Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Summer 2014 Issue | Page 13

Photos: Emily Cherry

In addition to making use of a piece of infrequently used property and welcoming
neighbors to the church, the food truck court at All Saints’, Richmond, has had the benefit
of pushing members outside of their normal comfort zones, explained Suzanne Wade, one
of the event coordinators.

company and good food. Greeters
are on hand to welcome visitors
and provide those interested with
information, and they plan on offering a
contemplative Eucharist on Wednesday
evenings – “just so that people can have
an opportunity to get some spiritual
refreshment, as well,” said Wingo.

While they’re hopeful that
hosting the food truck courts might
attract new members, that’s not the
end goal. “We are definitely
hoping to grow the church,”
said Wingo. But “whether
the church grows numerically
or not … anytime you show
Christian hospitality, it’s going
to be important.”

The members of All
Saints’, Richmond, also show
its hospitality to visitors in
the form of a food truck
court. Now in its second year,
the congregation is seeing
some growth, with equal
numbers of parishioners and
non-parishioners swelling the
ranks of hungry guests. April
Cain and Suzanne Wade, All
Saints’ parishioners, have
been the primary organizers
of the effort, which includes
coordinating with one of the
local organizations of food
truck vendors on the logistics.

In fact, All Saints’
sees its ministry as one that serves
the vendors, by supporting small
entrepreneurs. The churches don’t
charge the vendors to use their space.

For the Rev. Brent Melton,
rector, part of the draw of the food
truck court is the evangelism factor,
and the ability to “meet [people] on
common ground, outside of Sunday,”
he explained. A hospitality tent greets
newcomers, and the church invites local
musical acts to perform.

It’s also been an exciting way to
breathe new life into the property during
a traditionally quiet season. “Having
been a parishioner here forever, I just
loved seeing this piece of property being
used,” said Wade. t

Summer 2014 / Virginia Episcopalian

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