July Fourth, 2013: Sharing a “Cup of Cold Water” at the parade

Members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Orinda, had our table up again this year for our community’s annual Fourth of July parade, giving out cold water to grateful parade-watchers.  We’ve done this for five years in a row now!

Here was our investment:

• Willing, happy members to serve
• Table
• Pitchers of ice water
• Cups

That is the heart of it.  With these simple items, we were able to actively share with our community a glimpse of who we are.  As a result of this simple kindness, there were some opportunities for a few conversations about what we believe and what we do, share a Sentinel or Monitor, invite to a Wednesday meeting.  Folks were also very grateful for the use of our restroom facilities.

Christian basis:

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Matt 10:42

“Giving a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, is a Christian service.” … “Millions of unprejudiced minds — simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert — are waiting and watching for rest and drink.  Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences… Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks.”

From pages 436 and 570 of Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy

Here are a few more details, in case you may want to do something similar.

Set-up:

• 10’ x10’ Canopy
• 6-8’ table
• Tablecloth (plastic)
• Banner (Ours says: “A Cup of Cold Water…”)
• “FREE WATER”  signs for the sidewalk
• Sign identifying who we are, for the pouring table
• Bungee cords for banner
• Clear packing tape for signs
• 2 trash containers
• Box or bag holding extra cups (put under the table)

Preparation items:

• Cutting board and knife for cutting fruit (Or have it already sliced, but not too small.)
• 100 lbs of crushed ice, in 10 lb or so bags apiece for easy handling (We used about 60 lbs this year.)
• 3-4 ice chests to store ice, one to hold emptied bags of ice, ready to scoop to fill pitchers
• Ice scoop (or sturdy cup)
• Hammer (optional, in case ice is frozen together.)

The pour:

A note here on this:  An important part of this thirst-quenching and satisfying offering is the actual handing of a cup, freshly poured, cold, beautiful, and delicious, into the waiting hands of someone who wants it.  This is not about folks grabbing small plastic water bottles, or self-service.  It is about a real connection, brief but loving.  So all those qualities are important: cold, beautiful, delicious, served with a smile.

• Cups (260 or so served this year; – recyclable, and we also filled many people’s water bottles.)
• 6-9 clear pitchers (Rented for $2 apiece from our local party rental place.)
• Inside each pitcher:
  • Several slices of orange
  • Several slices of lemon
  • Couple sprigs of mint
  • Couple sprigs of lavender
  • Couple of strawberries, cut in half, or other red fruit
  • Ice above fruit, filled to top
  • Water over all

People needed:

• 3-4 to set up and put away
• 3-4 servers
• 1-2 refillers, people who are ready to refill pitchers with ice and water, in a convenient and clean place, preferably not immediately at the serving table, but not far away.  That place will have a water source and place to scoop ice into pitchers.  When we first began this, we used our flower-room area, since it had a deep sink.  We have since moved into our Sunday School foyer, which has a hospitality center, including a sink.
• 1 person taking pictures

We had about 6 people that did these jobs, trading off, and several more that contributed by bringing ice chests, lemons, or other helpful tasks.

For children:

This can be a helpful table for little ones before the parade starts, primarily.

• Short children’s coloring table
• Short chairs
• Appropriately-themed freedom drawing papers
• Paper weights if windy (smooth rocks or books)
• Felt pens or crayons

Additional “Cold water”:

• 2^nd canopy
• 2^nd table
• 2^nd table cloth
• Sign introducing ourselves as a community of healers, with welcome to services info
• Red, white, and blue flowers in vase
• Free Christian Science Monitors
• Free Christian Science Sentinels

Other niceties:

• Dog water bowl
• Use of restroom facilities—greatly appreciated!—Make sure they are clean, well-stocked, and inviting, if offering this amenity.

We were very happy to share over 260 cups of cold water this year!