serve
god’s work.
our hands.
Here at Trinity faith does not stay inside the church walls. We believe that God’s grace frees us to serve our neighbors, both in Santa Barbara and beyond. From Trinity Gardens and Grace Food Pantry to our monthly outreach giving, we are committed to being a congregation that shows up for the people and the place we call home.
trinity gardens
Since March 2012, Trinity Gardens has served as a mission outreach for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, providing space for our neighbors and congregation to grow food and build community together. We maintain 23 individual garden plots, annual row crops, a food forest orchard, a greenhouse, and a chicken coop. Last year alone, Trinity Gardens donated nearly 8,000 pounds of produce to local partners including Rescue Mission Bethel House, the Organic Soup Kitchen, Sarah House, and Grace Food Pantry.
Beyond growing food, Trinity Gardens is a gathering place, hosting plant sales, garden tours, and community events throughout the year. If you’re interested in getting involved or if you want a plot of your own, visit https://www.trinitygardenssb.org/ to fint out more.
grace food pantry
Since 1976, what began as a small congregation collecting food donations has grown into a weekly ministry serving 70 to 90 families and individuals every Saturday morning. In partnership with the Santa Barbara County Food Bank, First Baptist, and Christ Lutheran Church Goleta, Trinity helps operate the Grace Food Pantry at Grace Village, 3869 State Street, from 9:00am until 10:00am or last client served.
Volunteer
We need volunteers for Friday deliveries and Saturday distributions, and are looking for someone to step into a coordinator role. Contact Deacon Martha Santrizos through the church office to get involved.
Donate
Mail donations to Grace Food Pantry, 909 N. La Cumbre Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.
transition house
Since the 1980s, Trinity has provided meals for residents of Transition House on the third Monday of every month, preparing dinner for more than 50 people along with bagged lunches for the following day. It is one of Trinity’s longest running acts of service, sustained for decades by faithful volunteers who show up month after month with food and care.
We are always glad to welcome new volunteers. All meal ideas are welcome. To get involved, contact Ron Birkhahn at ron@birkhahn.org or the church office.
justice advocacy
Trinity member Larry Severance serves as chairperson of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), and through his leadership Trinity has publicly supported local measures for criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and the protection of immigrant families. Learn more at cluesb.org, or contact the church office to get connected with Larry if you’re interested in getting involved.
monthly outreach
Every month Trinity designates a special offering for a different organization or cause, ranging from local ministries like Transition House and Showers of Blessing to global efforts like ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response. It is one of the ways we live out our commitment to loving our neighbors both in Santa Barbara and far beyond our walls.
The current month’s recipient is announced in the Sunday bulletin and our monthly email newsletter.