Coffee Hour Hosting Guidelines
Coffee Hour is a hospitality ministry, one in which we are encouraged to share a cup of coffee, a snack, and some unstructured, relaxed time to catch up and get to know each other better. This is not intended to be programmed time, though we may occasionally have a theme or a short presentation, e.g. North Porch Baby Shower or vestry stewardship presentation. Those occasions will be agreed upon by Rev. Paula/the vestry.
We have a coordinator, Heloisa Rooney, who is assisted by Sue Macbeth. We depend on others to host, which can be done by one or more families/persons. These guidelines are intended to clarify expectations and to help the hosts plan their offering.
Scheduling:
- The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board outside the church, to the left of the double doors to the fellowship hall. Please check the sign-up sheet before planning to host, to be sure the date you want is available. You may also call Doreen in the office for help with signing up.
- The second Sunday of the month we celebrate all birthdays and anniversaries for the month. We do this with a celebration cake and a special blessing. If you would like to include the cake in the food you bring, you are welcome to do so. If you would like some help with that, please let Heloisa know.
- Although we are designating the second Sunday of the month as our celebratory coffee hour, you may host another Sunday in honor of a special occasion in your family, e.g. birthday, anniversary, or in memory of someone you love. Please do not plan a celebration for someone in the parish without their express permission.
- If you sign-up and then are unable to host, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to help ensure there are some light refreshments available in your absence.
Set Up and Clean Up:
- Our cleaning person sets up the tables, makes the coffee, and heats the water for tea. She will also help with setting the table, though she does not take the lead.
- The host(s) set the table and places the food.
- The host(s) clears the table after Coffee Hour, distributes/disposes of the leftover food, washes and dries the dishes, and returns them to their proper places.
- Our cleaning person will re-set the room in preparation for preschool on Monday.
What to Bring:
- The parish provides the coffee, tea, and sugar/sweetener, as well as basic paper goods: cups, small plates, utensils, and napkins. If you would like particular paper goods, whether seasonal or for a special occasion, you are welcome to provide them.
- Two bottles of juice for the children and half & half/milk for the coffee.
- ❖ Food of your choice, expecting 35 to 50 people. This can be as simple as cheese and crackers, or more elaborate. Remember, this is a hospitality ministry so it is more about the time spent together than the food itself, so don’t be intimidated if you do not count yourself among the cadre of experienced cooks and bakers in the parish. We will truly appreciate your offering.
- We have a number of vegetarians, as well as folks who need to eat gluten-free. We try to keep a few gluten-free snacks on hand, and appreciate additional offerings.