FAITH IN ACTION

Weekly Donated Food Delivery Ministry Resumes

Prior to the pandemic shutdown in 2020, WPC’s members and friends donated more than 2000 pounds of food collectively to the Great Valley Food Cupboard (GVFC), the Wayne Methodist Church Food Pantry, and the Health Annex on Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia. The Local Mission Subcommittee formed a team consisting of 20 parishioners who gathered each week whatever food was donated, and they delivered it to one of those three food outlets. The need to shut down our church due to Covid-19 in March 2020 forced a hiatus of more than two years on this ministry. During the pandemic closure, WPC continued to support the GVFC financially through member donations to the Bread From Heaven program. Also, the Deacons put receptacles in WPC’s vestibule for drop-off donations though the facility remained closed to the congregation. Needy families would drive up to the GVFC, and bags of groceries would be given to them while they remained in the car. The food cupboard reopened Fall 2022.

Spiraling inflation last year resulted in shortages in the food supply and painfully higher prices. Consequently, the number of families in need increased for every food cupboard, and the amount of donated food simultaneously decreased. GVFC and Wayne Methodist appealed for more help. Therefore, The Local Mission Subcommittee of Faith In Action and the Deacons have re-formed a team of 18 to resume weekly food collection and deliveries to GVFC and the Methodist Food Pantry.

Whenever you might need to come to the church, consider bringing some non-perishable food and sundries such as condiments and cleaning products and putting them in the food cabinet in the Connector. If the church happens to be closed, you can leave your items in the vestibule receptacles. We hope to be able to provide a steady stream of donated goods to these two community services.

Food Cabinet in the Connector

Please contact Scott Laird at hslaird@aol.com with any questions about the food donation programs.

FAMILY PROMISE OF THE MAIN LINE (FPML) HONORS SCOTT AND MARTY LAIRD

At its 2023 Spring Fundraiser, FPML will honor WPC members Marty and Scott Laird for their longstanding support and dedication to the organization. Please consider attending the fundraiser on April 30 to help recognize the important work the Lairds have done over many years for Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), recently renamed Family Promise of the Main Line, helping families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence. For information, visit fpmainline.org/.