Community Church in Oxford, MA | Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

Community Outreach

Community Outreach is at the heart of what we do at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Our church in Oxford is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around us, through a wide range of outreach activities. From food drives and clothing donations to supporting local shelters and international missions, our outreach programs are designed to extend God's love to those in need. We believe in the power of community service to change lives, both for those receiving support and those giving it.

Our volunteers and church members work tirelessly to identify the needs within the Oxford community and beyond, organizing regular events and initiatives that make a tangible difference. We support the Oxford Ecumenical Foodshelf, as well as Hodges House and other community organizations. We have a knitter's group who provide Prayer Shawls for the parish to share with those in need of prayer.

Whether you're looking to lend a hand or are in need of support, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church's Community Outreach programs offer opportunities to connect, serve, and grow together in faith and service. Join us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out with compassion and love.

At Good Shepherd, we have the practice of tithing (that's taking 10%) from any fund-raising activities to use in support of our Mission/Outreach activities.

Advent Mitten Tree

During Advent we collect mittens, hats, gloves, scarves and other items that can help to keep our less fortunate neighbors warm for the winter. At Christmastide they are blessed and delivered to the Oxford Food Shelf for distribution.

Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf

The Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf provides FREE emergency grocery assistance to any family living in Oxford, MA and to families who are not residents of Oxford but are registered members of an Oxford church.

The Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age or disability.

The Oxford Food Shelf is located in the lower level of the Oxford Community Center at 4 Maple Rd., Oxford, MA 01540

We are open every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (except holidays.)

The Oxford Food Shelf is operated by members of the Oxford Ecumenical Council. The Council is made up of representatives from the Oxford First Baptist Church, First Congregational Church, The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Oak Hill Bible Church, St. Roch’s Catholic Church, United Methodist Church, and the Zion Lutheran Church. Good Shepherd participates by volunteering, donating food and walking in the CROP Walk.

Small Donations Add Up to Big Help

At the rear of our church are 4 containers that are always there:

A jar to collect tabs from soda cans, etc - this supports the Ronald McDonald's House
A large jar that collects empty printer ink cartridges
A small white can that collects coins to support the The Mampong Babies Home in the Diocese of Kumasi, Ghana.
A blue container to collect coins/cash to support Laundry Love, an urban ministry located in the Main South area of Worcester

Support for Hodges House Residents

Hodges House was built by George Hodges, the mill owner who also built our church. Today it provides housing for SMOC (the South Middlesex Opportunity Council).

SMOC Housing Corp. owns and manages more than 1,000 units in approximately 120 buildings across the state, from Framingham to Easthampton and Fitchburg to Northbridge.

The house is used for “single-room occupancy,” with a total of 16 bedrooms, with shared bathrooms and kitchens on each floor.

An on-site manager is on the property, which houses 16 area residents in recovery from substance or alcohol abuse. They will be given help with employment, social services and education. SMOC sees a shared mission with the church to help disadvantaged people who need a hand, lifting them up and giving them opportunities. This is a true partnership with the church.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Parish members who knit, crochet or sew create shawls for persons, both parishioners and friends/family of parishioners, to have to help them recall the goodness of God.

The stitchers pray for the unkown person who will receive the shawl in a time of need as they stitch.

Rummage & Yard Sales

While Rummage and Yard Sales are definitely fund-raising activities, at Good Shepherd we also use them as opportunities to serve our neighbors. Prices are kept low and often we serve a free lunch for shoppers. When the sales are finished, all "leftovers" are donated to other charities.

CROP Walk for Hunger

The CROP Walk for Hunger is a 5K walk hosted by the Oxford Ecumenical Council. Walkers from all churches are sponsored on their walks by parishioners and friends.

CROP Hunger Walks are community-based walk fundraising events held in cities and towns across the United States, created to support the global mission of CWS (Church World Service). The funds raised are divided among world-wide food initiatives (50%), USA food initiatives (25%) and the local food shelf (25%).

Always Looking for Ways to Serve

Over the years, we have supported residents of Pine Ridge Reservation (South Dakota), World Central Kitchen (international response to disasters both manmade & natural), Veterans' services and others.