The faces are eagerly anticipating the needed food. As individuals line up every Thursday to receive the bag of groceries provided, words of thanks and gratitude are expressed. Retired men and hungry families are joined together in common care and genuine response.
Times are tough for families in the Oak Ridge area. This difficult set of circumstances is felt at the family breakfast, lunch, and dinner table daily. With mouths to feed and bills to pay, so many families are feeling the anguish of the crunch that only seems to be ever tightening around their pocketbooks and their hearts. It is to this situation that the retired men of the Highland View Church of Christ have responded to the call that God has placed on their hearts.
The Food Pantry Ministry continues to impact families.
In 2012, this ministry provided 3,933 bags of groceries that provided food for 8,974 individuals.
Weather makes no difference. I have personally watched families stand in the rain and cold and sleet waiting patiently for the bags of groceries that will keep their loved ones going. The extremes of cold and heat do not deter the giver or the receiver.
Both community and church have been radically changed by this faithful ministry. We have firsthand heard and witnessed the anguish etched on the faces of adults who care deeply about their families, but feel ashamed and guilty because they cannot provide everything needed. We have also heard and witnessed firsthand the compassion and response on the faces of retired men who are willing to step forward, commit themselves weekly, and offer specific gifts to meet those needs.
I have teased this group of men—they have ruined my idea of retirement!
Like clockwork, both one-timers and regulars show up on Thursday morning to receive the food. This commitment on the part of the ministry leaders and helpers demonstrates an ongoing understanding and love of what being a Christian is all about.
Other individuals and businesses are involved. Throughout the week, month, and year, various organizations and people step forward and make significant contributions of food so that the ministry keeps on responding to ongoing needs without missing a beat.
Bread and food have a double meaning. Through this ongoing ministry of “bread and water†each retired person recognizes that something more profound and significant is happening than just the offering of a full grocery bag. Bread and food for the soul are being offered. The bread of God’s love and the living water of God’s Spirit are present in each bag. Hands filling them up and hands emptying them are tied together with His love and presence.
Additionally, we have several women and other individuals working diligently in the clothing department. Every Tuesday morning, the Clothing Room is opened up for individuals who need all sorts of clothing for themselves and their families. Coats, sweaters, and socks seem to be the most needed this time of year.
Gifts of clothing come from all over. The huge amount of articles of clothing donated need to be sorted, organized, and labeled. Those individuals who do this weekly are committed and care deeply about supplying families and children with what clothes are needed for work and school.
In 2012, a total of 347 individuals (which included mothers, children, fathers, grandparents, etc.) were able to take advantage of the clothing available. I have personally seen the quality of outfits offered and am amazed at what people are willing to give so that others may have something good, clean, and decent to wear.
The Clothing Room Ministry continues to impact families.
Both of these ministries, the Food Pantry and the Clothing Room, have been operating somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 years. It has been difficult to track down the original beginnings of these ministries, but as is often the case, the vision of one has been carried forward to succeeding generations.
A few years ago the heart of this congregation was demonstrated by hosting a summer series program that developed the theme of Christian hospitality. Out of that series emerged a book entitled, “The Habitat of Hospitality: Being Jesus for a World in Need.” If your church is interested in using this book for small group studies, Sunday morning, or Wednesday evening Bible studies, or even personal devotions, you can obtain a copy online at http://www.ketchpublishing.com/Hospitality.htm. Or, you can contact me at [email protected], and I will be glad to send you a 25 percent off and free shipping card. Proceeds from the sale of this book are going toward two continuing ministries: Habitat for Humanity and Mission Aviation Fellowship.
The retired men and women who work in the Food Pantry and the Clothing Room have been silent witnesses of inspiration for me and others who have seen them in action. In the letter of James we find out that “faith without works is dead.†A living faith, true religion, is stepping forward and caring for the widows, orphans, poor, unemployed, hungry, sick, and those needing clothing. For it is in these that we see the “face of Jesus!†Only after we have seen His face can we then respond with His heart of hospitality!
Curtis D. McClane is minister of the word, prayer, and outreach at Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, and an adjunct professor of religion at Johnson University.
Charles Maberry says
A wonderful ministry that these two programs offer. Dorothy and I miss so much being physically able to work in these programs like we did for many years. It is so rewarding to see the faces, hear the comments of those people receiving. Thank you men and ladies of the congregation for keeping these wonderful programs going. Charles and Dorothy