OutreachEmmaus Ministry

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 200 guests in need of a hot meal are served lunch each Thursday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

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.

As a result of a recent task force on outreach, 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.

The Ministry also welcomes donations of toiletries, socks, gloves, scarves, hats and other useful personal items to distribute to guests.

Contact: , Social Worker, Emmaus Ministry  643-3589  x5416