Lakewood Methodist Church members packaged 12,096 meals on Sunday, September 13, as part of their Rise Against Hunger campaign. Since 2015, church members have packaged 142,128 meals for the Houston community.
According to Feeding America, Texas has the largest food-insecure population in the U.S. Today, nearly 1 in 5 Houstonians, or 19.4%, face food insecurity. Children face even greater challenges: approximately 26.1%, or 1 in 4 kids, face hunger. As demands increase on local food banks, Lakewood Methodist Church members are rising up to help their neighbors.
“Serving others is part of the rhythm of a Jesus-centered life at Lakewood Methodist Church,” said John Stephenson, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Methodist Church. “Through Rise Against Hunger, we have the opportunity to put that faith into action in a very tangible way — coming together to provide food, share hope, and remind people that they are not alone.”
In addition to operating an ongoing food pantry, Lakewood Methodist Church also offers a Clothing Closet. Community members are invited to join the church’s mission 1-2 hours per week as part of their Volunteer for Matthew 25:35 program.
“Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:35, ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food.’ Those words remind us that when we care for someone who is hungry or in need, we are serving Christ himself,” said Stephenson. “That is at the heart of our mission at Lakewood Methodist Church. Through Rise Against Hunger, we have an opportunity to put Christ-like love into action: to meet a basic need, restore dignity, build relationships, and remind our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and loved.”
Packaging meals is just one way the church is serving their community:
● During Thanksgiving and Christmas, Holiday Food Drives deliver meals to nearly 40 Matzke families.
● Volunteers provide groceries to more than 310 local families per year.
● In partnership with the local Scout Troop, the Food Pantry received 2,900 lbs of food this year.
● Chick-fil-A works with the Food Pantry to regularly donate quality frozen food to make hot meals for unhoused guests on Wednesdays, in addition to providing hot meals for the 249 & Hope team when visiting community members.
● On the first Sunday of every month, congregants donate needed food items to help restock the Food Pantry.
● Every Wednesday, the Clothing Closet provides clothing to unhoused neighbors, job interview clothing, homecoming and prom dresses, and everyday clothing for families in need.
While everyone is welcome to worship at Lakewood Methodist Church, you don’t need to be a member to volunteer your time or donate needed food and clothing items. Donations can be made at the church located at 11330 Louetta Road, Houston, Texas, 77070. Those interested in participating in the Volunteer for Matthew 15:35 program can contact Kay Irvine at [email protected].
“For us, mission is about more than meeting a physical need. It’s about serving with compassion, prayer, and love,” added Stephenson. “We invite our community to join us in putting faith into action and helping bring hope and Christ’s love to our neighbors.”
About Lakewood Methodist Church
Lakewood Methodist Church exists to help guide people into a lifestyle centered around Jesus. Located in Houston, Texas, the church is committed to worship, biblical teaching, discipleship, prayer, and serving others locally and globally. As part of the Global Methodist Church, Lakewood Methodist Church seeks to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.
To learn more about Lakewood Methodist Church, visit www.lakewoodmethodist.org.
###
Contact
Lakewood Methodist Church
11330 Louetta Rd, Houston, TX 77070
Sydney Cheek
[email protected]
(515) 864-6657
https://lakewoodmethodist.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakewoodmc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakewoodmethodist/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNnEbfIalK08ye_ZxiztTw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lakewood-methodist-church/
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 2703299
