Sunday Worship 10:30
All are Welcome
2225 New Street, Burlington, ON
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LUKE
DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON COMMUNITY LUNCH
The Ministry is now in its 2nd year and is growing. This ministry is filling a community need and BBC was a financial partner in 2014 contributing $750 (approximately 10%) toward the lunch costs. The appreciation for BBC’s support is captured in this feedback from the Coordinator: “please convey my appreciation - and that of St Luke’s Church – to your congregation for the generous donation toward the operating expenses…..our lunch provides a welcoming friendly atmosphere where all kinds of people can join together for a meal and conversation – thanks to your supportive partnership in 2014. The ministry ended 2014 with a small surplus which will go toward the planned growth in 2015.
At the recent Annual Meeting, BBC was represented by Dawn Yarker - CCO Team member. Dawn reports that the planning and administration seems to be efficient and many favourable comments from lunch Guests indicates the difference the lunches make in their lives – comments such as:
● I liked everything about the way I was treated with courtesy and respect
● The lunch is great for seniors to have camaraderie – meeting new people in the town- it’s very special
14 lunches were held on Thursdays in 2014 (and that number will increase to 20 in 2015.) Over 1000 meals were served to 525 Guests. The scope of the ministry is planned to increase by 50% in 2015. In 2015, BBC will again contribute $750. The funds will come from CCOT local outreach budget and also from BBC’s Benevolent Fund. In addition, there is a desire for Volunteers to assist with the meal process (similar to the Community Dinners at Wellington Square) - or for Volunteers to just come, eat, and mix with the Guests in a respectful, friendly and welcoming way – sometimes just sharing a meal and being a good listener can make a world of difference to a lonely person.
If you have any interest in this valuable Volunteering opportunity, please contact Dawn or any member of the CCO Team and she / they will assist in making the initial contacts. This is separate from the ongoing and equally important Community Dinners Ministry in which BBC has been a financial and volunteer partner now for over 5 years. -Milt MacLean – CCOT Co-Chair
