Pastor Coleen Brandt Painter, in an effort to expand the mission and ministry of Honey Brook United Methodist Church, has worked with the church council and congregation to offer a free lunch to all of the community. The essence of this event is an effort to capture the attention and needs of the people.
Painter said she came across a web site seeking volunteers to provide summer lunches to school children who receive government subsidized lunches during the school year. The Pennsylvania Department of Education issues grants to organizations with the desire and the ability to serve hot lunches for this population.
She said, ‘Our congregation is really good at hands-on ministry and mission. They have a special gift to cook and serve food and they are known for their annual free community dinner. Most importantly, our cook and kitchen are certified by the Chester County Board of Health.’
Her faith and hope encouraged her to speak to the cook of many years, Jack Martin, and two women, Colleen Hills and Kara Mooney, both active church members. All caught the spirit of the venture and agreed they wanted to explore this vision. The team went up to Lehighton last summer to have lunch and learn about the program. Feeding the hungry is a fundamental principle of Christianity, so the idea took root and the planning began.
They decided that they would welcome the entire community for a free lunch to spread the word and help identify their future participants. The church hall has the capacity to serve 100 people at a sitting. Bringing Jesus to these people would also mean including preschoolers and seniors as well as any other person that wants to participate. The door was open. The church will make up the difference.
The schedule for the Free Lunch is July 15-19 and July 22-26,
They need volunteers in the following categories:
1. 10:a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Meal preparation
2. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Servers
3. 12:30-p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Clean Up
Last week the call went out and some people responded but more are still needed.
Pastor Painter said, ‘We believe students who need community service time will participate. Twin Valley High School requires that of its students. Faithful church members, seniors and a host of others are encouraged to call 610-273-9548 to volunteer their time.’
The public is invited to join them for lunch and come out to meet the people. The church is centrally located at 4510 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook. Those who come can enter from Maple Street, through the back door of the church next to the lawn.
For further information you may call the church at 610-273-9548, fax to 610-273-9549 or email hbumc19344@verizon.net.