Outreach

At The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Salinas, California, outreach is a vital expression of our faith in action. Through meaningful programs such as tutoring and mentoring, preparing meals for the homeless, knitting prayer shawls, supporting the local food bank, and many other initiatives, we serve our neighbors with compassion and love. Our outreach ministries reflect our commitment to justice, mercy, and building a stronger, more caring community in Salinas and beyond.

Faith in Action

—

Faith in Action —

A group of elderly people attending a presentation in a conference room with large windows, a presenter standing at a podium, and a slide on a screen about Monterey County's teaching hospital.

Double Nickels Luncheons

A smiling elderly man in a wheelchair holding a blue book, sitting next to a smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a green jacket, in a bright, modern indoor setting with beige walls, large windows, and a yellow sofa.

Helping Hands

Group of people standing behind a table with bowls of strawberries and salad, in a kitchen or food prep area.

Meals for the Homeless

Children in school uniforms standing outdoors on a gravel surface, with backpacks on the ground in the foreground, under a sunny sky with palm trees in the background.

St. Paul’s School in Haiti

Family of four sitting together on a cream-colored sofa, wrapped in colorful prayer shawls, smiling at the camera inside a home.

Prayer Shawls

Man standing next to a large planter shaped like a roll of garden soil, holding a garden trowel.

Food & Diaper Drives

Get Involved In Outreach

Double Nickels Luncheons

Join us for the Double Nickels Luncheons at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd — a warm and welcoming monthly gathering for adults 55 and older (and anyone young at heart!). Held on the first Wednesday of each month from October through May, these luncheons offer a delicious meal, great conversation, and an inspiring speaker on a variety of interesting topics.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends old and new, enjoy good food, and be encouraged in a relaxed, faith-filled atmosphere. Everyone is welcome — no charge to attend, though a suggested donation of $5 helps support the ministry. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Check our Upcoming Events page for the current month’s menu, speaker, and details.

Helping Hands

Our Helping Hands Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd is a caring group of parishioners who come together to offer practical support during times of need. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, illness, or the birth of a child, facing a difficult season, or simply needs a helping hand with yard work, weeding, or a friendly visit — this team is ready to respond with compassion and kindness.

From delivering nourishing meals to providing assistance with household tasks or offering a listening ear, Helping Hands embodies Christ’s love in action through simple, meaningful acts of service.

If you or a loved one could use some support, or if you would like to join this ministry, please reach out.

Contact: Sandy French

St. Paul’s School (Haiti)

Through the Outreach Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, we are proud to provide ongoing financial support and encouragement to St. Paul’s School in Montrouis, Haiti. This vital school serves more than 200 students from kindergarten through 7th grade, offering education, hope, and a brighter future to children in the community.

We invite you to learn more about the impact of this partnership by reading the latest report from the school.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about how you can help support St. Paul’s School, please reach out.

Contact: Tim Knapp

Meals for the Homeless (First United Methodist Church)

Our parish actively supports the First United Methodist Church Neighborhood Services Center Lunch Program in Salinas. On the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, our Helping Hands and Outreach teams participate by:

  • Preparing nutritious lunches

  • Serving lunch to guests on the First United patio

  • Providing fresh baked goods

This partnership is a meaningful expression of God’s love in action, offering hospitality, dignity, and nourishment to those experiencing homelessness in our community. We are grateful for every volunteer who helps make this ministry possible.

Contact: Alice Knapp

Prayer Shawls

Our Prayer Shawls Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd is a beautiful expression of care and compassion. Talented parishioners knit prayer shawls that are lovingly made and offered to anyone in need.

These shawls are often given to those who are ill, grieving, moving away, or going through difficult times. Each shawl serves as a warm, tangible reminder that they are surrounded by the prayers, love, and support of our faith community.

If you would like to receive a prayer shawl or would like to join those who knit and bless them, please reach out.

Food & Diaper Drives (Monterey County Food Bank)

Our Food & Diaper Drives at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd are a practical and impactful way we serve families and individuals in need throughout Monterey County. Several times each year, we place collection barrels in the church to gather non-perishable food items for the Monterey County Food Bank or packages of diapers for local families.

These drives provide essential support to our neighbors facing food insecurity and the high cost of basic necessities. Every donation helps make a real difference in our community.

Watch for announcement dates in our eNews and Sunday Bulletins and consider donating or helping with distribution.