Serve the Poor, Serve Christ.
Matthew 25:33-40
“33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
Overview:
Dedicated to SERVING the poor, not “feeding” the poor, Remnant Cafe was founded by Tammy Burns, the Homeless Ministry Director, who has been dedicated to homeless ministry in Sarasota for 26+ years, with her husband, Frank Burns, Medical Administrator of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, who is also Pastor of Remnant Church (non-denominational).
Remnant Cafe is a homeless outreach of Remnant Church (Non-Denominational). The Cafe is open four days a week for those who are currently experiencing homelessness. They can receive free coffee, a freshly prepared meal, hot showers, clean clothes, help with applications and forms, and a respite from the streets.
The cafe regularly serves 100+ homeless people at a time, including help with clothes, shoes, finding work, rehabilitation, shelter in times of extreme weather, showers, bathrooms, and to simply be treated for one’s inherent worth as someone made in the image of God.
Safety:
- Any individuals needing help are ONLY admitted to the building once they pass inspection at the door for anything dangerous, signs of intoxication, any drugs, or alcohol.
- Security cameras are always running and cover the entire premises.
- Remnant Cafe currently has families with children as young as 6, serving the poor regularly with them. However, children must be accompanied by an adult at ALL times.
- Any needy individual who breaks the safety and drug/alcohol rules is suspended/banned from visiting the cafe.
- No one serving the poor has been seriously injured or hurt in over 26 years of providing service to the poor at Remant Cafe.
Partners:
The cafe holds long-lasting relationships with the medical and social work community, local police, and local government authorities, as well as many private donors, churches, and local businesses (Wawa, Panera, Detweilers, Publix, etc).
Note: Up to 10 people max can work/serve at one time slot. (Starting with a small group is recommended)
Types of Service:
- Serving meals (serving meals to homeless people directly at the cafe)
- Preparing/Delivering Meals – (prepare food off-site and bring day-of – schedule with Basil)
- Cleaning /Organizing – (coordinate with Tammy)
- Clothing “Store” (organizing/distributing – each person can have two items from each section)
- Toiletries – Donating and/or organizing/distribution
- Canned/nonperishable food donations (only foods that you yourself would eat or serve to your family)
- Creative ministries such as weaving/distributing “blanket-mats” for warmth/comfort, etc. (coordinate with Basil)
Location:
2895 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
Note: Park on the side of the building (enter through the kitchen; there is a sign on the outside. Ask for either Tammy Burns or Anne Weidler when you arrive.
Days/Hours of Service available:
Wednesday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm (Coffee/Pastries and Lunch)
Saturday – 11:30 am – 3:00 (Coffee/Pastries and Lunch) – Dinner 3:30-6:30 pm
Please let us know what day(s) and time(s) when/if you would like to serve, or if you have any questions or ideas! – Text 941-357-0791
