about disciples kitchen
Beginning Saturday, October 8, 2022
To-Go Breakfast will be handed out at Second Presbyterian Church Parking Lot off N. Commerce Ave. 10:30-11:30 a.m. SINCE MARCH OF 2020 WE HAVE BEEN HANDING OUT "TO GO" MEALS IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. MEALS ARE HANDED OUT 11:30 TO 12: 00 NOON ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS This has allowed us to follow COVID 19 protocol/guidelines to keep our Volunteers and Clients safe. ----------------------------- The Disciples’ Kitchen was conceived in the summer of 2007 as an inter-denominational Christian ministry. The disciples began serving lunches September 18, 2007 every Tuesday and Thursday with serving teams representing seven churches. The idea for starting the ministry began within the Second Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, VA. Leadership was initially provided by Second Presbyterian Church, in conjunction with the Team Leaders from each of the serving teams. In the first few weeks, the number of meals served was averaging about 10 per day. From there the average steadily climbed as more churches and civic organizations also signed up to help shoulder the task of providing the lunches. By June of 2008, Monday lunch was added to the serving schedule. The number of meals served had totaled 3900, with as many as 40 to 50 people coming for each meal. By this point 17 churches and 3 civic organizations had joined the ministry. Leaders from Second Presbyterian Church proposed that an advisory board be formed, to take on the leadership of the ministry. By the end of the summer, a board was formed and the first officers were elected. The ministry continued to expand during 2009 with over 12,000 meals served to nearly 1,000 different clients. The average number of meals served daily continues to increase and we have had over 100 on a few days. By mid-2011, ministry support has grown to 30 churches and civic groups and close to 250 active volunteers. And, the number of meals served has now surpassed 80,000. Early in 2010 Disciples' Kitchen was incorporated, filed for non-profit status, and was awarded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. God has truly blessed our work. We have had donations from many churches and individuals, with continuing support from the annual CROP Walk. Community Foundation of the Blue Ridge and United Way have supported special projects. In past years, fundraisers were hosted by Stone Soup Books in Waynesboro, and the New Life Ministries Golf tournament. We have had regular food drops from Kroger, Food Lion, Starbucks, Big Apple Bagels, Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant, Panera and others. Please continue to pray for this ministry and the people it serves. With the uncertain economy and unemployment, needs continue to rise every day. |