On the second Saturday of each month, First Christian Church in Troy hosts a free community breakfast. On that day, around 50 people from Lincoln County join together for a hot breakfast and warm fellowship. More than 15 volunteers make it happen by setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up.
It all started just over a year ago when Naomi Uy-Moore had the idea. Naomi is Senior Minister Jeff Moore's wife, who started a similar program at Central Christian Church in Hermitage, PA. She presented her idea to the Board for their approval and they were behind it immediately. In fact a number of gifts came in as seed money for her to begin the program. She continues to head up the effort by preparing menus, buying supplies, and organizing volunteers.
A typical breakfast starts with set-up on the preceding Friday night. About 12 individuals will show up to set tables, organize serving tables, prepare decorations (ie: Veterans Day weekend we had flags and red/white/blue balloons). Then on Saturday the volunteers start at 7 am with prayer and cooking begins. Our doors open at 8 am and we cook and serve right through 11:00 am. We do not begin clean-up until the 11:00 hour because we don't want anyone to feel rushed. A separate cleaning crew comes to break down tables and wash dishes.
The breakfast is promoted through our front marquee, newspaper press releases, the local ministerial alliance, and word of mouth now... as it is a year old and doing well. The program continues to change as the population continues to change. But consistently we have seen veterans and young families attend, both of whom are seeking fellowship, as well as a hot breakfast. We consistently have between 40-60 each month. Many are the same people, but each time we gain a few new ones. This program is entirely outreach oriented, supported by donations which come from church members. We do not ask for anything from those who come to the breakfast. The program costs us about $70 per month, but everyone agrees is well worth it!
Thanks to Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore
for this story and photos.