Pilgrim UCC Expands the Menu for the Needy of Greater New Bedford
By Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, Editor
Market Ministries-- an organization that serves the homeless and hungry of Greater New Bedford with food, shelter and compassionate support -- uses the kitchen of Pilgrim United Church of Christ to prepare weekly lunches. Rev. Dave Hammett, pastor at Pilgrim, and Rev. Russ Chamberlain, a member of the church, noticed that Market Ministries did not serve meals on the weekends. Thus began the "Loaves and Fishes" ministry at Pilgrim.
Hammett and Chamberlain recruited volunteers to serve breakfast on the first Saturday of October. About a dozen people were served. Word quickly spread and a greater number of needy people showed up the following first Saturday of the month. Not only were there more visitors, but individuals from other faith communities arrived to volunteer their help. Neighbors also sent funds to buy food items -- 'loaves and fishes,' -- assisted with the preparation of the meal, and helped serve.
"Employees from Panera Bread in Dartmouth, fraternity brothers from UMASS Dartmouth's Sigma Phi Ro and friends, two women for Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, men from East Freetown Congregational Church, members of Clear Vision Congregational Christian Church, members of the Emmaus Church, Foreign Exchange Students from the AFS program and various members of Pilgrim UCC have been involved in this interfaith community breakfast program," said Chamberlain. Even the local United Way gave a $1000 mini-grant when the church applied for funding.
In fact, there was such an outpouring of help, the breakfast program grew to two Saturdays in December, three Saturdays by February, and then four Saturdays in April. Over 75 homeless and working poor of New Bedford can now count on a meal every Saturday morning.
The breakfast menu rotates each time, but usually consists of pancakes, eggs or French toast, with sausage, home fries, and sometimes breads and muffins donated by local stores. Coffee, milk, and juice are usually served with the meal. It costs approximately $75 -$100 for the food and supplies.
Because of the meal ministry's great success, a clothing redistribution program was set up. Each week, two women and their friends -- who formerly were served the breakfast but are now doing the serving -- organize the clothing program. Shortly thereafter, someone donated books along with clothing. The books disappeared in three weeks time so more are being requested.
"The volunteers are able to interact with the people -- our neighbors who come for breakfast -- and have become more aware of the needs and challenges this population faces," said Chamberlain. "This information is being brought back to the ministry steering committee's monthly meeting to discuss how the church can respond to the needs of our neighbors and others in the New Bedford community."
"The atmosphere that has been developed at the breakfast has enlightened me," said volunteer Dr. Harry Matelski. "We serve just as I think Jesus would do. Helping those in need helps me feel really good and that I'm really needed. It is a better feeling than when I see and help patients as an oncologist. God bless this ministry that has been established and also for the way Rev. Russ has taught us how we can relate to people and to different organizations."
Hammett explained that volunteering at the breakfast is very contagious. "Once people serve, they can't imagine not doing it again. I'm frequently being told how fulfilling it is to help. Now we have both the blessing and challenge of having more volunteers than we can use. We even have churches on a waiting list."
This turn of events has caused Pilgrim to consider opening a second breakfast program in the north end of the city. They are looking for a church to host the breakfast, but they will provide guidance and a crew of volunteers ready to serve.
"The 3,000 + breakfasts served to neighbors in need have been made possible through gracious volunteers from a wide range of Christian faith traditions," said Hammett. "We might not all share the same theology, but serving in Christ's name has become common holy ground."
"The Holy Spirit has truly led the greater New Bedford community to come together and blessed this ministry," said Chamberlain.
Revs. Hammett and Chamberlain can be reach via the church office at (508) 997-9086 or email office@puccnb.org.
