This Sunday, at both Historic and Main Campus, our Communion special offering will go towards Meals on Wheels. I am betting that you, like me, may not know the full and fascinating history of the Franklin Community Meals on Wheels. This ministry began when Franklin First UMC late member Janeil Westbrook sensed a calling to help feed her neighbors. She gathered a few other women from this church and began cooking and delivering meals. From 1975 until today, this ministry, which began at Franklin First UMC, has grown to include 11 other partner churches and organizations in our area, hence the new title of Franklin COMMUNITY Meals on Wheels. Franklin First offers our kitchen as well as administrative support, while FFUMC member, Nancy Armfield happens to be the current coordinator and leader for this ministry, but it is truly a glimpse of the Kingdom of God to see so many different groups of people work together every single week to feed our neighbors. This is truly a SHARED ministry. Currently Meals on Wheels serves 130 recipients and operates fully on the devotion of volunteers like many of you and the generosity of our donors. How cool is that? It is very rare to see so many churches and groups agree on anything but clearly the power of the Spirit has brought us all together under the belief that it is our calling and responsibility to take seriously the scriptures command to feed the hungry. ‘For when you fed the least of these you were really feeding me.’ Didn’t Jesus say something like that?
I am grateful to get to witness God at work through Meals on Wheels. I am reminded of their presence every week when I walk into the office and notice the sounds and smells of cooking. Franklin is my hometown, and I couldn’t be more appreciative to anyone helping this ministry to feed MY neighbors too.
I am not sure if you have noticed (kidding, I know you have!) but grocery prices have skyrocketed. And Meals on Wheels is nothing if not a FOOD ministry. If you would like to help Meals on Wheels continue to feed our neighbors, please consider making a financial donation HERE (select Meals on Wheels from the drop down box under Giving Type). It is important that we can continue to offer the quality nutrition and taste to our hungry friends. We trust God will provide no matter what, and we appreciate your prayers and support!
Rev. Carlisle Jones
Pastor of Missions & Historic Sanctuary