Church Has Served Up Free Hot Meals For More Than A Decade
Lois Eshleman, current chair of the Leacock Presbyterian Church mission committee, recently checked the records on the first free community meal that the Paradise church served in 2008. "We served 15 people, and we had 35 helpers," noted Eshleman. "The second meal, we had 25 people (attend), and we knew it was a go from there."
Now in their second decade of serving monthly hot meals at the church, 3183 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, the members of the church mission committee and a number of volunteers and helpers prepare a different menu the last Thursday of each month, with the exception of November and December, when the meal is prepared on the second Thursday of the month. Meals are served in the church fellowship hall from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
According to mission committee member Bonnie Rice, the types of foods served are prepared on a rotating basis, but the group tries to serve a new menu once or twice each year. "November and December and January meals are pretty standard," said Rice, who noted that November's menu includes an Amish wedding meal, which mixes turkey, stuffing, and gravy in a type of casserole. In December, the meal consists of ham and scalloped potatoes, and in January, traditional pork and sauerkraut are served. Other regular meals include spaghetti and meatballs, Lancaster County-style chicken potpie with noodles, and meatloaf. "In the summer, we have an indoor picnic with hamburgers and hot dogs," said Rice.
Attendance at meals has been as high as 115, but Eshleman said that usually 70 to 80 plus up to 20 helpers attend. "We gear toward feeding 100 (people)," shared Rice, who noted that leftovers are sometimes frozen and sometimes donated to The Factory Ministries in Paradise through another church committee that provides meals to the youth center.
Ingredients to prepare the meals come from a variety of sources, including church members who donate food items and food that is purchased at a discount. Desserts and breads are donated by a market located along Route 30 in Gap. "They donate so much we have a free table," said Rice. "They always send enough desserts, and it helps that we don't have to worry about making (those)."
The committee puts up sign-up sheets to ask for helpers, and many of the volunteers help regularly. "At one time, we had five to seven (helpers) between age 85 and 93 that came every month," said Eshleman. "We still have a 93-year-old (woman) on our committee who helps." Church members arrive at about 1:30 p.m. on the day the meal is served to prepare the beverages and other foods that can be made in advance. At 3 p.m., some helpers arrive to wrap silverware, cut desserts, make mashed potatoes, and complete other tasks. Finally, those who serve the meal arrive. Dave Berkhimer, president of the church trustees, cleans the hall after the last attendee leaves.
According to Eshleman, attendees at the dinners include area families, widows and widowers, and those who simply need a meal. "Some people come for the fellowship," Eshleman said.
Committee member Joanne Stoltzfus noted that when she first started helping, Rice told her that the attendees come to the meal for a variety of reasons. "You never know when you're looking at someone what their real need might be. The kind words are as important as the food we put on the plate," said Rice. "It's not all about the food."
Readers who would like additional information about the monthly free community meal may call the church at 717-687-6619.
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