T e hospitality doesn’t include an expectation to join
the church. “Our intention is to welcome everyone into the community of God,” Slater said. “Our way to do that is to provide a hot meal in a cold month.” Every meal begins with quiet and a prayer. “Saying
grace is deliberate,” Slater said, “to show that this meal is an inspired event.” Amid clanking silverware, hot coff ee and chatter
there’s an air of peace and good will. Each host group plans the menu, which is always a surprise for those com- ing through the door. “Oh boy, chili!” some will say. Or, “T ey have my favorite soup tonight.” When the dinners fi rst began, St. Luke member Judy
Polkow and her husband, David Higgs, set up their instruments and sound equipment in a corner of the hall. Aſt er his death, she continued to provide “Musical Memories” dinner music, including Christmas music in January and romantic music for Valentine’s Day. One regular named Jason always joins her when she
announces that it’s time to sing “God Bless America.” “He’s a real spark plug,” Polkow said. Others are moved to
sing along, too, and some even dance. If Polkow knows it’s your birthday, you’ll be honored. Slater said those who attend fall into one of three cat-
egories: the truly needy, elderly who rely on the dinners for fellowship, and “the church cooks”—those who love to cook and want to see what it’s all about. Even though the dinners are free, loyal kitchen worker
Alan Dellehunt calls them one of the church’s “biggest fundraisers.” It’s not unusual for grateful elderly guests to slip some money into Slater’s pocket or hand. T e strength of these meals is that the verses from
Isaiah are played out all winter long. Nothing is asked of those in attendance. T e meals began as a giſt to the com- munity with a simple message: come and be fed. Asked how the dinners impact his faith, Slater
(
jhsiii@fairpoint.net) said, “As I look out at all the people enjoying this meal I think to myself, this is it, this is what ministry is all about.”
Author bio: Sundwall is a freelance and mystery writer in Valatie, N.Y.
$700 for golf and a three-night stay (double occupancy)
Golf Tournament
FEBRUARY 21-23, 2014
Mission Inn Resort & Club Howey-in-the-Hills, FLORIDA
Included in all registrations are 18 holes of golf each day, breakfast and lunch all three days, with dinners included on Friday and Saturday.
For more pricing details, resort information, and to register, visit
www.lhmmen.com/golf2014.
January 2014 41
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