Twice a month, you will find Jonathan “JC” Cody and a team of volunteers in Piatt Park, located across
from the main library in downtown Cincinnati. They arrive with pans of hot food and hearts ready to
serve. While volunteers set up, JC can be found greeting each person, checking in with regular attenders
and asking for prayer requests.

JC is the founder of Team Hope, a ministry of Shiloh United Methodist Church. This ministry now
includes a broad coalition of servants from other community churches, a Christian Motorcycle Club, local
businesses, and individuals who were once unhoused themselves.

Each Team Hope event begins with worship. At that time, JC lifts up the prayer requests he received moments
earlier offering each concern to God. Recently, the Sacrament of Communion has been offered to everyone.
The purpose of Team Hope is to provide a hot, well-balanced, meal while building community and sharing
the love of Christ. All meals are thoughtfully prepared and include a protein such as beef, chicken or salmon,
vegetables, starches, fruit and a special treat.

As people come through the line to receive their food, JC can be heard saying, “Thank you for letting us
serve you today.”

After a recent meal, Team Hope servants spent time listening and praying with people, leading several to
Christ. “We are bringing Christ to people who would never come to the church,” JC said.

Through Team Hope, JC and his team are living out the gospel by meeting people where they are. By
offering both physical and spiritual nourishment, they create a space where everyone feels valued and
loved, demonstrating that God’s grace and compassion extend to all.