DESCRIPTION: This team is made up of people who love to serve the Lord by fixing meals for others. They facilitate fellowship and ministry both within and outside of the body by providing food, meals, and other related support. Hospitality Team members will not be responsible personally for all meals, but they should be especially sensitive and help fill in with bringing meals whenever needs are not being met; team members should also keep their ears open for news of illness or need, and help to make those needs known. ("Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23)
CHANGES: In the past, the two functions of "hospitality" and "outreach" have been combined. The recommendation is that these be separated, so that this becomes an independent "Hospitality" team. We have a number of individuals who are particularly gifted in this area, and who are able to make this a true ministry.
LEADER: Mary Yount (with Carol Jenkins serving as a co-leader within some areas)
MEMBERS: TBD
GUIDELINES/ACTIVITIES:
Food for church events. Ensure that the appropriate food is provided for events that bring the body together in fellowship, and around certain events (e.g. Praise & Prayer, Congregational Meetings, Picnics, etc.)
Suggest, for events that occur on a regular schedule (e.g. Praise & Prayer), that the menu is planned 6 or 12 months in advance
Suggest, where appropriate, the use of a meal website to simplify meal coordination when a number of people are involved (e.g. takethemameal.com or perfectpotluck.com)
Suggest, as part of planning for and scheduling food for an event, that an evaluation be done to determine whether it would be best to have home-cooked food or to have meals catered (budget item)
Meals for those in need. Ensure that meals are scheduled, made, and delivered for those individuals or families who are sick, or otherwise going through difficult times, both within and outside of the body
Suggest developing a standard checklist of all the information that will be needed any time a meal is requested
Suggest that those serving in this ministry prepare for contacting individuals or families directly, in order to assess needs, set up a schedule for meal delivery, and to obtain the other needed information
Suggest, where appropriate, the use of a meal website to simplify the scheduling and coordination of meals (e.g. takethemameal.com or perfectpotluck.com)
Suggest coordinating with the Mercy Ministry team to develop a means by which meals can be requested and scheduled for families and individuals the Mercy Ministry is serving
Discussion: We will need to decide who will make the determination that meals be provided for an individual or family. Meal requests will likely come through either the pastor (through prayer requests), the deacons, or the Mercy Ministry team.
Additional food support. Ensure that support is provided for other events which may periodically occur (e.g. Providence serving as host for one of the quarterly Presbytery meetings)
Restocking. Ensure the pantry is checked regularly for needs, and that the kitchen is stocked with materials and foods that are needed (budget item)
Budget Input. Ensure a budget is established annually for the hospitality ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe)