THRIFT SHOP

Open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Several years ago parishioners Rollie and Pat Gagne and Rev. Cheri and Steve Ford approached the Vestry to begin a small Thrift Shop in one section of a church classroom. It soon blossomed and grew, and now occupies two of the three classrooms and the parish hall. on Saturday mornings, from 9 am to 1 pm. Donations can be made to the parish hall on Friday afternoons from 12 to 2 pm. The Thrift Shop provides an outreach to the community by providing low cost, gently used clothes and household items as well as a fellowship outlet for the parish volunteers. Please contact the church office if you are interested in volunteering.

FOOD PANTRY

Open Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

At St. Mary's Food Pantry we provide free food to individuals residents of Palmetto and Ellenton in a compassionate, non-judgmental and friendly environment. Our pantry shelves are stocked with food purchased from Manatee Food Bank, our local grocery stores, and with donations from our church congregation. Those interested in volunteering can shop for food, stock the shelves in the pantry, greet and assist consumers. Please contact the church office for more information.

FELLOWSHIP CAFE

Serving breakfast Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (closes May through August)

When the Thrift Shop opened, parishoner Rollie Gage thought it would help business if they offered coffee and donuts to the people who came to shop. When the Thrift Shop expanded into the Parish Hall, Rollie thought it would be great to begin to serve breakfast to the community, offering a low cost, hearty breakfast. Our Fellowship Café was born. It was also named Café Rollé in honor of Rollie Gagne who passed away in February of 2023. Please contact the church office if you are interested in volunteering.

THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

An organization for women of the Episcopal Church and churches in communion with it. The Order of the Daughters of the King follow two rules: Rule of Prayer – for the needs of parishioners and of the parish, for those who are ill, and those who are deceased; Rule of Service and Evangelism – support the clergy for the good of the parish and promote the extension of Christ’s reign to all our sisters and brothers. The Daughters collected baby shower items for the North River Care Pregnancy Center. Please contact the church office for more information.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Marilyn Wolter and Lorriane Wood began making prayer shawls and lap robes for the home bound, those coming home from the hospital and surgery, or anyone who just needed to feel the warmth of God’s love enfold them through the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Mary’s. Handy with a pair of needles or crochet hook? Think about joining this group! Donations of yarn or cash can be made to Lorraine or Marilyn - contact the church office for more information.