The Gospel Garden

Welcome to the Gospel Garden!

Founded by St. Mark’s parishioner Brian Hollstein, the Gospel Garden began when a visit to the New Canaan Food Pantry revealed a lack of fresh produce for its clients. Moved by this need, Brian envisioned growing vegetables at the church to supply fresh food to the pantry. His detailed plan quickly gained support, marking the start of this fruitful journey.

Each year, the Gospel Garden grows over 2,000 pounds of organic vegetables, which are distributed through the New Canaan Food Pantry and Person-to-Person. The garden was inspired, in part, by the Victory Gardens from World War I and II, where communities including New Canaan cultivated gardens to support the war effort and ensure food security. This ministry is part of the Good News Gardens movement within the Episcopal Church, with St. Mark’s being at the forefront since the Gospel Garden’s founding in 2009.

Gospel Garden Interns Needed

High School Student Position

St. Mark’s is seeking two high school interns to assist with the daily care of the Gospel Garden, which grows fresh produce for those facing food insecurity in partnership with the New Canaan Food Pantry and Person-to-Person in Darien. These are paid, part-time positions for students interested in contributing to local food justice through hands-on work in the garden.

Compensation: $18 per hour

Key Responsibilities:

Support planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and general upkeep of the garden
Help prepare and occasionally deliver produce for donation
Collaborate with and take direction from adult leaders and volunteers
Maintain a clean and organized garden environment

Qualifications:

Must be 16 years or older
Valid driver’s license and access to transportation for deliveries when needed
Reliable and able to work independently and with guidance
Ability to work outdoors and engage in physical tasks
Interest in gardening or community service is welcome

Schedule:

Weekday mornings, 9–11AM, Monday–Friday, with some flexibility
Runs from the end of the school year through the start of the next

Interested? Contact Fr. John at jkennedy@stmarksnewcanaan.org.

John Michael Bain-Colon, Project Manager & Team Leader since 2024
The Rev. John Kennedy, Priest for Outreach Ministries

Leadership Team Members:

Bob Bouton
Brian Hollstein
Margaret Roscoe

Community Partners

We are grateful for the support of our community partners:

Copia Home and Garden
Summer Rain Sprinklers
Hutchinson Tree Service
The New Canaan Community Foundation
Rotary Club of New Canaan
Boy Scouts Troop 70, New Canaan

We also extend gratitude to the New Canaan Food Pantry and Person-to-Person in Norwalk, who distribute our produce to those in need.

Want to know more? Be in touch by email, or call the church office at (203) 966-4515.