Room in the Inn Ministry at St. Stephen United Methodist Church

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OVERNIGHT HOSTS
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Arrive at the church no later than 6:00pm on Friday/Saturday night. At least 1 of the 2 overnighters must be a MALE. Families are welcome to participate together, including children spending the night.
Wear comfortable clothing, as you will be sleeping in them overnight. Bring personal toiletry articles. Sleeping bags are suggested, but not required for bedding.
PLEASE HAVE EACH VOLUNTEER READ or RE-READ “Guidelines for Volunteers” located on the outside of the cabinet door in the Fireside Room kitchen.
Familiarize yourself with the thermostat and, if necessary, keep the fan running at all times for circulation. Turn Fan to "ON" vs. "AUTO" - switch on bottom of thermostat. Please do not alter any other function as the settings are preset. For facility problems (e.g., alarm going off, heating/cooling problems), call Clonnie Lambert – (704) 542-9809.
Assist with any set-up and other preparations to be done prior to the arrival of Guests.
Welcome Guests upon arrival and deliver an introduction of both overnight hosts. Review: The Guest transportation form/list provided to the Van Driver by the Urban Ministry Center. Confirm that Guests present match those on the list. Only Guests on the list should be allowed to stay. Please call the Urban Ministry Center if there is a problem. Have: Each Guest and volunteer complete a name tag. Discuss: (a) general rules, (b) the schedule, and (c) the layout of the RITI area of the Church -- toiletries, restrooms, showers, etc.

NOTES:
a. Invite Guests to wash-up as soon as they arrive.
b. SHOWERS are available for Guests. Due to a small hot water heater, recommend that Guests stagger their showers.
c. Advise Guests that a designated smoking area is located outside of the side Fireside Room doors.
d. Mention that Bibles and devotionals are available for Guests to take and/or read.
e. Mention that donated books are also available for Guests to take.
Provide a prayer prior to each meal (or ask another volunteer or Guest).
After dinner, coordinate social time with Guests (e.g., movies, games, participation in applicable church activities, if available). Many Guests may choose to go directly to bed. Lights in the Fireside Room may be adjusted accordingly to dim the sleeping vs. social areas.
Everyone should be in bed at the time specified, typically around 10:00pm.
Awaken Guests early enough to allow ample time for breakfast at 7:15am, clean-up, and loading of the van at 7:45am.
Act as the point person throughout the night and morning to keep tasks on schedule and to resolve any difficulties.
If a Guest becomes ill and requires hospitalization, call 911. If a personal situation gets out of control, you may ask a Guest to leave the premises. You can and should also call 911, if and as warranted. However, even if a difficulty is handled on-site, please call or email Congregational Coordinator Brian Barger so that the Urban Ministry Center is appropriately notified.
Prior to your departure from church:
a. Make sure bags of trash are taken to the main dumpster located behind the youth wing.
b. Wipe off counter tops in both restrooms, throw away leftover soap, shampoo, etc.
c. Place toiletry baskets and videos/games back in the RITI closet where toiletries are stored.
d. Return any Church keys to the Drop In Coordinator.

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