Manna Meal Ministry - A Free Meal Program

2011 Update

akentuckycreation — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Year end Update. We served an estimated 8200 meals in 2011. That is an average of 158 meals per week, up 728 from 2010. The average cost increase by $.05 from $1.00 to $1.05. With increased food costs, our cooks did an amazing job of planning economical menus. Our contributions were adequate to fund the meals, plus a surplus. We have served 18,489 meals since the program began in Sept. of 2008. We are fast approaching a milestone of 20,000 meals. This should be realized in February of 2012. None of this would have been possible without the numerous volunteers, prayers from many and financial contributions from NUMC, the community, businesses and other churches. Praise be to God for being the Church in the Heart of our Community to reach out to those less fortunate. Come be a part of Manna in 2012.

2011 Update

akentuckycreation — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:04:15 +0000

I apologize for not updating this site more often. Life has been very busy and some personal issues have taken much of my time. Manna is alive, strong and continues to thrive. I am always amazed at the financial contributions that are received on an almost weekly basis.

Through the end of June Manna had served almost 16,000 meals since it began. That is truly an amazing God victory. We are averaging about 150 meals each week. The weeks vary, due to weather and other issues. We continue to see new diners come and others who were coming have moved on, either moving away or their circumstances have changed.

School supplies were handed out in August. Several of the children were very excited about their supplies, similar to the TV commercial where they say that: “Your children will never get this excited”, well some of ours got that excited.

During the Jamboree Festival we opened the meal up to the public. We served about 250 meals of brown beans, greens and corn bread. Several new people were introduced to Manna and some church groups expressed an interest in getting involved.

We have “4″ strong teams that rotate the duties each month. We always have room for more volunteers if you would like to get involved. No matter what your God given talent is, we will find a place for you at Manna.

I am constantly amazed and humbled at how God is working in this ministry that I am so priviledge to be involved with. Please continue to support us in prayer and if you want to get involved by volunteering or a finanical contribution we welcome your help.

The numbers are increasing

akentuckycreation — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:12:48 +0000

Praise God. Our numbers are increasing. After a very low attendance winter the number of diners is beginning to increase. The weather this winter was terrible with almost every Saturday having frigid temperatures, ice or snow. The recent article in the Jessamine Journal has probably helped with increased awareness.

Today we served about 200 people. A Confirmation group of young people from another church came to help serve. Everyone seemed to enjoy the menu: Spiral sliced ham, Potato Salad (Mashed Potatoes), Broccoli with cheese (Green Beans), Tossed salad and Cole slaw. Almost all of the food was gone.

We also saw several new faces today and several people who were new last week brought people with them. One lady thanked me several times for her meal.

Our Choir performed two numbers from the Cantata that they are performing tomorrow and everyone loved the music. We invited everyone to come and hear the full performance tomorrow.

God is moving in a very powerful way. I can’t wait to see what he has planned for this ministry in the future.

If you would like to volunteer we can always find a place for you to serve. You will be blessed.

What will 2011 Bring

akentuckycreation — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 03:46:34 +0000

The numbers of diners this winter have been down, but the weather has been terrible. Take-out meals are not available until 12:30 pm. We have had two meals where people coming to the meal did not receive a complete meal because so many take-outs meals had gone out early. It is a wonderful ministry that our diners are taking meals home to neighbors and friends who cannot come to the meal, but we feel strongly that those coming to the meal should be served first. This seems to be working. We do almost as many take-out meals as we do dine in meals.

God is leading us to expand the ministry of Manna Meals. What that is actually going to look like at this time is not clear. I ask for your prayers concerning this next step. The diners are developing into a family. We hope to meet whatever needs they have: support groups, worship service, prayers, etc. I know that in God’s timing his plans will be revealed.

As always if you want to get involved we can always use volunteers. We have a wonderful group of volunteers, but personal situations are always changing, so additional help is always welcome. You will be truly blessed.

Christmas Celebration at Manna-2010

akentuckycreation — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:07:47 +0000

What a wonderful way to celebrate the Birth of Our Christ, than to feed 180 people. The Christmas dinner on Saturday was wonderful, even though the weather was snowy and cold. Santa was there to hand out gifts to the children and the adults got hats and gloves.

Wonderful Carolers entertained all. We dined on a wonderful meal of: Turkey, Dressings, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn and Gravy. The desserts were lovely and everyone was filled: stomachs and hearts.

We will be serving on January 1st, 2011 to celebrate the New Year. A buffet Brunch will be served. Come and join us was a diner or volunteer, or BOTH.

Milestone 10,000th Meal Served

akentuckycreation — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:04:09 +0000

So sorry that I have not posted on this site on a more regular basis. As always the excuse is : too busy. Manna has been going well averaging about 130-150 diners each week. Last week we served meal number 10,000 since the program began in 9-2008. Our average costs is still relatively low; about $1.00 per meal.

Our volunteer groups have changed, but there have always been enough volunteers. New people get involved each month. We can always use a few more hands on most Saturdays if you have an interest.

I thank God for giving me this opportunity to be the “hands and feet” to this wonderful ministry of his. I can’t wait to see what 2011 will bring.

Fall Manna Meals

akentuckycreation — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 04:15:17 +0000

I have not posted in several months. So sorry. Wonderful things have been happening at NUMC through the Manna Meals and New Beginnings. We are preparing to host a Thanksgiving meal this Saturday, Nov. 20th. Clothing will be distributed on the 27th. December will provide several special Saturdays. Dec. 4, 11, & 18th will have Holiday SOS. How do you survive the Holidays if you have had some challenges: financial difficulties, loss of family or friends, job loss, divorce, etc. People who will listen and help with support during this Holiday season. Dec. 11th will have a special presentation from the NUMC Choir with special Christmas music. Dec. 18th will be Pictures with Santa. Free pictures will be available the next week in the church office. Dec. 25th – Our Savior’s Birthday (Christmas) will be a special dinner, toys for the children and some special treats for the adults. Come and join us as a diner or volunteer during this special time of the year.

We should serve our 10,000th meal towards the end of the year. Thanks be to god.

Sept. 11th Meal at the Jessamine Jamboree

akentuckycreation — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:45:47 +0000

Today was an amazing day. NUMC has a yard sale every year during our Jamboree Celebration. They use the Community Center where we normally host our Manna Meal. After the sale on Friday we moved the Yard Sale merchandise to the left side of the center and set up table for the meal on the right. We decided to open the meal to the public and if someone wanted to donate, we directed them to the people at the yard sale. We normally average about 150 people, but we had no idea how many people to prepare for.

The menu was Pinto Beans, Cornbread, Sauerkraut and Hot Dogs. We prepared beans for 400 servings. We ran out of the sauerkraut and hot dogs and had very few beans left. We lost count of the plates, but we guestimate that we served 325 – 350 people. We were able to talk with many people and explain the program. Many of the diners seemed like they could really use a free meal each week. Others said they enjoyed the home cooking and fellowship and they would be back, but only if they could donate something each time. We explained that no one was ever asked to contribute, but we would always accept any donation because the program is funded by voluntary donations.

What a wonderful way to show God’s love and the service that Christian brothers and sisters should show to one another.

The Free Parking, Free Water and Free Meal really showed the community what NUMC is all about. We are a church in the heart of the community with the community at heart.

Manna for August

akentuckycreation — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:55:19 +0000

August has been an amazing month. The meals have been well attended. School supplies were given to 30 children on August 14th. The meal for the 21st was Sloppy Joes and Hot dogs. Many diners said it was the best meal ever. This week’s meal for August 28th was extra special. A local restaurant, Saul Good, catered the meal. The food was wonderful and they brought an army of 20+ people to staff the meal. The volunteers were treated to being served and were not allowed to do anything except to greet. What a wonderful thing to have a business who lives out their faith through Christian Service. If you are in the Central Ky. area check out their restaurants behind Fayette Mall and in the Hamburg area. Since the meal began in 2008 we have served over 7500 meals through this month. What an amazing opportunity God has chosen gift to our trust. If you would like to get involved respond to this blog or contact NUMC at 859-885-4481. Blessings to all

Almost Two Years Old

akentuckycreation — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:18:42 +0000

Manna began in Sept. of 2008 with once a month meals. It was expanded to twice monthly and then every week in March of 2010. Next month we will be celebrating serving meals for two years. Many lives have been changed with this free meal program. During 2010 we have served over 3000 meals. I will tabulate the total meals severed for the entire program by the end of August. We have been able to supply meals for $1.00 per meal or under.

Thank you for the many donations of food items that have greatly reduced our costs. We have a group of over 75 volunteers who help to serve the meals. These volunteers are not only members of Nicholasville UMC, but members of civic, business and other church organizations as well as individuals who wish to give back to their community. Without their support this ministry would not be possible.

Thank you for everyone who has blessed those less fortunate.