Ministries

Saint Mary’s ministries are open and available to members of our church as well all people in our community. Our volunteers include women, men and children across age, denominational and geographic borders who join together in our collective attempt to serve the growing needs of people in our community. Please call the church office at (831) 373-4441 or sign our guest book if you would like to participate in any of our ministries.

Christian Social Concerns

Since 1965 a dedicated group of volunteers provide food, clothing, and other social service resources and assistance for people in need. Volunteers interview clients to assess their needs, bag and distribute groceries, stock shelves, and collect food from a variety of sources. Volunteers contribute to the ministry of CSC not only financially but also by donating time and food. This service is available to all walk-ins Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1–2:45pm.

I-HELP

St. Mary’s belongs to this peninsula wide organization which provides food and shelter to homeless men enrolled in the outreach program. Once a month a group of parishioners gather in Edwards Hall to prepare and share a hot meal with the men. Overnight shelter is provided in the parish hall.

Thrift Shop

St. Mary’s Thrift Shop and Boutique has been in continuous operation since 1968 selling gently used clothing, books, housewares and linens donated to our church. Over 50 volunteers work in the marking room or the shop which is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1–4:00pm. In addition to the shop’s regular operating hours, semiannual book fairs are held and the boutique is a major feature of the annual Antiques Show and Sale. Proceeds fund St. Mary’s ministries and assist the operating budget.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Inspired by former parishioner Ann Taugher, knitters gather monthly to create shawls for those who need “celebratory or comforting enfolding.” Recipients have been parishioners, friends of parishioners, relatives at a distance, CSC clients, mental health and social service families. Some recent occasions upon which shawls have been delivered are: graduation, bereavement, hospitalization, birth and relocation. Our shawls are made for all God’s children; anyone who needs a reminder of God’s love for them. Since September 2005 we have delivered over 240 shawls! It’s fun and free! Lessons are provided and knitters of all ages are welcome.

Prayer of Blessing

Warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing.
May this mantle be a safe haven...
A sacred place of security and wellness
Sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones.
May you receive this shawl and be cradled in hope,
Kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.
Blessed Be!

COPA—Walking Together

Walking Together is a founding member of Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, an organization of churches and other institutions in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. COPA institutions are working together across religion, race, class, education and geography for the common good of our region. At its founding assembly on Pentecost 2003, COPA committed to work together on problems of housing, education, healthcare, safe communities, immigrant issues and economic opportunity. Walking Together meets monthly at St. Mary’s for planning, reflection, fellowship and action.

Episcopal Relief and Development Fund

This fund offers immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters and civil strife throughout the world. Also grants are made to help support ongoing educational and rehabilitation projects. Opportunities are offered to parishioners to donate to this fund.

Christmas Project

Parishioner, Rosemarie Axton, gathers names of families receiving help from local mental health services. Parishioners adopt these families and provide age appropriate gifts for the chosen families.

Organic Farmstand

Weekly (Sunday) sale of local organically grown produce from ALBA Farms, Salinas

Green Team

Environmental Ministry for all ages. The St. Mary’s Green team is a committee composed of parishioners and community volunteers who serve as point persons for the recycling, conservation and renewable energy needs of the parish; organize outreach and educational programs for parishioners; and participate in collaborative efforts with other environmental organizations in the broader community.

Honoring our Elders

Outreach to Elders with mobility and/or transportation challenges. Honoring our Elders is a committee of volunteers who identify the needs of elders who are no longer able to attend worship services or parish activities due to advanced age and challenged mobility. Where requested and appropriate, volunteers will make regularly scheduled visits to provide fellowship, and share news about the parish community. Volunteers also inform clergy of the desire for Eucharistic ministry, clergy presence or other needs for which we (as a parish community) might address or find resources.

Global Mission

Partnerships in the Diocese of Gloucester, Western Tanganyika and Honduras

Other Opportunities to Serve:

• Acolytes
• Altar Guild
• Chalice Bearers
• Choir
• Guilds (Wedding, Memorial, St. Mary’s)
• Lay Eucharist Ministers
• Lectors
• Order of St. Luke
• Parish Camp
• Prayer Team
• Prayer Shawl Ministry
• Ushers and Greeters