BREAKING BREAD WITH THE NORTHSIDE Written by Lauren Steckly, Photos by Claire Stocum, DESIGN BY eRIN TOY
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ike any other Monday morning, Ronnie Wyatt is seated at a round table happily engaging with those around him. From one end of the room, a woman yells out asking if anyone would like an English muffin or a bagel. On the other end, a table with cups, sugar, creamer and a coffee maker offers a fresh start to any takers. As individuals continue to filter into the building to escape the cold mid-March air, Wyatt stops what he’s doing to greet each of them by name. These warm Wyatt welcomes occur daily in The Neighborhood Church of Syracuse. Each Monday morning, the church offers free coffee, bread and clothing to those in the community who need it. Wyatt, the pastor and planter of the church, and his family moved to Syracuse from North Carolina to serve the Northside six years ago. At its beginnings, The Neighborhood Church consisted of just their family. They had everything planned out when it came to starting the church, Wyatt says, but they believe 27