Outreach Ministries at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
Be a Doer of The Word

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. . . . Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27 (From the Epistle appointed for Thanksgiving Day)

"The measuring rod for a good society in Biblical terms is the generosity and hospitality with which the stranger is welcomed, the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, the widow and orphan are cared for.

--The Rev. Dr. John L. Kater, Jr

St. Margaret's is committed to making the Coachella Valley a better place to live for all its residents. Our mission statement includes the promise to be "a telling presence in the community." We do this, in part, through our outreach efforts by working with various local agencies and non-profit organizations, by direct assistance, and by working in conjunction with our Diocese (based in San Diego), the National Church and the community of all faith filled people. Here is a sampling of the ministries we support:

St. Margaret's Cellar Door Thrift Shop - Proceeds of our St. Margaret's Cellar Door Thrift Shop support outreach in the Coachella Valley, the nation and the world. Shoppers Welcome! Donations Welcome! Volunteers Welcome!

AIDS Ministries - St. Margaret's supports several of the Desert AIDS Project's (DAP) programs as a sponsor of the annual Desert AIDS Walk. Opportunities for service and participation include the DAP's Friend to Friend Buddy Program, the annual Candlelight Vigil, Project "Baby Quilts" and other activities.

Angel Tree - A Prison Fellowship program providing Christmas presents to prisoners' children. St. Margaret's parishioners provide Christmas gifts and toys for children of prisoners who cannot purchase gifts for their children. Over 100 children are served in this way each year at Christmas.

Episcopal Community Services - Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in Riverside County St. Margaret's is working in conjunction with other local Episcopal churches to expand the ministry of ECS into the Coachella Valley and other areas of Riverside County.

F.I.N.D. - Food In Need of Distribution distributes basic staples - canned goods,, bread, USDA government surplus - to needy individuals and families at various locations throughout the Coachella Valley. St. Margaret's supports this agency with cash donations, and our parishioners staff a weekly food distribution site at Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage. In addition, food is delivered to those handicapped individuals who qualify for assistance but are unable to get to the distribution site.

Habitat for Humanity - An international program to provide affordable housing for the working poor, has a local chapter which builds houses throughout the Coachella Valley. St. Margaret's has assisted financially and with on-site workers.

Kairos Prison Ministry - The mission of the Kairos Prison Ministry is to bring Christ's love and forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families and those who work with them, and to assist in the transition of becoming a productive citizen. Locally, men from St. Margaret's join with other Christian men and twice a year conduct a weekend retreat at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, CA.

Martha's Kitchen - Along with Martha's Closet, is located in Indio. A hot lunch is served Monday through Friday to hungry people, without qualification. Martha's Closet provides clean, used clothing for the needy. In addition, this ministry also assists with short-term shelter needs and medical care.

Shelter from the Storm - The Coachella Valley's only facility for victims of domestic violence, Shelter from the Storm provides housing, counseling, and assistance to enable women and their children to escape violent and abusive environments and to start their lives anew.

Tools for Tomorrow - A literacy improvement ministry offered after school in local elementary schools. In 1999 educational experts in the fields of writing, drama, music and art developed literacy based curricula for grades k through 2 and 3 through 5 that were implemented four afternoons a week in four Coachella Valley elementary schools. Tools for Tomorrow continues to provide this free, on-site, after school program in fifteen Title I (academically at risk) schools in the Palm Springs, Desert Sands, and Coachella Unified School Districts.

Episcopal Relief and Development Fund - serving those in need St. Margaret's, working through the National Church, assists victims of disasters, natural and otherwise, by its generous response to the Fund's special appeals. The Fund also helps people out of poverty and hopelessness by its long-term projects.

Give a special gift in honor of a loved one, friend or business associate and help children and families survive disasters and climb out of poverty. Episcopal Relief and Development maintains a "Gifts for Life" catalog making it easy for you to give meaningful gifts for:

Thanksgiving, Christmas, & Other Holidays
Birthdays and Anniversaries
And for any other special occasion
Explore the Gifts for Life catalog and give a gift that has value and meaning beyond your imagination!