Elgin Vineyard expands homeless breakfast ministry

Saturday morning breakfast is now being offered at Vineyard Church of Elgin for the homeless and other under-resourced individuals.

Since the homeless breakfast ministry was started many years ago at Vineyard, it was always a weekday operation.

Other area church teams, school groups and even a band of neighbors have provided invaluable support in making sure some 60 people are fed every weekday morning.

Now that Saturday has been added to the schedule, more volunteers are needed to provide meals.

"Helping with the breakfast is a way to remember and serve the poor in a safe environment," said David McMorris, breakfast coordinator. "As they start their day, our guests can come in from the outside elements, be encouraged and fed and get a good start on the day. Seeing us six days a week for breakfast also gives them a sense of home that they may not have otherwise.

"It's an ecumenical type of ministry, so different parts of the body of Christ participate," McMorris said. "We have a common denominator in remembering the poor."

Signing up for the breakfast ministry allows a congregation or other group to participate in serving at a doable pace.

McMorris is looking for teams to commit to bring either 30 or 60 meals just once a month - either on a Saturday or whenever there is a fifth Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in a month. He also could use a few more volunteers to help with serving and clean-up.

For details, contact McMorris at dmcmorr@gmail.com or (847) 224-9149.

During the Advent season, Elgin Vineyard has been enjoying a sermon series titled "Inbreaking: The Kingdom Come at Christmas." Mark Foshager, a former mission worker, will preach this Sunday, Dec. 16, on "The Power of Joy."

The church is located at 220 Division St. Services are at 9 and 11 a.m. Those who come early can grab a free cup of coffee from the wide selection available a half-hour before each service begins.

For information, call the church office at (847) 697-8001, visit www.elginvineyard.com or view the church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ElginVineyard.