We have all felt the impact of COVID-19 in our churches, communities, and lives. In an effort to “flatten the curve”, schools have closed, leaving many children and families without food security. Several churches in our Conference have come together to serve meals for children and their families. Here are a few churches who have been serving in their communities:
Zebulon UMC
Zebulon UMC served 1,472 meals last week to families in their community. With the help of Wakefield Baptist Church, Town Commissioner, Shannon Baxter and many volunteers, the distribution became a community event. Rev. Clyde Denny said the church has a “heart for this kind of ministry.” The church is involved with many food ministry programs such as Congregations for Children, Meals on Wheels, Backpack Buddies, and their own food pantry. Visit Zebulon UMC’s Facebook page for more updates on their food distribution ministry.
Bunn UMC and Hill King UMC
Bunn UMC and Hill King UMC set up a meal distribution and delivery service on March 17. Several children in the church helped serve meals and Code Electric in the Triangle supplied materials for food preparation. Rev. Bill Haddock said the two churches are trying to help provide food deliveries to Franklin County Senior Center and others who are unable to go to the grocery store. Visit Bunn UMC’s Facebook page for additional updates.
Holly Springs UMC
Holly Springs UMC has partnered with the Wake County Western Human Services to provide meals for families in the community. Members of Holly Springs UMC have volunteered to help distribute meals through the curb-side pick up. The church is currently serving meals four days a week from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Visit Holly Springs UMC’s Facebook page for more updates on how they are serving their community.
First UMC Cary
First UMC Cary also established a meal distribution center at their church. Rev. Ben Adams, Pastor of First on Chatham, and Stephanie Purdy, Director of Outreach, worked with local restaurants to help feed the community and also help local restaurants who were impacted economically. First UMC Cary served over 1,500 meals last week and anticipates serving 1,750 – 2,000 meals this week. Watch The News and Observer’s video on the meal distribution center at First UMC Cary. Visit First UMC Cary’s Facebook page for more updates.
Photos provided by Rev. Ben Adams
Wilson Temple UMC
Wilson Temple UMC has been serving their community through their food pantry. Wilson Temple works with local grocery stores to buy food and supplies. Several other churches in the Raleigh area help provide donations and volunteers. The food pantry operates on the second and fourth weekend of each month. Rev. Chris Brady said that the current circumstances are creating opportunities to develop a space to have conversations and make connections with the community.
Share in the comments below what is happening in your church community during this time.