BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top photo: Members of Perry Hill UMC stand with RSUMC Pastor Janet Krantz during their visit last week to learn about the program.
Last week a group of members from Perry Hill United Methodist Church of Montgomery were visiting Robinson Springs UMC in Millbrook.
There was a lot of activity, a lot of cooking and knowledge shared about RSUMC’s experience over the last four years with their Loaves and Fishes program.
Perry Hill is looking to create a similar program, and members came to spend a cooking day with RSUMC members who have looked over the program in Millbrook.
Janet Krantz is the pastor at RSUMC.
“We began the Loaves & Fishes in October 2018 as a ministry with and for the community of Millbrook & west Elmore County,” Krantz said. “We have not missed a week since the inception.”
This is quite a success story, particularly considering complications that arose from the COVID pandemic. Krantz credits the faithfulness and perseverance of the volunteers that make it all happen.
The meal program provides five, free home cooked meals frozen for convenience.
Krantz said a team of volunteers from area churches and the community provide cooked meals and/or financial support. All donations are designated only for Loaves & Fishes. People who are homebound, limited mobility, or simply unable to cook healthy meals for themselves qualify to be a recipient of meals each week. Currently the Millbrook program serves 16 people.
Krantz said the program in Millbrook began out of RSUMC, but the inspiration came from the Gillespie Senior Center in Prattville.
“Now Perry Hill UMC in Montgomery is looking to at a similar ministry! Loving others in creative ways through good food is contagious!” Krantz said.
Beyond the basics of nutritious meals is the beauty of relationships which are formed through this program, she added. “Our volunteers have become so close in their time together. The people who distribute meals on Mondays are the face of the ministry as recipients are served. Prayers and good conversation happen as people drive through for their weekly meals.”
Krantz said the volunteers and organizers are grateful for the loving support of so many people to make this ministry happen week after week!
If anyone would like to refer someone to receive this assistance or would like to volunteer, please call the church office at 334-285-2488. If anyone would like to financially support the ministry – checks may be made payable to Robinson Springs Church and noted “Loaves & Fishes.”
Last week Janet Hazzard, a volunteer cook, showed the EAN a very large binder filled with delicious recipes. These are tried and true meals that freeze well, and are nutritious to boot.
As the Perry Hill UMC crew was packing up to leave, they thanked everyone for the help and guidance.
“You all have this down like a well-oiled machine,” one visitor said. “We are so thankful for you sharing your knowledge.”
And so it goes, as the program continues to grow in our area thanks to amazing volunteers, area churches and especially donations to keep the programs running smoothly. Please consider making a donation to a program in your area.
