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Emmaus Hospitality Ministry Guide


The Philosophy

As we lead people to become mature, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, we at St. John’s Episcopal Church understand the act of eating together is the highest from of human civilization. This was demonstrated in many ways as the Son of God came and lived among humankind to show how we share in the food that comes from God. Hospitality is disposed to treat people with warmth and generosity, while creating community with cordial and generous receptions.

The Scripture

The pivotal example of hospitality is explained in Luke chapter 24:28-32 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us* while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Jesus walked with the two men, but their eyes were opened when he sat at the table and offered them bread to eat with them. 

Hospitality Prayer

Gracious and loving Father, we gather to share the gifts of food we received from your bounty. We thank you for the example of your Son Jesus Our Lord, for it was in the act of hospitality that men eyes were opened. Open our hearts to be alert to embrace others who may want to participate in this wonderful ministry. As we prepare to share these gifts with the people you have sent our way, may we all realize that eye opening experience to know and to see you evermore clearer, through the love of your Son, Jesus our Lord; Amen.

The Purpose

The main focus of the hospitality ministry at St. John’s Episcopal Church is to create a hospitable environment for the church family and visitors to St. John’s. To provide a warm and friendly reception by sharing the gifts of food and drink during the traditional coffee hour and at other times as needed. We will be open to invite, music, singing, drama, spiritual teaching and any uplifting contributions that will make the hospitality hour a time of fellowship and friendship.

The Role of the Ministry Team

The role of the ministry team is to purchase, prepare, provide and participate in the breaking of bread with the church family and visitors. A continental breakfast to be served in the Parish Hall between the two main services is the main meal the team is called to offer. The breakfast will be served from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. each Sunday or at another time if the hour of the early service changes. The breakfast will continue after the 10:30 a.m. service outside the main sanctuary; weather permitting. The items required for the various meals must be donated or purchased. It is the responsibility of the hospitality ministers to seek funding or donation for the meals selected.
 

 Breakfast Menu

  • Coffee: regular and decaffeinated

  • Bottled water

  • Lemonade

  • Juices:  orange and apple

  • Bagels:  plain, whole wheat, and blueberry

  • Assorted cream cheeses

  • Cereal:  Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Cheerios

  • Milk:  Whole and Low Fat

  • Pastry:  Danish, donuts, and muffins

  • Fruit:  grapes, melon (in season), cherries, and pineapple

Other meals will be decided on an as needed basis.
 

Required On Hand Items

Utensil for use at the hospitality hour includes, but not limited to items that should be on hand:
 

Cups and paper products:

  • Hot cups 9oz

  • Cold cups 12oz

  • Napkins

  • Paper plates

  • Stirrers

  • Spoons

  • Forks

  • Knives

Beverages:

  • Regular coffee

  • Decaffeinated coffee

  • Regular tea bag

  • Powered creamer

  • Liquid cream

  • Equal, Splenda, Sweet-n-low, sugar, and salt

  • Lemonade mix

  • Ice

Planning the Continental Breakfast

The team for the day should be no less than six (6) people. Each team should have a team-leader for the day. Team should be in place one hour before the breakfast is served. The team should begin with the hospitality prayer, then proceed to set up the Parish Hall for the breakfast. Hands should be frequently washed and dry. Utensils should be inspected for cleanliness then the team should proceed to make all the beverages. The breakfast is self-service, but team members should be on hand to offer assistance to those who prefer help or are unable to help themselves.

Team should be ready to replenish items or answer questions if necessary.

 Make Coffee:

  1. Fill large coffee maker to the 50 cup mark.

  2. Use one (1) cup of ground coffee for every 10 cups.

  3. Sprinkle a tip/dash of salt on the ground coffee.

  4. Make 2 pots of decaffeinated coffee.

Make one gallon of tea. Add ice as needed.

Make one gallon of lemonade.

Set up two tables in the Parish Hall with cups, sweeteners, milk and creamer.

Cut pastries and bagels in quarters and place on the table with assorted cream cheeses.

Place sliced fruit and all other necessary items on the table along with napkins, cups, stirrers, plates, knives, forks and spoons.

The same process should be employed for the hospitality session after the 10:30 a.m. service.

Team of the day should allow enough time to break down the setup in the Parish Hall and prepare for the worshippers at the10:30 a.m. service.
 

Cleaning up

  • All items must be returned to the Parish Hall—even the trash.

  • Empty coffee maker, dump grounds in trash and rinse out. Replace in cupboard.

  • Wash out coffee pots, dry and store. They are stored on the shelf opposite the sink.

  • Wash mugs, sugar bowls, creamers, spoons, etc.

  • Dry and put away all dishes.

  • Wipe counters, stove-top, serving tables and children’s tables.

  • If necessary, sweep the floor. Make sure to leave the area clean.

  • Please close the kitchen door when you leave the kitchen.

Locking up

Locking up is the responsibility of the hospitality team. If you are the last to leave the building, please check to make sure that:

  • All stove burners are off.

  • All lights are off.

  • All equipment used for the hospitality hour is put away.

  • The doors of the Parish Hall are locked

  • The team leader for the day should make sure each person gets a call to remind him or her to be on time for set-up.

Pray after serving

We thank you Almighty God for the gift of hospitality. We thank you for the opportunity to serve your people in this way. Continue to uphold us with your love that we may serve unselfishly to your honor and your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Central Florida Diocese

1709 N. John Young Parkway Kissimmee FL 34741
Ph: (407) 847-2009   Fax: (407) 847-3671
Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm


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