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.
All are invited to lend a hand in the garden.
Gospel Garden Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, September 13
9:00–11:00 AM
Let us know if you want to help! There are projects for novice gardeners to full-fledged farmers, and every effort helps.
All are invited to a Gospel Garden Volunteer Orientation at the Garden, led by our expert gardener Bob Bouton. Bob will walk us through how the garden works so that everyone feels comfortable joining in this season and next. All experience levels are welcome. Please bring a water bottle and, if you have them, work gloves; tools will be provided.
This ministry is a hands-on way of loving our neighbors through the gift of fresh, healthy food.
Registration is encouraged but not required. Sign up!
End-of-Season Celebration & Work Day
Saturday, October 11
8:30 –10:00 AM
Join us for the Gospel Garden end-of-season clean-up and celebration from 8:30 – 10AM! We’ll spend time together tidying up and preparing the soil for winter. This is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the abundance the garden has provided to the New Canaan Food Pantry and others in the community this season, and to enjoy fellowship with others. Whether you’re a regular volunteer or new to the garden, all are welcome to lend a hand and celebrate with us. Snacks and drinks will be provided!
- John Michael Bain-Colon: Project Manager & Team Leader since 2024
- The Rev. John Kennedy: Priest for Outreach Ministries
And 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
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.
The Gospel Garden
A Brief History of The Gospel Garden: Meet the People who Make it Grow!
Check out these videos made over the years about the Gospel Garden!
The Youth
Why Every Church Should Have a Garden
Who’s Who at the Gospel Garden
