Andy Close
Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church is once again sponsoring the Holiday Hot Meals program on Christmas Day.
Over 200 shut-ins and others in need in Warren and Forest County will receive meals of ham, potatoes, veggies, rolls, and homemade dessert, delivered with a healthy helping of Christian love. The ministry features members of Trinity along with partners from many other area churches preparing, packaging, and delivering meals on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the day before Easter each year.
Trinity is especially delighted to have First Lutheran church partnering with them this year, as they not only helped to secure a grant for the program but also welcomed the ministry to use their beautiful kitchen to produce the meals.
The ministry began over 20 years ago with two members of Trinity bringing prepackaged turkey dinners out to a few shut-ins in the local community on Thanksgiving morning. It grew rapidly as more people offered ideas and resources. Now, names of recipients are obtained through local agencies, including Experience, Inc., Hospice of Warren County, UPMC, and Hickory Creek Health Care. Donations from area churches and especially the Warren Gives online fundraiser support the effort.
Volunteers are always gladly accepted to help with the meals, especially with the packing and delivery work. Learn more at Trinity’s website or by contacting the church through email ([email protected]) or voicemail (814-723-9360).
Pandemic info
Trinity’s and First Lutheran’s leadership developed the pandemic plan for the ministry. Steps to both protect volunteers and recipients include limiting the number of meal production volunteers allowed in the kitchen and dining area to ten, universal use of masks (over the nose), requiring drivers to sanitize hands before each delivery and wear masks, and moving to prepackaged desserts. These steps are in addition to all ServeSafe-expected steps in food production and delivery that are always followed.
Background info
Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church has ministered to the Warren County area since 1861. Along with their sister congregation St. Francis of Assisi of Youngsville, they make up the Episcopal Mission of Warren County, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Trinity’s current home at 444 Pennsylvania Avenue West is its second building in its history and was built in 1896. The Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Scott serves at Trinity’s 16th priest-in-charge. More information about Trinity is available at its website, www.trinitywarren.org, or at its Facebook page.
