Outreach & Community Support
At Saron Lutheran – 1st Presbyterian Church, we believe faith is lived out through love, service, and caring for our neighbors. Our congregation is actively involved in outreach throughout Grays Harbor County, working alongside community partners to help meet needs, build relationships, and share God’s love.
🌱 The Gospel Garden
The Gospel Garden, located at The Rose Center, is our community garden ministry. Our volunteers grow fresh produce to share with our local food pantry and neighbors in need.
Last year, our garden provided more than 450 pounds of fresh produce to our local food bank! We are grateful for everyone who helps plant, tend, harvest, and share the bounty.
🧤 Cold Weather & Hygiene Ministry
Throughout the year, we collect cold-weather supplies and personal hygiene items to distribute to our neighbors who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Items such as warm clothing, socks, hygiene products, and seasonal necessities help provide practical care and a reminder that our community cares.
🍽️ Monthly Community Meals
Our Community Meal is typically held on the last Wednesday of each month, except November and December when we adjust our schedule for the holidays.
We serve a free, hot meal to our neighbors and typically welcome 65–80 community members each month. These meals are made possible by wonderful volunteers who help with food preparation, serving, setup, and cleanup.
We are always looking for volunteers! If you would like to help, please sign up or contact the church office.
🥫 Harbor Food Pantry
The Harbor Food Pantry is a joint ministry of Saron-1st and community volunteers located at The Rose Center, 210 K Street, Hoquiam.
The pantry distributes food each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., including food made available through our community partnership with the Ocean Shores Senior Center.
Since this partnership began, thousands of food boxes and bags have been distributed to local neighbors. In 2023 alone, volunteers helped distribute 6,161 food boxes and bags—an incredible example of what can happen when a community works together!
🌈 Grays Harbor Pride & Community Welcome
We believe God’s love is for all people, and we are grateful for opportunities to demonstrate that love through hospitality and community partnership.
Saron-1st has participated alongside other churches and community members in helping decorate the Aberdeen Founder’s Day Parade Pride Float in partnership with GH Pride. We have also helped host a “Safe Space Faith Communities” booth at the Grays Harbor Pride Festival.
We are honored to participate in these community events and to help create spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
🌹 The Rose Center
The Rose Center, located at 210 K Street in Hoquiam, is a multipurpose space used for ministry, fellowship, education, service, and community gatherings.
The Rose Center provides space for local groups, servant trips, retreats, support groups, and other organizations. It is also used for spiritual direction and opportunities for individuals and groups to learn, connect, and grow.
Groups that meet at The Rose Center include Al-Anon, Girl Scouts, and other community organizations.
We are grateful for the opportunity to make this space available to our community and strive for The Rose Center to be a welcoming and affirming place for people throughout Grays Harbor.
❤️ Supporting Our Community Partners
Our congregation also provides financial support, donations, food, and other assistance to organizations serving our neighbors throughout the area, including:
- Union Gospel Mission
- Family Promise
- Hoquiam Food & Clothing Bank
- Food Ball
- Mutual Aid
- Harbor Food Pantry
- United Way / CCAP Benevolence Fund
- And other local organizations and community ministries
There are many ways to serve, and everyone has something to offer. Whether you volunteer your time, donate needed items, help prepare a meal, tend the Gospel Garden, or simply lend a helping hand, your participation makes a difference.
Together, we are putting faith into action and sharing God’s love throughout our community. 💕
