Emmaus Ministry

Welcoming the Stranger: Luke 24:13-35

As a member church of the Downtown Community Ministry, St. Paul's has provided Thursday lunch to the homeless, needy and working poor for 25 years. In the spirit of "welcoming the stranger," approximately 250-300 guests in need of a hot meal are served lunch each Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Homelessness in Richmond by Jaclyn O'Laughlin.

Volunteer 

There are abundant volunteer opportunities in this important outreach ministry:

• Meal preparation: 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
• Servers: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Hosts to guests: anytime, 10:30 a.m. - finish
• Blessing, prayers or opening meditation leader: 11:45 a.m.
• Musician - piano, other: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Recycling helper: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

All are welcome to volunteer with this community ministry. Parishioners, groups from other faith communities, corporations, and other organizations are all part of making this ministry successful each week. If you are an organization or company, please contact us about scheduling your group to volunteer. 

Community Partners

In recent years, the lunch ministry has been enhanced to allow for developing relationships between volunteers and guests. In addition, representatives from the Department of Social Services and Richmond Behavorial Health Authority are available each week to help the guests with any special needs.

Twice a year, we also partner with Homeward to host the Point-in-Time count. Homeward is the planning and coordinating organization for homeless services in the greater Richmond region. 

Donations

The Ministry also welcomes donations of toiletries, socks, gloves, scarves, hats and other useful personal items to distribute to guests. Note: We do not maintain a clothing closet. Please drop off clothing donations at any of the various clothes closets or Goodwill organizations in Richmond.

Contact

Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Social Worker, Emmaus Ministry  643-3589  x5416