For many years the parish of Christ Episcopal Church, East Norwalk, had quietly opened its doors each night of the year as an overflow site, hosting 50-60 male guests of the Open Door Shelter of Norwalk. 

On a frigid Christmas Eve of 2010, Don Burr wondered with the Vicar, between services, what more could be done to develop a relationship with the silent and often invisible overnight guests.  After consulting with shelter management, and learning that all hot breakfasts had been cut from the shelter budget, a plan of action was presented.  Upon reflection, a small group (supported by the Vicar and Vestry) decided to explore idea of sharing a monthly hot breakfast.

The first Hungry Man Breakfast took place, in the parish hall of Christ Church, on the morning of Sunday, March 20, 2011.  The Hungry Man Breakfast later evolved into the Hungry Soul Breakfast when the overflow site was no-longer needed and the breakfast increased from serving 50-60 men at the church to serving and estimated 150 breakfasts to all residents at the Open Door Shelter.

If you are interested in finding out more regarding the Hungry Soul model, please register now and join us on February 16!

MISSED A LIVE CONVERSATION? WATCH THE RECORDING ONLINE:

• January 19 - Foot Care Ministry with Bonnie Matthews - View Recording Here
• Dec 15, 2016 - Preaching with the Bible in One Hand and the Newspaper in the Other with The Rev Deacon Sudie Blanchard - View Recording Here 
• Nov 17, 2016 - Rebirthing Campus Ministry with The Venerable Jan Grinnell - View Recording Here
• Oct 20, 2016 - Laundry Love with The Rev Deacon Jane Griesbach and the Rev Meredyth Ward - View Recording Here 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FUTURE CONVERSATIONS

• Mar 16 - Preparing for the End of Life - Lucy  Pellegrini, VT

Deacons Talking on the Road to Emmaus is a web based way for deacons to walk with each other and share stories in hope of inspiring, supporting and renewing diaconal ministries. It is inspired by the story of Cleopas and another disciple who, after recounting all that they had experienced while walking on the road to Emmaus with a stranger, recognized Jesus in their midst (Luke 24:13-32). Jesus' presence led them to release their fear and grief, return to Jerusalem to share their experience of the resurrected Christ with the gathered community, and renew their ministry with confidence.

Sponsored by the New England Deacons Network and the Episcopal Province of New England (Province I), these free, live, interactive web conferences will occur monthly on the third Thursday, 7:00 -8:15 pm and feature deacons sharing stories from their ministries, exploring case studies, offering peer wisdom and feedback, and exchanging mutual support.

Register Now!