We love planning opportunities where people can gather, connect, serve, laugh, and enjoy being together. Some of programming includes food that is designed to make things welcoming and fun.

At the same time, food has become an increasingly personal issue for many families. People make all kinds of different choices about what they eat. Some avoid certain dyes, oils, sugars, meats, ingredients, brands, allergens, or processed foods. Others are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, dye-free, organic-only, low-sugar, keto, paleo, low-carb, or have other convictions about what they do and do not eat.

Yes – We encourage all to use wisdom with what they consume.

However, it is important to be clear: 

New Chapel cannot reasonably accommodate every individual food preference, dietary conviction, medical concern, allergy sensitivity, brand preference, ingredient concern, or family food standard at every church event. 

When New Chapel provides food, we will do our best to choose options that are practical, affordable, broadly enjoyable, and appropriate for the event. Please understand, it’s not reasonable to expect New Chapel to provide a customized menu that meets every household’s standard or preference.

• If someone has a gluten allergy, that person should make plans to accommodate their needs.
• If someone has a peanut allergy, and the refined peanut oil in complementary Chik Fil’A might create a concern, that person or family should plan accordingly.
• If someone deals with sugar diabetes, they should make plans to accommodate their needs.
• Whether someone is vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, low-sugar, or simply has strong preferences about ingredients, we ask them to make whatever arrangements are necessary for their needs.

This distinction matters.

We care. Caring for a growing church family requires clarity, shared responsibility, and realistic expectations. It is not possible for church events to become a bespoke, made-to-order food service for every preference, conviction, and dietary standard. 

When complimentary food is provided, please help us make sure everyone gets served by taking a thoughtful portion the first time through the line. After all guests have had a chance to eat, you’re welcome to come back for more if there is extra. Don’t worry – it’s not The Last Supper!

Our staff and volunteers are not in professional food-service. They are giving their time to serve the vast majority of people, create meaningful environments, and help ministry happen. We have to value and protect them from being placed in the impossible position of trying to satisfy every personal request.

So here is our simple approach:

When food is provided, it is a courtesy. Not a guarantee.
You are welcome to enjoy what is offered. 

You are also welcome to bring your own food if that better serves your family’s needs. Either.

And: We ask that our staff and volunteers not be criticized, pressured, or made responsible for preferences that are unrealistic to manage. After all, the goal is to build community, make room for people, serve Jesus together, and keep the main thing the main thing.

Thank you for helping us create a culture of gratitude, hospitality, and honor.