I was out for an early morning walk yesterday with Ruth, my wife, when I spotted one of the regulars for The Gathering Place community meal. As many of you know, The Gathering Place is sponsored by the Bowmanville ministerial but happens at St. Paul's. Some of the people who attend are a little rough around the edges and because of various issues individual who might know me well at one meeting can be vague and perplexed at another. I was about to say hello to the person yesterday when she looked up: "Hi David! See you tomorrow! What's for dinner?" How's that for irony? She immediately remembered my name but I confess I don't know hers.
Congregations are now taking turns in serving at the meal and this evening it is St. Paul's. I put out the call and immediately had more than a dozen volunteers, as well as the offer from reader Janet to play the piano. Last month it was reader Ian tinkling the ivories. I should add that teen Laura, who comes every month to help, brought her brother Jonathan, while tween Wyatt stepped up to serve and was so pleased with his involvement afterward.
This month is auspicious in that it will be the first in which we offer two meals, with the next being the 27th. We hope we can sustain this and pray that congregations, community groups, and other angels come through to allow it to happen. I announced the additional meal last month and the response was an ovation from the guests, along with an imprompt speech of gratitude from one of the more enthusiastic regulars! We notice that the gang is getting chattier and more interactive over time.
One of the other pastors said that he was talking with a woman who runs one of the group homes where a number of our women guests lives. With tears in her eyes she said that her residents are so excited when they receive the invitation each month through our advertising group. She pointed out that these women never get invited anywhere and this has become a big deal in their lives. This never would have occurred to me.
The photo above is of a dad and his two girls who have come often over the past year and a half and they are among a number of families who attend.
Again I'll ask you to pray for this ministry. Comments?
2 comments:
It's such a great project. It's amazing to see the amount of good will and good feeling that can come in the span of a few hours.
There was a full gym on Friday. All our volunteers showed, including a group of teens. Janet added to the event with her playing and assistance with an enthusiastically sung Happy Birthday for one of our dinner guests. All good!
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