The power of one (or two) was alive and well on May 18, 2024 at Berea Curby Presbyterian Church’s Community Meal. The Dismantling Racism and White Privilege Team and Berea Curby invited GLPBY members to fellowship at the monthly Community Meal that Berea Curby offers to their neighbors.
Berea Curby was formed when Berea, a predominantly African American congregation, and Curby, a predominantly Euro-American congregation merged in 2019. They have about 50 active members – a small but mighty group.
Their pastor, Rev. Alonzo Williams, had the vision of creating a Community Meal Ministry. Judy Taylor, a member of Curby since before the merger with Berea, said “here I am, Lord.” They started in April 2023 and used their own personal funds to buy supplies. Since January they have been supported by a grant from the Southside Presbyterians United Winnebago Endowment Fund.
Judy has put together a team of dynamic women who have volunteered their time to cook, serve, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anyone who walks in the door looking for a hot, home-cooked meal. The team is made up of Berea Curby members as well as friends from the National Prayer Line, an online prayer group. As we talked after visitors had been fed and clean up was underway, several of the team shared their own stories of coming out of hardship and then wanting to help others. Their energetic love of this ministry was inspiring for those of us visiting. It was a blessing to fellowship with them. We could feel the Holy Spirit at work. It was a living example of the Holy Spirit shining its light on how we can live in Christ – the message of Pentecost which would be celebrated the next day.
The Holy Spirit continues to guide us. At the June meeting of the WGPC Mission Commission, we voted to answer Berea Curby’s call to partner with a suburban church in support of their community ministry. We are excited to work with them in partnership and to say “here I am, Lord!”
Diane McCullough
Moderator Dismantling Racism and White Privilege (DRAWP) Team
Member at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
