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Lafayette, Indiana UCG Congregation Serves Dinners by Michelle Grovak Posted August 5, 2011 Since March 2011, members of the Lafayette, IN congregation have been cooking and serving meals to formerly homeless people enrolled in a self-sufficiency program. About a dozen church members take turns cooking and serving an evening meal once weekly for some eight to 12 diners at the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center. Meals usually include a main dish, side dish, dessert and drink.
It is a simple act of service aimed at the least fortunate in the community, but it is one way to honor Christ as stated in Matt. 25:34-36, “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me …’” For the past several years, the Lafayette congregation had been donating household goods, clothing and personal care items to people involved in the self-sufficiency program at the center. After congregation discussion and prayer, the community outreach was expanded to include cooking and serving food, this so the volunteer work could be more meaningful. “Over the years, we had donated dozens of coats, gloves, boots, backpacks, as well as lots of other necessities like towels, dishes, umbrellas and shampoo,” said Michelle Grovak, project coordinator. “But our giving was so anonymous. They didn’t know us, and we didn’t get to know them. God has blessed us so richly, and we want to reach out to others who need help in a warm, caring manner.” Now, not only have brethren gotten to know the people they serve, but also have formed a relationship with staff at LTHC, who have expressed gratitude for their being dependable volunteers who stick to their commitment and truly care for those they serve.
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