​Open Table November 2023

“Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.” Matthew 25

Open Table continues to feed 60-80 people on Sunday morning. Most of these neighbors are unsheltered and the colder nights make that early morning cup of coffee and warm breakfast even more important.

We are grateful for the partnerships that allow us to continue this ministry. In the first 9 months of the year, we spent $7,600 on food. For $1,490 in fees, we received the estimated retail value of $29,700 in food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank! This obviously is a huge contribution to our efforts to alleviate hunger in this community. In the first 9 months of the year our total expenses for this program have been $17,741. This includes expenses in addition to food of kitchen and serving supplies, some hygiene supplies, janitorial services, and on-site security. We have been so fortunate to have received over $12,000 in contributions from parish members and friends to cover a great part of these costs.

In addition to financial support, Sunday Open Table is blessed with a great team of volunteers. It takes a team of 10 to prep meals, set up tables, and other preparations. on Saturday morning so that the Sunday team, some arriving as early as 5:30 am, can be ready to welcome our friends at 6:30 am with a hot cup of coffee, oatmeal, and cereal. The rest of the team of 12 finishes cooking a hot breakfast to serve at 7:00 am. This team can also provide other assistance as needed. Sometimes we have requests for clothing or hygiene items. These are made available once a month and everyone can look for what they need. On other Sundays, we meet these needs individually.

Since the weather is getting colder our guests will appreciate warmer sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, socks, and more. If you knit or crochet, homemade items are so appreciated, and we give these out on the Sunday before Christmas.

If you want to help:

• Checks can be sent to the Church with Open Table designated on the Memo line. Donations can also be made online. Volunteer opportunities are listed at www.incarnation.ivolunteer.com
• Donations of clothing can be made through our coordinator, Carolyn Greene. You can email Carolyn at [email protected], or call/text her at 805-443-7289.