September 27, 2023
News from the calvary food pantry
from Kathy Noyes
Morning had definitely broken as Chefs Dan and Martha were scurrying around the Parish Hall kitchen firing up the grills and preparing the unique Vining pancake batter. Meanwhile scouts from Troop 61, volunteers, students from Hendersonville High School began arriving to assist with food distribution and the Pancake Breakfast. As our "neighbors" arrived they were offered breakfast at the Parish Hall: pancakes, bacon, milk and coffee. While Fr. J., Todd, Dick, and Troop 61 grilled the pancakes, Tom and Kim were offering hot pancakes and crispy bacon to the neighbors. Other scouts and volunteers assisted with the beverages, clearing the tables, and spending time chatting with the neighbors. Truly a time of fellowship and a tasty breakfast.
Meanwhile at the pantry, it was a record-breaking day for the number of households shopping for food. We welcomed 155 households, 546 individuals, and 14 new families. We were fortunate that members from the Global Lens Club from Hendersonville High School were volunteering. Thanks to our regular volunteers and our friends from Deerfield, the morning ran smoothly... just very busy! Joe prepared crepes with a yogurt and fruit topping for the neighbors to sample.
This week we received seven pallets of cake and pancake mixes that we shared with other pantries in our area. St. John's Episcopal Church Food Pantry from Marion, Emmanuel Lutheran Food Pantry, Averys Creek Methodist Church Food Pantry, and the Tabernacle of Praise picked up cases during the past week. Our neighbors were offered the mixes as a bonus item.
We had lots of donations this week. Bimbos and City Bakery filled our bread racks with bread and bakery items. Bright Farms donated 20 cases of salad kits. Other donors included: Flavor-First (tomatoes, corn, and peppers); St. Andrews Gleaners (tomatoes); Wal-Mart and Big Lots (misc items and food); Project Dignity (feminine products); Humane Society (dog/cat food); and MilkCo (milk). Nativity Lutheran, Fletcher Methodist, Calvary Episcopal, and the Tabernacle of Praise Churches and other anonymous donors contributed their time, food, and misc. items during the week.
On behalf of the Executive Committee, thank you to our volunteers and our area churches, civic groups, local merchants, and families for all you do to feed our community, helping to reduce food insecurity. We thank you and appreciate your food and monetary donations.
News from the lord’s acre, fletcher
from Doug Kearney
HARVEST TIME IN THE GARDEN THURSDAY AT 6:30
After two weeks, the collards are ready for another harvest, and we need to pull some spent plants in the hoop house to get ready for a fall planting of lettuce and beets. It’s a great time to be outside in the garden! See you (on September 28) at 6:30pm!
THANKS AS ALWAYS TO THE STUDENTS FROM CHRIST SCHOOL…
…who spent a morning of their Service Day pulling weeds in the garden a few weeks ago. Two years ago, they were instrumental in the creation of the garden by pulling tons of rocks from the ground. They continue the tradition.
GOD PROMISES A GARDEN
“…and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. ’They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.’” — Amos 9:14
I am increasingly struck by how often God includes the land in the promise to restore Israel. That should not be a shock, I suppose, since the people of Israel were largely growers and herders. It’s still instructive that when God, through Amos, wants to tell a chastened people of the good times God will bring to bear, it includes building a garden and eating from its harvest. So remember, when you are digging in the garden and picking collards, this is a small taste of what God believes the world should look like.
WORKING THROUGH FALL
Several folks have asked me when is our last day in the garden, apparently seeing the declining tomatoes and cucumbers and concluding that things are wrapping up for the fall. In fact, the pace of digging and harvesting, even weeding, will soon slow. Weeds and nature itself slow down for the winter. However, we will likely plant and harvest 500 pounds of collards, lettuce, and beets between now and the end of the year. (Click the "see fall schedule" for our planting and harvest calendar.)
We will not meet every Thursday. And, in October, we'll move our work sessions back to 4:00 pm since the days will be shorter and the temperatures cooler.
Thanks, as always, for your dedication to what goes on in the Lord's Acre, Fletcher garden. We literally couldn't do it without you.
