Be the Light!

St. Andrew's Food Pantry touches about 70 to 80 families in need from the community each Wednesday throughout the year by providing food donated by the congregation. 

Much of the work—collecting, packing, and distributing food bags to families from the community — takes place on Monday and Wednesday mornings, but there are other opportunities to serve as well.  We are all indebted to those who assist each week, from buying food with funds donated from the congregation, collecting food donations from local stores, filling bags and serving them, to assisting with set up every Wednesday. Many of you have also contributed through your generous donations of non-perishable and unexpired food items which are always needed and greatly appreciated.

We welcome volunteers at the Food Pantry!  Volunteering is easy and no training is required. The Food Pantry takes place right in the church parking lot.  Special groups such as youth or Scouts may earn community service hours by volunteering. You can get more information about volunteering by clicking here or by contacting our leader Carol Menne at Mennebc@gmail.com or myself at EarlR1488@gmai.com.  

The Food Pantry at St. Andrew's UMC-Brandon is fulfilling the Gospel by reaching and serving those in need. Pictured: Inside the Food Pantry and volunteers welcoming guests in the church parking lot.

Serving with us is so rewarding. I believe the benefits of the Food Pantry are not only for those being served in a time of need, but also very much for us, the volunteers, because it is so deeply fulfilling. 

The families who drive to the Pantry often see our volunteers wearing a St. Andrew's “Be the Light” t-shirt with a brightly glowing light bulb against with that inscription. It depicts what our church is called to be, light, in an all-too dark world. And as we go about our weekly pantry routines, I've often thought of a scripture passage of Jesus’s teaching in Matthew chapter 25, where He tells us of His eventual return in glory amid our frail and confused lives.

We often may wonder where God amid all the stress, anxiety and craziness of our world.  Jesus reminds us in Matthew chapter 25 that when He comes again, people will ask Him, "Where were you?" And He will reply, “When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me… Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”

Volunteering at the Food Pantry is an immensely fulfilling way for us to live out our faith through concrete and tangible service to others.  If you’d like to learn more or have questions, feel free to reach out to us. Or just stop by the church any Monday or Wednesday morning, we’d love to show you what we do!

Earl Richardson

Food Pantry Coordinator/Ministry Leader

St. Andrew's UMC-Brandon

#saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #FoodPantry #mission #community #grace #love