1. Hope has been cooperating with St. Peter's Episcopal Church in providing Friday evening meals to their neighbors, 4 times a year, since February 2001. Other churches and groups in this area also take their turn, but a committee from St. Peter's coordinates this outreach.

2. In the 9 years we have taken on this responsibility, we have always had exceptional cooperation and enthusiasm and lots of FUN!

3. Sign up sheets and foil pans are set out 2 weeks prior.

4. The MOST DIFFICULT time is 4-5 PM on those Friday nights when the food and supplies are transported to St. Peter's from Hope and have to be taken up 2 flights of stairs, tables set, and prepared, pans strategically placed in the ovens. At our last meal Nicolas Hedderman and Ryan Rifenburg (confirmands), along with 3 other "older" couples were wonderful helpers starting at 4 PM.

5. The BEST TIME is 5:30-6:30 PM, serving the food and feeling the gratefulness of the clients. The dishwasher crew during this time is hard at work in the kitchen, led by our own stand-up comedian and his appreciative teammates.

6. The WORST TIME is cleaning up and leaving the large hall in spotless condition, chairs and tables are arranged for their Sunday activities, however, when there are many hands this only takes about 45 minutes, so we are usually finished by about 7:15 PM.
 
 

1. The wonderful cooperation and enthusiasm has made for overcrowding in the kitchen and dining room. Last meal there were about 37 persons there from Hope, when only 18-20 are needed to make things run smoothly. Six people were sent home and many had nothing to do, so that can be rather discouraging.

2. The "regulars" need to take a break once in a while and let some new persons experience this outreach. However, we know who you are and will call if more persons are needed, especially in June when everyone is busy with school activities.

3. The "helper" sign up sheets, must be accurate - if you sign up please be there by 5 PM the latest. If you bring food from home and plan to stay, please also sign up on the "help" list so you can be expected

4. In January St. Peter's coordinator was so impressed with our young people she suggested they take a more active role and be in the serving line instead of in the background. Therefore, CONFIRMANDS AND H.S. YOUTH, if you sign up, we will definitely try and put you on the serving line. If your parents plan to stay, they must also sign up.

5. Think about coming just to help with set up, from 4-4:45 PM.

THANKS TO ALL WHO "REACH-OUT"