Published: Saturday, May 23, 2009
Everett Adventists, Lutherans join to feed the hungry
EVERETT -- It's been almost three years since the Everett Seventh-day Adventist Church began serving food to people in need. Their program, Parking Lot Dinners, moved around from one location to another.
When Central Lutheran Church in Everett heard about the program, they offered up their parking lot as a permanent space for the group. The two churches joined together to make every second and fourth Sunday a time when people who need a meal can come and eat, and maybe take leftovers.
"The Lutheran church was very good and we are very grateful for it," said Rodica Istrate, a member of the Marysville Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Istrate says that the two churches work well together on this project.
"Together we can show the world the love of God," Istrate said.
Teresa Ahern, a member of Central Lutheran Church, remembers how it all started. An intern was looking for a project and heard about Parking Lot Dinners and the need for a permanent location.
The group of volunteers from both churches serves hot food, salad, bread and fruit.
"And everyone goes away with a lunch," Ahern said.
When there are socks and toiletries to hand out to those in need, volunteers make sure they are distributed.
"Socks are a big thing," Ahern said.
More people show up for Parking Lot Dinners in the summer. Younger people show up, too. Typically, about 70 people come for food every two weeks.
"In the wintertime it's just heartbreaking," Ahern said.
When people turn up for food, they never leave empty handed.
"We send home as much as we can," Ahern said.
There are times that she knew that people didn't have a place to sleep. Last year there was a family who were living in their van with their baby.
Those who would like to contribute can show up at Central Lutheran on a Parking Lot Dinner Sunday with a prepared dish. There is a fund for socks and toiletries, too.
"There's a greater need in the area than I think people know about," Ahern said. "It's on our own back door."
Christina Harper: 425-339-3491, harper@heraldnet.com.
Come and eat
Dinners are held at 5 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month at Central Lutheran Church, 2702 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Church members and Seventh-day Adventists serve dinner and provide small items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and personal items. Call 425-252-8291.
When Central Lutheran Church in Everett heard about the program, they offered up their parking lot as a permanent space for the group. The two churches joined together to make every second and fourth Sunday a time when people who need a meal can come and eat, and maybe take leftovers.
"The Lutheran church was very good and we are very grateful for it," said Rodica Istrate, a member of the Marysville Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Istrate says that the two churches work well together on this project.
"Together we can show the world the love of God," Istrate said.
Teresa Ahern, a member of Central Lutheran Church, remembers how it all started. An intern was looking for a project and heard about Parking Lot Dinners and the need for a permanent location.
The group of volunteers from both churches serves hot food, salad, bread and fruit.
"And everyone goes away with a lunch," Ahern said.
When there are socks and toiletries to hand out to those in need, volunteers make sure they are distributed.
"Socks are a big thing," Ahern said.
More people show up for Parking Lot Dinners in the summer. Younger people show up, too. Typically, about 70 people come for food every two weeks.
"In the wintertime it's just heartbreaking," Ahern said.
When people turn up for food, they never leave empty handed.
"We send home as much as we can," Ahern said.
There are times that she knew that people didn't have a place to sleep. Last year there was a family who were living in their van with their baby.
Those who would like to contribute can show up at Central Lutheran on a Parking Lot Dinner Sunday with a prepared dish. There is a fund for socks and toiletries, too.
"There's a greater need in the area than I think people know about," Ahern said. "It's on our own back door."
Christina Harper: 425-339-3491, harper@heraldnet.com.
Come and eat
Dinners are held at 5 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month at Central Lutheran Church, 2702 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Church members and Seventh-day Adventists serve dinner and provide small items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and personal items. Call 425-252-8291.
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