Feeding the Multitudes
The Lenten Season at Pendleton Center United Methodist Church is truly a joyous one. People come from far across several towns for our fish fries. Every Friday during Lent, our church fellowship hall is transformed into a dining room for hundreds of people.
During one recent fish fry, far in a back room, the sound of laughter rose above the clamor. This area is known as the “pie room.” The sweet smell of homemade pies filled the air as the veteran ladies meticulously sliced up the pies and ensured that each piece was presented perfectly on the plate. In addition to fruit pies, were cream pies, our famous tollhouse pies, and creamy rice pudding. I poked my head in to say hello to the ladies and got so caught up in the joy and laughter of this time-honored tradition that I forgot that I almost did not make it there that evening.
It had been a long exhausting day at work. I changed out of my work clothes, rubbed my tired feet, and stretched out on the sofa for a relaxing evening at home. Then suddenly, I remembered I had to go to the church to check on donation supplies for feeding the homeless the next day. I let out a sigh, dreading the thought of giving up a much needed quiet evening at home and headed out the door.
Upon arriving at the church, I began accounting for what was needed to feed seventy homeless people. Would there be enough to feed everybody who came for a meal? I wondered.
Finally, I would sit down and enjoy a meal for myself. I was seated with the nicest people who told me about their church missions, and I shared about ours, praising our youth programs. As I told them about our Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt coming up, I took a bite of golden fried haddock. Oh, so good!
“Hope you will come to our Good Friday service - come for the fish fry, stay for service,” I said between bites.
Before grabbing my supplies, I bounced around, chatting and fellowshipping with friends and listening to their concerns. Then, seeing my arms full, youth leader Mr. Adrian kindly assisted me with taking the donations to my car. Hot Chocolate with God & S’ mores, some of our children’s fellowship groups, were having a picnic that evening and offered their extra hot dogs and rolls for our homeless ministry. Our Angel Wings, another children’s fellowship group, had made hygiene kits for the homeless. I knew it was no coincidence that everything needed was falling into place.
The meal for the homeless continued to grow. What began with just spaghetti & meatballs multiplied again later when Boy Scout Troop 98, contributed frozen homemade sauce from their “Italian Night” fundraiser. Then came another surprise - extra rolls and lettuce from our community outreach dinner at Niagara Falls First United Methodist Church. They, too, had food to share! What a bountiful dinner to hand out on the streets this would be!
All God’s hands and feet are at work, from fish to hot dog rolls. My heart was filled with joy as God provided for his people through a community that truly cares. He is always faithful and perfect in His timing. Just as Jesus fed the 5,000 with only a few fish and loaves, so He does today, using people who are willing to share. I am so blessed to be a part of Pendleton Center United Methodist Church.
The following day, I thought, the sun is shining, and it’ll be another adventure - another day given and provided for by God! I am so glad I went out that night after work, or I would have missed out on an amazing blessing.
Story By Sandy Houck
Lenten fish fries begin Friday, February 28, and run through Friday, April 10, from 4:00-7:00 PM.