Open Table
Overview:
The Church of the Incarnation’s street-side sign at our entrance best describes the sentiment behind our ‘Open Table’ ministry: “ALL ARE WELCOME.”
Open Table is a welcoming ministry that opens Incarnation’s doors to 75-125 individuals from the neighboring street community, providing breakfast and a safe respite from the elements every Sunday morning between 6:30am and 8:00am. We serve hot coffee, fruit juice, milk, cereal and oatmeal, boiled eggs, beans and rice and other hot casserole-type dishes, and sandwiches. We also provide sandwiches and fruit our guests can take away for their lunch.
We do not just offer food. We invite these people into our parish hall. We sit down and drink coffee with our guests, we talk with them, we get to know them, and most importantly, we ‘see’ them. We recognize them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Everyone involved in this ministry has gained a personal insight into the plight of the hungry and homeless and has been overwhelmed by the gratitude and graciousness of our guests.
How to Help:
There are many ways you can participate in this ministry. You can shop, prepare food at home, host and serve on Sunday mornings, help clean up, donate money, lead a song on Sunday. If you would like to get more information about Open Table and volunteering, contact opentable@incarnation-sr.org
We are always interested in talking with stores that can either donate food or sell us staples at cost.
Other Needs:
Our guests often lack the most basic of necessities. We can always use your donations of:
• City and County Bus tickets
• Small- personal-size deodorants
• Razors
• Fingernail clippers
• Hand and bath towels
• Hand sanitizer (pocket size)
• Lip balm
• Lightweight vinyl ponchos
• Sleeping bags and small vinyl tarps
Clothing and gear for men:
• Jeans
• Weather protection jackets/parkas
• Gloves
• Socks, especially white
• Tee Shirts
• Underwear
• Shoes and boots in good condition
• Baseball caps
These items can be dropped off at Church of the Incarnation’s Welcome Center (attention Open Table) between 9:00am and 12noon, Tuesday through Friday.
Tax deductible donations of cash or check are gratefully received at: Church of the Incarnation (memo: Open Table), 550 Mendocino Avenue – Santa Rosa CA 95401.
From the Rector
Worship Services
We offer 3 Sunday Services:
- 8 am - Traditional
- 9:15 am - More informal and family-oriented
- 11:15 am - More formal with classical chior