09/16/2021
Being a congregation that cares about one another, First Presbyterian Church of Neola found a way to keep up the care last year even when they weren't able to physically see one another in worship or drop by their homes to check in. Hospitality Meals began when COVID kept everyone at home. "People were so isolated, and yet still wanted to help one another," says Pastor Martha Slocombe. The idea was born to create a hub where freezer meals could be dropped off and taken without requiring any physical contact. It took off, and dozens of meals have been delivered to sick families, friends in need of a pick-me-up, church members, and people in the Neola community in need of a meal. The church's Morning Circle group got the project rolling with meals and making deliveries. As the project grew, Brieanna Martwick, pictured, took up the cause, and continues to keep the freezer stocked with homemade meals. Her tater-tot casserole is definitely a comfort-food favorite! Other donations roll in, including side dishes, pot pies from Costco, and easy-to-prepare bagged pasta meals from the grocery store. The meals go out at a steady clip, particularly when Pastor Martha gives a nudge from the pulpit for all to seek out a person who could benefit from the gift of a meal. "It's not about who needs a meal," she emphasizes, "it's about giving and receiving with Christ's love at the center." And just as with the disciples feeding the 5,000, meals are distributed and the supply of food in our freezer continues to grow.
