NEWS

Small church helps fill big need with community meal

Jennifer L. Manfrin
Correspondent

COSHOCTON — Pastor Jeremy Roseberry and fellow pastor Terrie Baker start each community meal offered at Park United Methodist Church with prayer.

It brings a peaceful feeling to the gathering that is filled with friendship and a sense of togetherness, Roseberry said.

“I think it just really invites God into our presence and gives us peace in knowing that we are here to help the people.”

With the help of many of the 40 members of the church’s congregation and those from other churches in the community, Park United Methodist Church at 122 Park Ave. provides a free community meal at dinnertime on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Volunteers, including a group from NewPointe Community Church, join efforts to help make the meals possible by cooking and serving.

“We are really blessed that we have people from other churches who come to help. We also have dedicated members at our church that help out with the meals. It’s great,” Roseberry said.

A network of five area churches work together to provide a much-needed free meal that is open to anyone in the community each Thursday evening, Roseberry said.

“At first, our goal was to have a meal once a month. Now look where we are,” he said.

The Coshocton Presbyterian Church, at 142 N. Fourth St., serves its community meal on the first Thursday of the month. Burt Avenue Wesleyan Church, at 230 Burt Ave., fulfills the need on the second Thursday. On the third Thursday of the month, Grace United Methodist Church, at 422 Walnut St., provides a meal. When there is a fifth Thursday in a month, Roseberry said, Central Christian Church, at 731 Main St., offers its community meal.

All meals start around 5:30 p.m., though Roseberry begins the prayer service around 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, he said.

“I think there is such a great need in the community because poverty and unemployment affect so many people,” he said. “It’s a relief for them to not have to worry about where a meal will come from once a week.”

Roseberry estimates that between 150 and 175 people are served during each meal at Park United Methodist. It’s an event that also creates a feeling of community, and provides “more than a meal,” he said. Prayer requests are taken, special milestones such as birthdays are recognized, and special activities are planned for the children who attend.

Though generous donations and a portion of the church budget make the meals possible, Roseberry said, there is always a need.

“We can always use donations of food, money and time,” he said. “We are a small church, but we do the best we can. We appreciate whatever help we can get.”

How to help

Those interested in donating to help sustain the community meals at Park United Methodist Church can call 740-622-0821. Monetary donations can be sent to the church at 122 Park Ave., Coshocton.