, there is a fun development taking place along this way to that goal. Our restaurant is evolving into a vibrant community hub, extending its impact far beyond our previous reach.
Sharing a meal together has proven to be an exceptional means of forging new connections and deepening existing relationships. An unforeseen yet beautiful outcome is the establishment of new ties between different churches. Various congregations have brought their staff members or groups for lunch, fostering enriching conversations about our shared mission of spreading the love of Jesus, despite the divisive cultural climate.
In order to operate our kitchen and provide meals not only for paying customers but also for community gatherings, workers, and anyone in need, we rely on a dedicated army of volunteers. The sense of family that has blossomed within this group is a poignant testament to how God's grace and love radiate from the core mission of our church. As we navigate this journey, our team fervently prays for God's blessings to shower upon our efforts, anticipating delightful surprises in the coming year.
Communications 2023
Communications directly expanded our missions' social media reach into 50+ small groups across 3 social networks, placing our mission directly in front of more than 80,000+ people. Indirectly coordinated with 20 traditional media professionals in publishing 10 news articles, 2 feature stories and one broadcast reel, resulting in more than 2 million positive media impressions. Our tour program hosted more than 100 guests and intimately connected them with our ministry and outreach missions, resulting in new strategic partners passionate about helping us grow.