Originally launched in fall 2019, St Stephen’s is excited to share one of our great joys with neighbours and friends — eating together! This monthly dinner is free and open to everyone in our community. We hope it will attract a wide-range of people from families from local daycares enjoying a break from cooking to residents of nearby apartment towers looking for a connection to the community to those who need a few free meals to make their food budgets last all month.
Although we say a short prayer of gratitude before we eat, there’s no other religious content or requirements. From time to time, there may be special worship or Christian-themed education that follows, but those opportunities will always be offered as an invitation participants can say no to.
Our desire to create a feeling of community where everyone’s contributions matter. For some, showing up will be their contribution and we will be glad to have them. For others, pitching in to help will be their contribution. Volunteers are welcome from 4:30 pm to help with set-up and final prep. We eat at 5:30 pm and there are opportunities to help with dish washing and other clean up tasks. We aim to be done with all the clean up about 7:30pm. For some, their contribution might be financial support. Donations can be made online here.
Our menus tend to be simple: a soup, stew or other “one-pot” dish, bread, salad and fruit, and dessert. A vegan option is always available.