Ministry: Ministry and networking support for those between jobs or considering a job change.
Current Ministry Leader: Kevin Williams
The Mission of Between Jobs Ministry (BJM)
Weekly BJM meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm Meetings held offsite at the The Woodlands United Methodist Church, (Lake Woodlands and Grogan's Mill)
St. Anthony's Between Jobs Ministry has assisted job seekers since the Parish was founded. We are guided by Catholic Social Justice teachings which affirm the inherent worth of all people and the respect due to workers of all jobs, whether janitor or banker.
Encouragement and hope are vital to those who find themselves between jobs, and BJM seeks to help "put the wind back into their sails." Some job seekers experience discouragement, depression, and even despair. Our mission at BJM is to remind them of God's love and mercy for them:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Networking support is vital, too, and we help individuals learn their own authentic style of networking that is natural and appropriate to them. Corporate transfers bring many families to The Woodlands and to St. Anthony of Padua, yet transfers also cause others to leave. BJM seeks to help those facing job transfers evaluate the option of changing jobs so that they can remain here if they choose.
Volunteers who assist in this Ministry are "Encouragers" and the key requirement is compassion towards others and the ability to be a good listener. While a background or experience in human resources may be helpful, we invite anyone with a passion and calling to this Ministry to volunteer and assist as an encourager.
BJM meets weekly ~ each Wednesday at 7:00 pm at The Woodlands United Methodist Church (Lake Woodlands and Grogan's Mill). Meetings are small group discussions, allowing new visitors to introduce themselves and describe what they are looking for in their next job. The group collectively provides feedback and specific referrals to individuals and firms that are relevant to their job goals.
Once job seekers have attended a meeting, they have the ability to "opt-in" to a Yahoo group which allows efficient communication of future job leads and opportunites to be quickly shared with the whole group.
While our Ministry is focused towards meeting the needs of job seekers, potential employers are welcome to attend as well and to provide details on their open jobs (via email) so we can share information on these openings with job seekers via our Yahoo group emails.
Helping individuals struggling through the discouragement and frustration of their job search is very rewarding; it is truly a blessing!