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Feeding hope, faith, and love | |
Jessica,
It's hard to believe that just 12 months ago we were submitting our paperwork to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit. We knew that we were being called to use food & biblical hospitality as a means for building community, providing hope, and sharing love with those around us, BUT...we prayed that God would show us the who, what, when, where, why, and how of that mission. And, as always, He has been faithful! He has opened doors, directed paths, and in just one year, accomplished far more than we could have ever imagined.
The Ivy Table's 2022 Year in Review
40+ volunteers
300+ financial partners
14,000+ meals donated
21,000+ pounds of food donated
Lives touched in 2 different countries,
8,500+ miles apart
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Year End Tax Receipts were mailed!
If you made a donation to The Ivy Table in 2022, and did not receive a letter, please contact us immediately.
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One World Everybody Eats
Earlier this month, Sandy and Barb represented The Ivy Table at the One World Everybody Eats summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. One World Everybody Eats is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing food security and building community through a nonprofit pay-what-you-can restaurant model. While there, Barb and Sandy had the opportunity to meet with and learn from a variety of individuals who have successfully launched pay-what-you-can cafes. These cafes were located from Texas to South Dakota, Colorado to New York. Some have only been in operation for 1 year, others have been around for 18.
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While they didn't quite get the sunshine and warm weather that they were hoping for, it was a very beneficial experience. The conference provided many details on how to get a café started, as well as some of the most common challenges once it is in operation. It also provided resources and actionable steps that will help us discern how bringing a model like this to Livingston County may benefit our community.
Perhaps even more importantly however, the weekend reaffirmed to us the importance of building community, investing time with others, and being a dependable resource/support. Providing a warm and nutritious meal without barriers is a tangible way that The Ivy Table helps those in need. But, throughout the weekend, we were reminded that we ALL have the power to make a difference in this world through our daily interactions with those around us, by simply treating others with dignity and care and by making them feel welcomed and respected.
We were thankful for the opportunity to learn more about the pay-what- you-can cafè concept, and The Ivy Table will continue to walk through doors as God leads, but it was also a great reminder of the power of kindness, compassion, patience, and love.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive as the Lord forgave you. But over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14
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The Unavoidable Costs of Ministry
Although we are still a 100% volunteer run organization, doing everything possible to keep overhead costs to a minimum, as we continue to establish ourselves, certain administrative expenses have become unavoidable. We have reached a point where we have been advised by very trusted mentors to invest in General Liability Insurance, Officers & Directors Insurance, a CRM Program to manage our donors, and an experienced Nonprofit Accountant. While paying these expenses feels like a diversion from the work that we have been called to do, we realize they are unavoidable costs of doing ministry.
God has always provided what we need, and we walk forward with faith and assurance that He will continue to do so. Realistically, however, for budgeting purposes, having a more regular income stream would be very beneficial to us.
Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter of The Ivy Table. Your generosity will not only help cover the necessary administrative costs of our ministry, but will also help to us to grow, and reach even more hungry souls.
Reoccurring monthly donations by major credit card can be set up using the Donate link below. Checks can also be mailed to 8358 Airport Lane, Brighton MI 48114.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Join us Jan 28-Feb 14 as we bring The Ivy Table to Thailand!
As a result of the overwhelming response we received from our "To Thailand, With Love" project this Christmas, Jessica will be returning to Thailand THIS SATURDAY, January 28 to do ministry work on behalf of The Ivy Table. Among other things, she will be
- meeting with our local Thai charity partners
- doing food distributions and other service projects for those in need
- collecting photos and videos for our upcoming Sunday Suppers
- setting the foundation for an Ivy Table missions trip in early 2024
Please join us in praying over this trip, and follow The Ivy Table's Facebook page during these two weeks for daily updates and postings from Jessica. Experience Thailand for yourself, as she shares both the beauty and the brokenness of this incredible country.
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Mark your Calendar
Our very first Sunday Supper is just over a month away now. Set aside time to join us on Sunday, March 12 to share a meal, hear updates on our ministry in Thailand, and help underprivileged students there receive an education with our 'Pie for Pi' dessert event. More information coming next month!
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Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to become involved in any part of our ministry.
Jessica, Barb, and Sandy
The Ivy Table
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