Our first task was to set out salt and pepper at each table. Then the boys unloaded the dishwasher and placed all the glasses and plates at the serving counter. Noah and I rolled knives and forks inside napkins and placed them in baskets.
Then there was a lot of waiting...while waiting for the food to arrive, I chatted with Pastor Linda of First Presbyterian and learned more about their weekly free dinner.
They started the dinner right at 3 years ago, in January of 2009. The first few meals they only served 3 to 10 meals each night. Their only advertisement was fliers at the food pantry, laundromat, library, and the small "hotel" behind the church, as well as their sign right on Main Street. They have never asked the local businesses for support, but God has provided the necessary funds for the meals each week. They have also received a small grant from the Presbyterian organization.
Soon, other churches volunteered to help out with the weekly meals as well. The Zion United Church of Christ prepares and serves the first Tuesday, New Hope Assembly of God and another church prepare and serve the third Tuesday, and the local Kiwanis Club prepares and serves when there is a fifth Tuesday.
Last week, there were 65 meals served, and they ran out of food! Pastor Linda said that was the first time that had happened.
Then the food arrived, and we set back to work. We were in charge of the drinks. Noah and Joey donned some plastic surgeon's gloves and filled each glass with ice. I filled the glasses with sweet tea and lemonade. We also had a pitcher of regular tea for those who asked.
Note that the meal is not served with plastic...each meal is served on a heavy porcelain plate with good flatware, and a tall, heavy glass of tea or lemonade. They also had kids' heavy duty plastic divided plates and fun cups, as well as sippy cups for the little ones. There was also coffee available with small mugs. The dessert is served on a small styrofoam plate.
Pastor Linda unlocked the doors at 10 minutes to 6:00 pm, and several families came in immediately to find a place to sit. Right at 6:00 pm, the meal began. The main dish was piping hot mostaccioli, with a side of salad, a big dinner roll, and a pat of butter. For dessert, there was a choice of carrot cake with icing or a brownie.
When folks were finished eating, we rinsed plates, and Noah filled the dishwasher. We were not able to stay until the meal ended at 7:00 pm, but by the time we left, they had served nearly 50 meals.
I am already seeing a change in Noah, our oldest. He was eager to help throughout our time at the church and did well with asking "What's next?" as soon as he was finished with a task.
Did you serve a meal this week to another family? Did you do another random act of kindness? We want to hear about it, so please feel free to post a comment below! Or, why don't you join us in our weekly project? Jump in at any time!
No comments:
Post a Comment