Jane Corbett and Meal Program

As best I can remember we began our joyful work at St. Peter and Paul when the shelter opened and when the warm meal program began. The program began out of Holy Redeemer Parish but now includes St. Michaels and all who come. It is for all of us a program based on faith and love. We pray, laugh, shop, cook and decorate. We love what we do, we love each other, we love our guests, and after each meal we say again, "It’s been the miracle of the loaves and fishes". Thanks to God for all who provided money, food and helping hands. Literally thousands of folks have come to help: scouts, confirmation classes, high school kids doing service hours and just beautiful everyone coming because they love coming. The experience has been an amazing one.

We have a million stories of grace but a few of the fun ones I will share. When I was shopping one day with huge overloaded baskets of food a couple said, "Wow, you must be throwing some party." I explained it was for St. P & P and they screamed for joy. They had been looking for something like this and have been coming with delightful energy for more than 5 years now.

Last month, a young man came to serve to just get in some service hours. His service hours are over and he’s gathering his buddies to come join him this month for the fun. We’ve come in every kind of weather from blizzards to burning heat. A couple of years ago the electricity went out in the whole area. So we gave an outdoor picnic for the whole neighborhood. It was an absolute ball and yes, enough food for all - (all-eluias). Truly we "count it all joy." We never have a meeting. We just come together in love.

It’s soooo much fun to watch it all – the tiny ones serving like troopers, great food, friendships and above all, the delight of the folks receiving the love and warm meals. We’ll be coming as long as we are needed. Our dream and prayers are always that we would go out of business because no one is homeless.

Jane Corbett – Meals Coordinator