D.C. is a community on the move — It’s a City where folks come and go. Our place of worship changes as we go forward to the building of our new home, and we see parishioners leave us for a time and return. That’s the nature of D.C. and of St. Thomas’ Parish.
One thing that has remained constant throughout my ten years as an active member of St. Thomas’ Parish has been our Outreach partnership with Christ House. Volunteers from St. Thomas’ Parish have assembled at Christ House to provide a meal for it’s residents for well over a decade. It’s a tradition that I inherited and have embraced. Our membership has included so many of our Vestry and it’s honorable, rewarding work.
On the first Saturday of each month, St. Thomas’ Volunteers assemble to purchase groceries and create a good meal for sixty residents of Christ House. Through our Team Captain, Laura Sinram, we organize a team each month to prepare a meal and then break bread with our brothers and sisters. We meet at the Safeway on Columbia Pike at 4pm on the first Saturday and then we haul those groceries a couple of blocks to Christ House and, wow, they know we’re coming! There is excitement when they recognize us — it’s St. Thomas’ Parish! They know they’re in for something special. Our Team Captain Laura and myself plan days in advance to create a nutritious and satisfying meal for our care. We provide the best because we develop relationships with the staff, the residents and each other. We are organized and determined to provide the best. However, you don’t need to know how to cook to participate, just be wiling to help.
As I mentioned, D.C. is a transient city. Laura and I call upon St. Thomas’ Parish for new volunteers so that we can keep this long-standing tradition thriving. If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please use the form below.