The Origins of Monday Community Meals

Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

This verse encompasses what the Community Meals were about. We held Community Meals to bring the people of Prince of Peace together over a meal with our neighbors that come to Mission Outpost on Monday evenings. It was over a meal that we got to know each other and began to see how God was working in the life of our congregation and in the lives of others.

Of the many stories that came out of the Community Meals is the story of a girl scout who helped a young girl that came with her family for the  meal and to get  food  from Mission Outpost. The girl scout served her friend food, water and made her feel welcome. This young girl modeled Matthew 25:35. However, to truly understand the depth of this verse you must read to the end of the parable. In verse 40 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” As we served meals to our neighbors we are fed and welcomed Jesus Christ into our midst.

Monday night meals began when we decided to hold Lenten worship on Monday nights and to serve a light dinner prior to the service. Then a group met with staff to discuss expanding the Monday night meals to all Mondays in mid-January through May and to serve a combination of Prince of Peace disciples and people who came to Mission Outpost. That effort was successful, with over 130 people enjoying a hot meal on Monday nights. In 2013 it was decided to expand the program to begin in October and run through May. The need had increased and we are serving an average of over 140 people at our Monday Community Meals.