Feeding Body and Spirit in White Haven
Written by: Georgia Suranofsky, God's Work, Our Hands Storyteller
Blessings in Community are all around at St. Paul’s Lutheran in White Haven, which partners with several other ecumenical neighbors to host the White Haven Community Lunch Program. For almost 15 years, homemade meals have been provided. After the local community center closed, St. Paul’s opened its doors to house the program.
Over time, the program has been modified to meet changing needs, both for meals served in-house and those delivered. Three days a week, volunteers prepare meals for approximately 60 people. Today, nearly 35–40 of those meals are delivered by a dedicated team of volunteers. One of the most important parts of the delivery is “checking in” with the neighbor receiving the meal. Caring for each other is one of the main reasons this program is so vital to the community.
The organizers have developed effective and efficient procedures for planning the monthly menu, shopping, cooking, delivering meals, and cleaning up. This village is on the move! What impressed me most is how different people in the community each have a role to play, but at the end they stay, share a meal, and socialize with one another.
The Parish Hall was a hub of activity during my visit on July 30th. It was a place for a Bible study with a case worker and a special needs adult, as well as quilters setting up to pack quilts for Lutheran World Relief. All involved shared lunch and “updates” with others who came.
Many different people from different walks of life come together to share and care for others. Providing nourishment is a basic need for all people, and God’s presence must surely be with them for this ministry to have such a great impact in their community.
At St. Paul’s, they are embracing the principles of Growing Young and following Jesus’ example of loving, healing, and engaging with others. I could see the diverse and impactful ways their community is making a difference and embodying Christ’s teachings in everyday life.
Having the opportunity to be at the table with people I did not know increased my faith that all are God’s children.
Thank you, St Paul's, for allowing us to share your story
St Paul's, White Haven
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