Ministry Stories

Casserole Ministry
I grew up in the 60's and 70's and my mom was a Home Economics teacher. Among other things, mom taught me the fine art of cooking a great casserole. Who knew that putting some chicken and rice together in the same dish would turn into a ministry of this church all these years later? Looking back, God had certainly prepared and equipped me for this work. Providing meals to members in need has brought many unexpected blessings. I have gotten to know people I might never have known. I recently received a note from a recipient who was recovering from surgery. She stated, "..it was such a nice feeling to know I had a meal in the freezer that was ready when we needed it." That's what it's all about! In a church this size, it brings me joy to know we can stay connected by reaching out to one another and sharing something as simple as a meal. I believe God wishes us to connect with one another and I give God the glory for the success of this ministry.

Lisa Tenerowicz tener487@aol.com

Senior Food Basket Delivery Program
I'm Judy Niles and I would like to share with you one of the ways God is working in my life. This is through the Senior Food Delivery Program started by Bob Varelli. This program is jointly sponsored by our church, Neighbors In Need through Social Services, and the Maryland Food Bank. Two hundred twenty five bags are given out each month. We deliver on the last Thursday of the month. To make this program work, many volunteers are needed. People to pick up food, to pack the bags and to coordinate the food and the drivers of forty routes. I have the most rewarding part of the job which is to deliver the food and interact with the recipients on my route. I try to visit for a little while when I can. Most of these folks live alone and welcome my visit each month. I've gotten to know some of them over the years and they have become very special to me. I got particularly close to Miss Bessie who when I last saw her was 101 years old and still living in her own home with some help from her family. She recently moved to Waldorf, Maryland to live with her grandson. She has outlived her three children and has many health problems. She is very hard of hearing and needed gall bladder surgery at the age of 101, but she continues to read her Bible and praise God telling me how good God is to her. She still makes patchwork quilts by hand. I received a thank you note from her family after sending her a birthday card celebrating her 102 birthday. Needles to say, she was and still is a real inspiration to me. She continually nourished my spirit with her strong faith.

Another lady on my route, always answers her phone with the words "praise the Lord". I happened to deliver food to her on her 75th birthday and she had a friend take a picture of us together. How very blessed I felt to be included on her special day.

I had delivered food on this same route for a number of years before I had to give it up for about a year. When I was ready to drive again, I called Sue Shank who was the coordinator and to my surprise, my old route was available again. I really saw God's hand working in my life and still do.

If there is anyone here who is looking for a way to serve in our church, here is a wonderful opportunity for you.

Judy Niles rogerniles@compuserve.com