On Thursday, October 9, members of Christ the King Church will serve dinner for the Texas Medical Center patients and members of their families staying at the Human Resources Development Foundation's hospitality apartments — 60 people in all. Christ the King Church members have been supporting the apartments for more than 20 years. "It is very sobering," says Naomi Nelson. "Many of these people are being treated for cancer on an out-patient basis. They are very weak; but as they stand in line, they are so appreciative." "The people are so grateful," says Helen Viereck. "Serving them is such an honor." Christ the King Church is one of about 20 churches supporting the foundation, which started with a single rented apartment in 1968. Last year, Christ the King Church members provided more financial support for the hospitality apartments than any other congregation. Guests, who are referred by social workers at the Medical Center institutions, are not charged any rent during their stays, which average seven weeks. The apartments are almost always full. "I have worked in the Medical Center for almost 30 years," Naomi says. "I see a lot of people who find medical treatment to be very expensive." Naomi said her nurse's training led her to serve bland food the first time she planned the dinner. "Helen convinced me that this is a celebration for the guests, something they were looking forward to. We've served spicy food ever since." Guiding the foundation is Joe Hightower, a Rice University chemical engineering professor who still bakes a loaf of sourdough bread for each arriving family. "He always arranges some entertainment so we can interact with the guests after dinner," Helen says. "This is so rewarding. If more people knew about this, I am sure we would have a waiting list for people wanting to help." "The apartments are so close to Christ the King Church, but it is a well-kept secret," Naomi says. "If we truly believe we are witnesses to those in need, this is a concrete way to help. "There is just a lot of grace in that meal we share with them."
Those providing food may either join other diners at the apartments or bring their dishes to the church offices by 5:30 p.m. before the meal.
Please call Naomi Nelson if you are interested in contributing food and/or informal music or entertainment. It will be an exceptional evening for you.