Outreach Efforts

Simple Gifts is an umbrella group working to coordinate and organize the many outreach activities sponsored by All Saints’ Church. Several organizations and individuals within our church provide Christian service and contribute to outreach, whether on their own or through parish activities. Through the Lenten Lunch series, Creation and Social Justice, Circle of Care, the Angel Tree, Trail Magic, and other events -- formal and informal -- the parish gathers people in community, increases awareness of need, and raises funds and provides donated items for agencies such as Episcopal Relief and Development, Habitat for Humanity, Westfield Youth Correctional Center, Heifer Project International, Kate’s Kitchen, Bishop’s Alleluia Fund, Council on Aging, Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Meals on Wheels. Our current, active programs include:

Circle of Care

The Circle of Care was convened in 2023 jointly with St. Paul's Church in Holyoke to support a a refugee from Cameroon who was relocated to our area. The group has coordinated transportation, cultural and administrative support, English language learning, job training, fundraising, and social support for the newcomer.

Lenten Lunches

Since 1970, the All Saints’ Lenten Lunch program has invited the members of our surrounding community to partake of delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, lobster rolls, and dessert every Friday during Lent. In recent year the Lenten Lunch program has been organized by Laura Marsh and has involved the direct participation of more than 20 people and contributions of food from countless parishioners. The six weekly lunches raise over $2000, allowing for donations to the various charities that the workers vote to support.  A sampling of the organizations that have received a donation include:  South Hadley Family Center, One Fund Boston, Inc., American Red Cross of Central Texas, USO Council of Pioneer Valley, Shriners Hospital for Children, Women Shelter/Compañeras, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Holyoke Rotary Honduras Water Project, Cathedral in the Night, and All Saints’ Church's graduating seniors.

Trail Magic

Since 2016 Christ Trinity Church, First Congregational Church, Sheffield, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stockbridge (and now, All Saints’ as well) have hosted a hospitality spot in the area where the Appalachian Trail intersect that corner of Massachusetts. The goal in this shared ministry is to offer an unexpected corner of kindness to thru-hikers heading north or southbound on their journey. Six days a week from about June 20th – August 20th volunteers from the host churches and their communities as well as churches and other organizations from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York offer hikers rest, chairs with backs, food, charging stations, a washing station and an opportunity to share their stories if they choose.