What started out with a “Hoorah!,” has been diminished to more of a “hey there,” at First Presbyterian Church’s Sunday Soups.
Since late summer, the free meal has been reduced from every Sunday evening to the last two Sundays of the month.
Lack of manpower has strained the program’s organizers, said Diana Asher, a member of First Presbyterian who is faithful to the mission.
“We wish we could continue it every Sunday,” said Asher. The demand is there. Ever since it began in November 2014 the numbers have remained constant at about 60-75 a night. In its 13 months, more than 4,700 meals have been served to area residents.
The mix of diners includes young families struggling to make ends meet; the elderly, many of whom are single; and those who suffer from disabilities of one kind or another — physical or mental — which prevent them from being gainfully employed.
“Some come for the fellowship as much as for the food,” Asher said. Typically a “widows’ table,” of elderly women who have lost their spouses crops up.
“We think Sunday Soups is good for us as a church,” said Nancy Maier of the outreach. “It’s one thing to give money to a project, but another to actually serve someone. It’s a good feeling.”
Their model, of course, is Jesus. Scripture says, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Mark 10:45.
Helpers greet people as they come in the door, clear the tables, refill drinks, and work to provide an amiable atmosphere for a segment of the population that rarely encounters such hospitality.
When asked what the program has meant to her as an individual, Asher’s eyes moisten.
“It’s made me a little more accepting of people out in the community that I might not have been before. Now I visit with some of these people I see at McDonald’s or around town. I have a relationship with them.
“It’s made me ask, ‘Why was I put on this Earth?, and the answer is to serve the Lord by helping my fellow man, no matter their circumstances. That is why I am here, to become God’s love,” she said.
As a former teacher and administrator, Asher said her first nature is to “go by the book.”
“I’m known as the disciplinarian around here,” she said.
And yet, the Sunday night dinners have “stretched” her, she said.
“The dinners have made me rethink my values. I know we’re helping a lot of people with the meals, which is very rewarding on a personal and spiritual level.”
SUNDAY Soups comes with no strings attached; no proselytizing allowed.
“This is not about trying to grow membership,” said Sally Huskey, also a member of the church. “This is about being the hands of God down here on Earth.”
That said, the effort could use a few more real-life hands.
“Yes, we’re stretched,” Huskey said of the small cadre of parishioners who oversee the program.
Typically a crew of eight to 10 is needed. Usually two are needed to prepare the week’s soup, while others help serve, wait tables and clean up.
“Once you do it a couple of times, you get hooked,” said Huskey, who oversees the program’s finances and menus.
Sometimes, outside groups have prepared the main course, including P.E.O, employees of Community National Bank, a youth group from Yates Center, and Iola’s Kit and Ken McGuffin.
Generally, food from the USDA food commodities program helps supplement the meals with bread and frozen food goods. Every meal includes a green vegetable and fresh fruit. Church members are good to provide desserts. And during the warm weather months participants share what they grow in their gardens.
A Seed grant for $1,000 from the Allen County Community Foundation was a big boost to the program, Huskey said, and several individuals from across the community make monthly pledges.
“Somehow, the money comes in,” said Huskey.
