At Saint Matthew, our mission to serve comes to life through our dedicated ministries. Today, we shine a spotlight on two groups that embody this spirit: the Lunch Bunch, providing meals for those in need for nearly 25 years, and the “Needlers,” our knitting and crocheting group that creates items of comfort.
The Lunch Bunch: An Origin Story of Service
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Lunch Bunch has been a cornerstone of our outreach. As Deacon Bill Lawrence shared, this incredible ministry began with the simple, powerful words of Mae Trebing almost twenty-five years ago, who said, “we can do this.” Since February 2001, the Lunch Bunch has been doing just that. This ministry gathers on the second Thursday of each month to prepare approximately 200 lunches for the patrons of The Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. These lunches include sandwiches, bananas, and donated homemade desserts.
This vital work depends on community support. While a generous grant from the Mt. Laurel Wegman’s covers about 25% of the cost, your donations are crucial. You can help by:
- Volunteering: Join the team on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
- Donating Financially: Please mark your contribution for “The Lunch Bunch.”
- Donating Food: Creamy peanut butter, jam, or homemade baked goods are always welcome.
A ministry that provides a full lunch, once a month to the patrons of The Cathedral Kitchen in Camden
As I write this report, I’m smiling because I was blessed to reconnect with my old pal Mae Trebing at the 75th Anniversary celebration dinner on May 4th. We reminisced about her being the impetus behind this food ministry – almost twenty-five years ago. She said “we can do this” and…indeed with God’s guidance and your financial help – and me as its shepherd (with enormous help from our faithful Lunch Bunchers) – we’ve been able to sustain this ever since February 2001.
A quick recap for those who are new to our congregation, or are not familiar might help. This ministry is a monthly gathering of folks who prepare all the fixin’s for a cold lunch – approximately 200 sandwiches (beef baloney & cheese and peanut butter & jam), along with bananas, and donated homemade desserts (cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.).
The food is prepared on Thursday evening (always the second Thursday of the month). There’s a dedicated group of “faithful food disciples” who regularly attend – however this opportunity is open to anyone who knows how to make a sandwich and use a squeeze close sandwich baggie. We meet at 7:00 pm in the basement to prepare the food. The next day it is delivered by one of our parishioners to the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden in time for the Friday noon meal.
We are thankful for our partnership with the Mt. Laurel Wegman’s – who allow us to apply for a financial grant each year to assist us with this ministry. For the past eleven years we’ve received gift cards, which we use to shop for our monthly supplies. It began at $400.00 per year and for the past six years has been $600.00. What a blessing! Nevertheless, that money is only a fraction of the annual cost (approximately 25%). We depend on donations from the congregation to sustain this mission. The balance needs to come from you. Please note your contribution for “The Lunch Bunch” when you give. Every little bit helps. If you’re not able to provide financial assistance, you can still support this ministry by contributing creamy peanut butter and jam, or baking homemade cakes, cookies or brownies. These treats can be deposited on the desk outside the main office on a disposable plate or platter on the second Thursday of the month.
In the Wegman’s financial application grants I promise to make an advertising pitch for them – so here it is: If you’ve never shopped at Wegman’s you might want to give it a try. They have prices to fit every budget – from economy to gourmet. They are committed to making a difference in communities wherever they’re located.
I thank God for you and your continued support which has sustained this ministry for almost 25 years. Well done!
Many thanks… and God’s peace to you,
Deacon Bill,
For the Lunch Bunch
Here’s a picture of a shawl one of our members made that includes the colored patches made by Liz Miller who was part of the former and current “needlers”
The “Needlers”: Knitting and Crocheting with Purpose
Our talented knitting and crocheting group, “The Needlers,” has been creating handmade items for those in need for over a year, continuing a long tradition of craft-based service at our church. Their beautiful projects bring warmth and comfort to many, with recent creations destined for homebound members and the Seafarers International Union.
The Needlers extend an open invitation to anyone interested in joining. If you can’t make the meetings but are a “needler” at home, they would love to welcome you and can provide patterns. They are also eager to teach anyone interested in learning how to knit or crochet. For more information, please contact Peggy Marks, Doreen Lawrence, Trish Myers, JoAnn Lawrence, or Celeste Chamberlain.