› Open Table Saturday at Chester Eastside
Weekly meal hosted by Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, beginning Saturday, January 18
› Open Table Saturday at Chester Eastside
Weekly meal hosted by SPC, beginning Saturday, January 18
Many in this congregation know well the deep and impactful ministry of Chester Eastside (CEI).
has been in partnership with CEI for many years, supporting the food pantry, clothing closet, after school programming, summer camp, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gift exchange and much more. Just over a year ago, CEI revitalized their hot meal program into what they now call Open Table. Open Table welcomes the community three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), for anyone to come in for a nutritious hot meal. It is a unique space where community is built among guests and volunteers, where all are treated with dignity and care.
It is a thrill then to share with you that with the trust and support of staff of Chester Eastside, SPC will host an extension of the Open Table ministry to include a weekly meal on Saturdays (Yes! Every Saturday!). Much like the meal during the week, the main entree on Saturdays will be catered by a local business owner, Everybody Eats Philly, and Chester Eastside, of course, will be the location. SPC volunteers will help to manage set-up, including preparation of space and accompanying food (salad, desserts, and drinks, with materials provided by Chester Eastside), as well as distribution of the meal, companionship during the meal and clean up afterwards. As well as these functional roles, SPC will fulfill the most significant role of being hosts for the guests who come—providing a warm welcome, conversation, and a safe place. The Outreach Committee has committed funds to cover the costs associated with the meal, and we will work closely with the staff and guests at Chester Eastside to help extend their mission with our willing hearts and hands.
The Call at this Early Stage is for Volunteers!
Each week we will need 4-5 volunteers to help Open Table Saturday run well. This is an opportunity for parents with their children or youth, for young adults, for adults and older adults—with the hope that you might be inspired to volunteer on a regular basis (whatever “regular” might look like to you!). We also want this to be an opportunity for the wider community, so this is a chance to invite your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues, any who might be interested as we serve food while also getting to know one another in more meaningful ways.
Calling All Volunteers!
Volunteer Sign-Up
If you have completed the volunteer orientation, we encourage you to sign up to help. You can choose your date(s) and role preferred, knowing that every role is critical to making this meal familiar to guests. All volunteers will be asked to help with set-up and clean-up. New volunteers are asked to arrive at 8:30 am for orientation, while those who have served prior may arrive closer to 9:00 am. Sign-ups thru July are available by clicking on the button below. Specific roles are as follows:
Food Service Volunteers will work primarily with just what it says, serving food to the guests as they arrive—with a generous and warm spirit. You will manage portions to make sure all are fed and help as guests request seconds or to-go boxes.
Companions are there to be present as much as anything else—welcome guests as they arrive, eat with them, start up some conversation, play with children as their parents finish, be a listening ear. You do not have to be particularly outgoing, but just willing to offer your presence as earnestly as you are able. Just think of how you like to make people feel at home when you host, and this is the spirit of being a Companion.
Floaters/Receiver of Guests will help as guests come in to keep count (training provided!) and will pitch in where needed.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, February 9 @ 11:30 am
in the Study
If you are interested in learning more, join us for our second Volunteer Orientation on Sunday, February 9 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (i.e., just after worship) in the Study. Executive Director for CEI, Rev. Andrew Jacob and Program Director Tiffany Kea will lead us, sharing the values of this meal and what you might expect as a volunteer. Anyone who has any interest in the program is encouraged to come and attend this orientation. The time will be no longer than one hour, and once you have received this, you will have the opportunity to sign up to serve on a Saturday that fits your schedule. If you want to know more or have questions, please email Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight by clicking here or call the church office at 610-543-4712.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, February 9 @ 11:30 am
in the Study
If you are interested in learning more, join us for our second Volunteer Orientation on Sunday, February 9 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (i.e., just after worship) in the Study. Executive Director for CEI, Rev. Andrew Jacob and Program Director Tiffany Kea will lead us, sharing the values of this meal and what you might expect as a volunteer. Anyone who has any interest in the program is encouraged to come and attend this orientation. The time will be no longer than one hour, and once you have received this, you will have the opportunity to sign up to serve on a Saturday that fits your schedule. Questions? If you want to know more or have questions, please email Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight via the button below or call the church office at 610-543-4712.
