Two Friday evenings ago about a hundred people showed up at St. Paul's to be fed. The event was the monthly Gathering Place meal and our guest list is eclectic. Most of the people are living in group homes and boarding houses and don't have much money. For the most part they aren't starving, but they sure aren't living in luxury. I have watched some downright skinny guests polish off one substantial plate of food and then tuck into a second. They have double vision when it comes to dessert as well. The food is excellent.
Other people come because they might be eating alone otherwise, or they are weary at the end of the week and their family will benefit from a well-prepared meal. For all, the nourishment is social and spiritual as well as physical.
That evening reader Ian came and "tickled the ivories" with aplomb, and there was that warm buzz of conversation which makes this meal different. A first-time participant is a member of our ministerial who volunteers at what is more of a soup kitchen meal in Oshawa. This is an excellent ministry, but he commented later that there is a different spirit to what we do. At the Gathering Place the meal is served by the team, and everyone has crockery. The tables are nicely decorated and the table hosts encourage conversation. It's a challenge to tell "who's who," and that's the way we want it.
I was pleased and relieved to hear the comments, because our goal is to provide hospitality graciously and in Christ's name, without imposing a religious agenda.
Any thoughts or comments about this good readers? Remember that the next meal is June 10th at 5:00 pm and you are invited.
I would love to help out in any way possible, as I think this is a wonderful event.
ReplyDeleteWith a lot of work trips lined up over the next few weeks, I am glad to see I won't be in such exotic places as North Bay or Sudbury on the 10th.
I really enjoyed my experience on the 13th, and am wide open if you ever need music again.
ReplyDeleteI was also quite moved by the whole thing, and wrote about it on my own blog, turning it into a writing assignment for my class for our "Weekly Food 4 Thought" segment.
On a number of levels, then, it was educational!
Johnny,we at the Gathering,are always pleased to welcome new helpers,the more the merrier,and what a merry bunch we usually are,including our guests,it is such a joy to meet such a diverse bunch of people,meeting at our tables,enjoying,and I mean,as David says, really enjoying our food,more importantly, I think and hope,feeling the genuine warmth and friendship from our group, they do not always feel in their day to day living.Given this opportunity,we are the blest ones!
ReplyDeleteJohnny,North Bays loss is our gain,
ReplyDeletewe always welcome new helpers,thanks.David is on the commitee and so will be able to direct you to the area you are interested in.This is one of the most rewarding projects I have ever had the pleasure of being involved in,I trust you will feel the same!
Taffy.