When: Sunday, October 15th (Usually the third Sunday in January, April, July & October.) We leave the church at 6:20 A.M. sharp.
Where: Meet @ SVUMC @ 6:00 A.M. (Door by Wesley Hall & kitchen) and leave by 6:20 A.M. We will caravan to ASC using personal vehicles. The Shelter is located at 1717 Jeffries Street, east of Downtown Dallas. We will be back at the church by 8:00 A.M. Dress casually.
What do I bring? (EACH VOLUNTEER IS TO PROVIDE 24 SANDWICHES/ 24 FRUIT/ 24 EGGS/ 24 BAGS)
24 Sandwiches Example: Salami/Cheese, Ham/Cheese, Peanut Butter/Jelly, etc. Please place the sandwich in individual sandwich bags. Please do not use mayonnaise, mustard, or other spreads. Many people save their sandwiches for later, and sandwich spreads can quickly spoil. Please be generous with portions, as this may be the only meal the person will have all day. Mustard and mayo packets may be placed in the sandwich bag. Hamburger buns are suggested for use as sandwich bread. Please do not put lettuce and tomato on the sandwich, as this will make the bread soggy. You are encouraged to label the sandwich bag with the type of sandwich. Like you and me, the Shelter residents have personal preferences, and labeling makes the selection process easier for both the residents and the volunteers.
24 Pieces of "Soft" Fruit Example: Bananas, Oranges, Plums, Grapes, etc. Many people have dental problems and cannot chew hard fruits like apples.
24 Hard-boiled eggs Tip: Save your carton to bring your eggs. 24 Plastic Grocery Sacks: These are used by residents to carry their meal items. Optional items include bottled water, cookies, candy, and cereal bars. FOOD ITEMS MAY BE DROPPED OFF AT THE CHURCH KITCHEN (BY WESLEY HALL) ON SATURDAY BEFORE NOON. PLEASE MAKE SURE ITEMS ARE CLEARLY MARKED “Austin Street.”
What to expect: Once at the Shelter, SVUMC volunteers will group sandwiches, fruits together, etc. People at the Shelter will proceed through a line and select one egg, one fruit, and one sandwich of their choice. Sacks will be used for them to carry their meal. "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25: 45-46 SVUMC participates with other area churches in providing a meal every quarter for those homeless persons who need ASC services. The following is some background information on ASC, as excerpted from the ASC website (at www.austinst.org) Austin Street Centre for the Homeless continues its mission as a residential, pastoral care program offering help and hope to 350+ men, women, and children each day. The Centre centers on an atmosphere of a Christian caring community. It is a safe, clean, comfortable environment for those who wish to escape the streets and need help returning to the larger community. People staying at the Centre are provided with basic needs such as food, showers, clothing, personal items, and over-the-counter medications. One hundred twenty different churches, schools, and service organizations provide food. In addition to the basics, Austin St. offers medical and psychiatric clinics. Please let me know if you plan on delivering and serving the food this weekend.
Yours in Christ, Jim Veach.
