Programs and Ministries

External Ministries

Most of our external ministries are organized and supported by the Outreach Committee.

The Angel Tree and the Apple Tree

The Angel Tree was started about 8 years ago at St. Philip's Church and has since expanded to a number of churches in the northwest community around Palatine.  Local community service agencies obtain names of needy families that require assistance in providing Christmas gifts for themselves and their children.  St. Philip's makes up "angels" with each request on one angel.  These are hung on a tree for parishioners to look over, select, and buy the requested gift.  The gifts are brought to St. Philip's where they are then taken to the local public service agency for distribution to the needy family.  About 125 to 150 gifts are purchased by the parish every year.
In the fall we do much the same thing with "apples" on a tree which carry requests for school supplies for needy children.

The mission of Heifer Project International is to alleviate hunger and poverty in all parts of the world.  This goal is accomplished by providing food-producing animals and related assistance to families in need in 33 countries.  An essential part of HPI's philosophy is the understanding tat each person who is helped will pass on the gift.  They must give one of the animal's offspring to a needy neighbor or share new skills in animal care.  St Philip's has been involved in this project for quite some time and it is a particular favorite of the youth group.  At Christmas time, we ususally raise enough money to buy an animal for HPI.

PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)

PADS is a coalition of area churches which provides food and shelter to the homeless from October 1st to April 30th of every year.  Our church facility is not used for this program, but members of our congregation volunteer their services at various church sites.

Habitat for Humanity

Members of our parish are involved in Habitat for Humanity, an international organization which is involved in building houses for the needy.  Many of our members volunteer time and effort to work with with DuPage chapter of HFH to build houses in the area for qualified applicants

Saint Leonard's House, Grace House

Saint Leonard's House is an established Episcopal charity located on the west side of Chicago.  It is a halfway house for men that are getting out of prison and returning to society.  It has been in existence for a number of years and does an excellent job helping ex-offenders integrate back into society as useful and productive citizens.  Sine 1992 St. Philip's Church has collected men's clothing for St Leonard's House.  On occasion we will also go down to the house and bring a large, home cooked meal for all the men.
Grace House is a more recently established charity located on the south side of Chicago which does much the same thing for women who are in various stages of adjusting to life after prison.  We also collect women's clothing to send to Grace House.

There is a special container in the back of the church that holds donations to Palatine Township Food Pantry.  Volunteers transport the food items from Saint Philip's to the township building.  The second Sunday of every month is dedicated

This year we have begun supporting Food for the Poor, an organization which provides food and shelter for needy families in third world countries.