Beloved community is not only possible here and now, but actually realized this Lenten season thanks to the connectional efforts of six United Methodist churches in the Washington District. Spearheaded by Rev. Bill Lawler, pastor at Avery United Methodist Church in Washington, the churches collected books, toys, stuffed animals, candy, plastic eggs, monetary donations, and more in order to prepare 167 Easter baskets for the children and families served by Community Circle Food Pantry.
“I brought the idea to our church outreach team, and they jumped on board. Then we reached out to other local United Methodist churches and they began donating items as well,” said Lawler. “This is the first mission project we’ve done together.”
Along with Lawler, Rev. Jim Kimmel, pastor at Jefferson Avenue UMC, West Washington UMC, and Bentleyville UMC; and Rev. Melody Kimmel, pastor at Meadow Lands UMC and First UMC Houston, were on hand to organize supplies and pack baskets with other volunteers including a visitor from Claysville UMC.
Melanie Wolfe, director at Community Circle Food Pantry, explained how important the partnership with churches is to the mission work of the pantry. “Holiday food and extra items aren’t covered by our state grants. In order to give kids special things, we rely on churches.”
Community Circle Food Pantry has been serving Washington County for 40 years. Their motto--No one, nowhere, at no time should go hungry--continues to challenge Wolfe and the all-volunteer staff who operate the pantry three days a week.
“Our numbers keep going up,” said Wolfe. “Last month, we served over 660 families. We are the only food panty that people can come in to weekly to get food.”
“I’m very appreciative of Bill and everyone for putting this project together for our clients,” Wolfe added. “I know how thankful the families will be. They’ll probably cry…but good tears.”
Together, United Methodists in the Washington District are doing more and being the hands and feet of Christ in this season of resurrection and new life.