Making a Difference: St. Mary’s Outreach in Action
At Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, our mission to Celebrate, Honor, and Serve extends far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. Through a variety of outreach initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally. From feeding the hungry to supporting international aid efforts, our community is deeply committed to living out the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. Here’s a closer look at some of the ways we’re serving near and far.
Souper Supper: A Warm Meal for All
Every second and fourth Friday of the month, Saint Mary’s opens its doors for Souper Supper, a free community meal that welcomes everyone. From 5 to 7 PM, guests are treated to a homemade soup, salad, bread, and dessert in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This initiative is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to build connections, foster fellowship, and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Whether you’re a regular attendee or a first-time visitor, you’ll find a seat at the table and a place in our hearts.
Saint Mary’s Book Sale: Turning Pages into Impact
On Saturday, March 22, Saint Mary’s will host its annual Book Sale from 9 AM to 12 PM. This event is a wonderful opportunity to donate gently used books, puzzles, and games, or to shop for new treasures. All proceeds support local charities and mission work, making this a fun and impactful way to give back. Whether you’re a book lover or simply looking for a way to contribute, the Book Sale is a perfect example of how small actions can lead to big change.
Falmouth Food Pantry: Fighting Hunger Close to Home
The Falmouth Food Pantry serves nearly 200 families each month, providing essential groceries to those in need. Saint Mary’s supports this vital organization by collecting donations of non-perishable food items, such as canned soup, pasta, cereal, and granola bars. Our donation boxes, located in the Parish House and Narthex, are always open for contributions. By partnering with the Falmouth Food Pantry, we’re helping to ensure that no one in our community faces hunger alone.
Partners for World Health: A Global Mission
Our outreach efforts extend beyond our local community to the global stage. Partners for World Health (PWH), a Portland-based nonprofit, collects and distributes surplus medical supplies to communities in need around the world. In 2024 alone, PWH shipped over 555,000 pounds of supplies to countries like Ukraine, Haiti, and Guatemala. Saint Mary’s is proud to support PWH through volunteer efforts and donations. On Saturday, March 15, a group from Saint Mary’s will volunteer at the PWH distribution center in Portland—a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of those facing health crises worldwide.
Helping Hands at Home: Serving Our Own
Sometimes, the need for help is right in our own backyard. Through our Helping Hands at Home ministry, we assist parishioners and community members with indoor and outdoor odd jobs. Whether it’s shoveling snow, raking leaves, or helping with small repairs, this ministry embodies the spirit of service and care. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out.
United Recovery Fund: Supporting Those in Recovery
The United Recovery Fund and Maine Works are dedicated to helping individuals affected by substance use disorder and incarceration find sustainable employment. Saint Mary’s is proud to support their mission, including sponsoring a picnic at Fort Williams on July 12. We’re also collecting Walmart gift cards to aid in their efforts. By standing with those in recovery, we’re helping to build a brighter future for individuals and families in our community.
St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center: Serving Our Neighbors
St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center in Portland provides essential items like toilet paper, soap, and diapers to over 300 neighbors every week. Saint Mary’s supports this vital ministry by collecting household items such as pots, pans, and linens. These donations help ensure that our neighbors have the basic necessities they need to thrive.
How You Can Get Involved
There are countless ways to join us in serving near and far. Whether it’s volunteering at a Souper Supper, donating to the Falmouth Food Pantry, or participating in a global mission effort, every act of service makes a difference. Together, we can continue to build a community rooted in love, compassion, and action.