Record Number Served

Today we served a record number of eat-in diners -96.  This included volunteers, but we had several volunteers that did not eat and only 31 total volunteers.  We also had a record number of take out meals – 65.

The New Beginnings – Free Clothing Ministry was a great success. 

We saw many new faces and diners were able to take home canned goods as well as bread.

The freezer was cleaned out with leftovers.  We served:  Pork Loin, Pulled Pork, Corn Pudding, Cheese Strata, Spanish Rice, Baked Beans and Chicken Pot Pie.  When that was exhausted we served:  Corn, Mashed Potatoes and Baked Chicken.  All were served.  Praise God.

Meal Expanding to Weekly in March

This has been the goal from the beginning.  I have had response from a couple of outside groups and the plan is to develop TEAMS to begin serving meals weekly in March of 2010.  I expect the numbers to really increase when we go to weekly meals.  People will not have to “remember” which Saturday we are having a meal, they will know that each Saturday they can come and be provided a good hot meal.

If you would like to become involved please contact me:  859-421-8974 or the church office:  859-885-4481.  God is definately moving in this ministry.  We are seeing people return and new faces at each meal.  After we feed their food neeeds, hopefully they will begin to be fed with Christ’s love.

Manna Year End Update

This year  Manna saw the meal expands from monthly to TWICE monthly.  The lowest attended meals in each category: Eat in – 28, Take outs 18, Volunteers 15 and Total of 78 meals

 

The meal grew from there for the largest attended meals in each category:  Eat in – 140, Take outs 62 (twice), Volunteers – 98 (Christmas Day) and Total of 260 (Dec. 12th meal with Santa.)

 

We averaged:  Eat in – 57, Take outs – 38, Volunteers – 31 and Total meals – 126.

 

In total there were approximately 2895 meals served in 2009.  The cost per meal (including take out trays, throw away casserole dishes, etc.) was $.60.  This was accomplished by using leftovers, donated foods and careful shopping. 

 

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and/or contributed.  This next year, 2010, hopefully we can expand the meal to a weekly offering.  When this happens I really believe the numbers will double. If we double in size we will need additional monetary resources so please pray about what you could contribute. Each $1.00 will provide 1.7 meals. Every dollar is meaningful.

 

If you have never volunteered please pray about doing that in 2010.  I will be calling/e-mailing people over the next few weeks to set up a schedule for volunteers so we can expand to a weekly meal. The goal is to expand to a weekly meal in February.  Can you give approximately four hours per month to show God’s love to those in need in Jessamine County?  Contact me if you can.  E-mail or Cell:  421-8974.

 

Thank you again for all of your sacrifices for 2009 and I look forward to 2010.

 

 

Blessings to all in 2010.

Adele

Happy Birthday Jesus

What a wonderful day.  We had “98″ wonderful volunteers who came to “serve” others on this special day.  We served 207 people (some were volunteers).  Some of the volunteers were alone for the Holiday and simply wanted to be with others.  Approximately 40 children received gifts and goody bags.  They were all beaming when they left.  The adults also received  gift bags with toiletires, socks, glove, hats and candy.  Some of the adults said they could not remember the last time they got a Christmas present. 

The fellowship was Wonderful.  Many new faces who seemed that they really needed a place to “be” on Christmas.  The volunteers were all very fulfilled as they gave their time to make people who were less fortunate feel loved.  The 911 folks who were on duty were given take out meals for their dinner. 

We had one genlteman come about 1:30 as we were cleaning up.  He said that he was all alone and had heard about the meal.  We prepared a meal for him to go even though the “official” serving time had ended at 1pm.  Many of the first time diners said they would be back, as well as the first time volunteers.

Praise be to God.  I hope that Jesus was pleased by the celebration of his birthday and that those in attendance were blessed with his love and grace.

I pray that in 2010 the meal can expand to weekly and even more people will experience the outpouring of love through this meal.

Christmas Manna Meal

Today with the help of 4 wonderful volunteers we:  cooked 80 lbs. of pork loin, cleaned the entire kitchen, cleaned some donated chafing dishes and sliced the cooked pork.  Another group of volunteers sorted toys, candy, hats, gloves, socks, etc. into stations for the adults and children who will attend. 

Children attending will receive:  a goody bag (filled with pencils, crayons, candy, etc.), a stuffed animal, a small toy, large toy and fruit.

Adults will receive:  hats, gloves, candy, lotion or other personal care items.

We will be cooking for 300+.  Menu will consist of:  Pork Loin, Turkey, Yams, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Pudding and Ambrosia fruit salad.  Some of the items will be limted, but everyone will be able to have a meal.  We have enough meat, mashed potatoes and green beans for about 450.  If all the pork loin and turkey is depleted we have a backup plan for Spaghetti.  Everyone will receive a meal.

I know that people who come to eat will feel the love of Jesus on the Celebration of his Birthday.  Thanks be to God for giving us the Ultimate gift, His Son.

Record Number Served

Today was Amazing, as God always is.  We served 260 folks who ate in or took a meal home.  There were still others that came for the Clothing Distribution that did not eat.  I had to practice with the choir so I was not there for most of the day.  What a great feeling to know that the other Volunteers can and will go on without me.  I always knew I was dispensable. 

Photos with Santa were a big hit for children and those young at heart.  Photos will be available in the church office starting Monday.  Santa know the Easter Bunny, so we may have pictures with him near Easter.

Canned food was available and many families were able to take home food for the next week. 

Several outside groups helped with the meals.  If this continues we will be able to go to a weekly meal in February or March.

The Nicholasville UMC Choir performed two songs from their Cantata.  That was swell received and all were invited to the entire concert tomorrow at 9:30 and 11:00 am.

If this was the crowd today, I can’t wait to see what God has in mind for Christmas Day!?!?!?!?  We will be distributing toys, hats/gloves/scarves, fruit and treats on Christmas day to children.  The response has been amazing with monetary donations and donations of toys. 

God’s people have Big Hearts and he acknowledges and remembers.  God Bless and Thank You to all.

Breakfast Manna Meal for Nov. 28th

Thanks to three very large leftover casseroles from a church breakfast we were able to offer a wonderful Breakfast Buffet for the Manna Meal this week.  We had:  Sausage/egg/cheese/grits casserole,  Sausage/Crouton/Egg casserole, Spicy Mexican casserole,  Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, Fried Potatoes, Fruit and assorted Muffins/Pastries.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal.  We served a total of 116.  We had several new faces and some new volunteers. 

The New Beginning – Clothes Closet was open and provided some welcome winter clothing for many people.   People that have previously visited the closet were asked to limit what they were taking to make sure we have adequate clothes for new people.

The next meal on Dec. 12th will feature – Pictures with Santa,  Conert by the NUMC Choir,  Clothing distribution and another wholesome meal. 

A meal will be served on Christmas Day – Friday – Dec. 25th.  There will be toys, treat bags, gloves/mittens for the children.  Children must be present to receive gifts.  A wonderful meal will also be served and the LOVE of Christ will be given out Freely.  What a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday.

Exciting Meals coming up

Nov. 28th – great meal – Breakfast/Brunch   An exciting menu:  Sausage Grits casserole,  Mexican casserole,  Sausage Crouton Casserole, Scrambled eggs, Biscuits, Gravy, Grits, Fruit and Breakfast Pastries.  This should be a great day.

Clothing distribution for Winter clothing.

Dec. 12th  – Santa will be there for “Pictures with Santa”.   The church choir will be performing during the meal.  The clothing distribution will be availabe for items needed before Christmas.  Menu will be:  Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans and salad.

Dec. 25th – CHRISTMAS DAY – Jesus’s Birthday Party.  Holiday Meal,  Christmas presents for children and adults, Love, Fellowship and a time to be together as Christ’s family.

Come and join us as a volunteer, donor or diner. 

This program is totally funded by free will offerings from our church members, community groups and individuals.  100% of the donations are used for the meals.  There are no overhead administrative costs.

More God Moments

During the meal on Nov. 14th one of our diners sat with some of our volunteers.  As she was leaving she said that she would “pray for us”.  What a wonderful statement that those we are ministering to are praying for us.

A family who needed firewood attended and we were able to connect them with a person who had firewood to give away.

God is amazing and I can’t wait to see how he will continue to work in this ministry.

Manna Meal Nov. 14, 2009

Another Amazing Day.  We served 165 meals to those in attendance, take out meals and volunteers.  We had two volunteer groups who had not attended before.  They were GREAT.  With a total of 20 new volunteers several of our regular volunteers took the day off.  The menu was:  Turkey,  Dressing,  Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Green Beans and Cranberry sauce.   We had volunteers who cooked “8″ turkeys.  We start serving at 11am  (we usually start early).  By 11:15 we had used FOUR pans of turkey.  I started to “worry”.  I should learn to relax as God provides.  We had plenty of turkey for everyone to be served and some leftovers. 

We feel that God is leading to expand the ministry to a weekly meal.  To be able to accomplish this we need more volunteers.  We will split our NUMC family into teams so some people from our church will be at each meal, but we need about 15 people to compliment our members. 

The next meals will be:   Nov. 28th,  Dec. 12th and a Special Meal on FRIDAY, Dec. 25th. – Christmas Day.  What a wonderful way to celebrate Christ’s birth than by mininstering to those who may not be as blessed as we are with family and friends to spend Christmas day with.  There will be a Toy distribution for the children as well as Hats/Gloves, etc.