Slideshow image

Saturday, May 30th saw the return of HTC’s meal ministry. Our long-time Thursday breakfast has migrated to Saturday brunch to fill a need in New Westminster’s community meals. Because of physical distancing protocols, we can’t do our usual sit down meal, so we’ve converted it to take away.

Our Deacon, the Rev. Carole Neilson, described her favorite moments as seeing the long-time volunteers back with a few new faces, and seeing the guests again. As the first brunch, we expected numbers to be low, which they were. But we discovered that a close by shelter has two floors where longer term residents manage their own meals, so we were happy to be able to bring bagged brunch to them.

Carole expects that numbers will stay modest until we are able to go back to having a sit down meal. Social contact is an important element of this ministry.

One innovation that Carole is looking forward to is the implementation of a new physical distancing aid: four bright orange pool noodles that will help remind volunteers and guests to stay 2 meters apart. We may incorporate them into Sunday liturgy. (Don’t tell Richard.)

Overall, Carole feels very fortunate that we have been able to reach out into the community again. She put it this way: “We have to be there for the community. We exist for the people outside our door. We have to share by action what we believe our faith is all about—love God and love your neighbour.”