"Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?" He will reply, "I tell you the
truth, whenever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
In the summer of 1984, Dr. Toombs Kay, in one of his sermons said "One of the
greatest ministries this church could offer to the city would be a soup kitchen for the
homeless and less fortunate people." Several church members also recognized the need and, along with
Rev. Raymond Johnson, who was an associate minister, began organizing the program.
The purpose was presented to the Administrative Board and on September 19, 1984, the Board gave its
approval to a Soup Kitchen Ministry. This was a great step forward in faith.
The decision was made to serve lunch on Thursday of each week from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. On September 27, 1984, the church
opened its doors to anyone who wished to eat a meal and join in fellowship with others.
Only five people came that first Thursday and two people came the following week. It was
evident that people were not aware of the new ministry, so very early in the morning of October 11,
1984, Rev. Johnson and Howard Bailey went to the corner of Gay Street and Jackson Avenue to hand out
information flyers about the Soup Kitchen. As a result, sixty-five people came to eat that day.
Many church members volunteered to help in preparing and serving the meal and in monetary donations. During
the first year, the group experimented with various methods of preparing meals and with a variety of
menus. It was decided that two people would serve as supervisors each Thursday along with a staff of 10 or
12. A devoted church member, Bill Sarrett, volunteered to help by picking up food and other supplies
and being available each Thursday to assist in any way needed. Juanita Doss was coordinator of personnel and menu
planning.
The number of people who come to eat and join in fellowship continues to grow each month. Church
Street United Methodist Church is widely recognized for this mission. The most important thing that
happens each week is the Christian hospitality offered by some sixty volunteers who give their time so
that the less fortunate might be blessed.
