Food with Friends - Much More than a Meal
Active hunger ministries not only make a real difference in the lives of people - they also revitalize communities of faith. Pastor Jennifer Sosinski gives us a glimpse into just how this has happened within the communities of faith she serves through the Kindred Lutheran Parish located in the North of our Synod.
I wanted to share the amazingness of Jesus!
Thanks be to God, “Food With Friends” community meal has provided over 2,100 meals in Antigo Wisconsin since its beginning a year and a half ago.
Donations cover most of the meals with very little cost from the church itself. (The first year the church kicked in like $34!) This second year Walmart has gives a monthly donation and Kwik Trip donated a generous gift card. Hooray!
In January, a record 192 people were fed, the highest attendance so far. Leftovers from the meal are given to Antigo Rescue workers and frequently provide themed luncheons for those in the senior apartment complex in Birnamwood.
The Holy Spirit’s whisper directed the birth of what has turned out to be an incredible community outreach to my heart. Our cook, Melissa, stepped forward to volunteer and away we went on a wing and a prayer.
We honestly had no idea what we were doing.
What transpired was delicious, made from scratch gourmet meals, a salad bar, & donated homemade desserts! Each month there is a theme with decorations to match. We want each guest to know that there is thought and care put into their willingness to come and eat with us.
From unknown beginnings we now have teams of members, confirmands, people from other churches that volunteer from set up to clean up so the work involved is shared by many.
It is amazing what God is doing here!
It started out being called, “Community Meal” with strong partnership with families from Head Start backed by the director. The director Karen, wondered if renaming the meal might be more welcoming and she was right! Together we came up with “Food With Friends.”
People hunger in many ways, food is one of them, but fellowship, connection, being heard, seen, not to have to sit alone for supper, many hungers are met here. The demographics of attenders is wide and the welcome is warm. It’s love without an agenda. Although from this meal have come weddings, baptisms, relationships, visitors at service, what it’s all about is providing a place of belonging for a couple hours once a month.
Scripture tells us to taste and SEE that the Lord is good, and thanks to Melissa it’s DELICIOUS!
With a heart full of joy,
Pastor Jen Sosinski
