Members of Shepherd by the Sea contribute to the fabric of our community with our funds, with our individual efforts, and with congregational efforts.
Our main effort is the Gualala Food Bank, on which we collaborate with the Gualala Baptist Church. On the second Wednesday of the month, members of the Mission organize and distribute food from local supermarkets, local donations, and the Federal Government. We meet at the Gualala Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for the distribution from 11:00 until 12:30. Volunteers are welcome to come for all or part of the time.
Each Christmas Eve, Shepherd by the Sea organizes the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at the Gualala Art Center. Clergy and lay readers from all local spiritual organizations are invited to participate in this community wide service.
Shepherd by the Sea also participates in South Coast Crisis Aid (SCCA), helping to provide emergency assistance to local residents and folks passing through. Aid is in the form of emergency vouchers for food and gas. Those seeking vouchers can contact the Action Network in Point Arena (707-884-5413) or the Baptist Church in Gualala (707-884-4330). The SCCA is largely funded by the donations given each year at the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve.
Shepherd by the Sea also provides continuing funds for the Gualala Food Bank, the Coastal Seniors, and Project Santa. We support the national and international efforts of Episcopal Relief and Development and Lutheran World Relief.
