The Christ’s Kitchen ministry to serve meals to the needy has been at Haven United Methodist Church on at 404 Yazoo Ave. every fourth Saturday for the past 10 years.
A new location for the ministry is expected to be announced in the next few weeks, but it was at Haven United Methodist Church this past Saturday as Thanksgiving meals for 300 people were prepared.
“This time, we are looking at changing the ministry to another location,” said Christ’s Kitchen founder Lorraine Cancer. “We’ve had this ministry for 10 years right here at Haven and we just feel that it’s time for us to make a change so that we can reach more people in the community. We thought we would try another location at this time.”
While a permanent location has not been announced, Christ’s Kitchen will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 19 – the third Saturday of December - at Clarksdale United Methodist Church.
Cancer said, for the past 10 years, Christ’s Kitchen served an average of 200 meals every fourth Saturday for a total of 24,800.
“I'm thankful for the seasons which we share Christ’s Kitchen at Haven but in Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1 through 8 tells us that there's a time for all things at this time we will move to a new location,” Cancer said. “The members of Haven are still invited to be a part of this ministry and anyone who care to serve are welcome we will let you know where we will be located in the near future, but the third Saturday of December will be at Clarksdale United Methodist Church. I want to thank everyone who have helped with this ministry for the last 10 years and nine months I pray that we will continue to be of services in the community and the surrounding areas, may the acts of service reflect God's mercy and grace. So let us tend to Christ lambs and feed God’s sheep.”
The Clarksdale Care Station made the Thanksgiving meal possible last Saturday.
“This time we were able to cater the food from the Care Station and get the volunteers to come and to share with the community,” Cancer said.
Cancer said the need was greater than previous Thanksgivings due to COVID.
“More likely because of the economic status right now and it’s just hard times,” said Cancer, adding people are just trying to grab a meal.
The meal consisted of dressing, turkey, green beans and sweet potato casserole.
Christ’s Kitchen’s ministry has been a drive-through ever since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
“Ever since COVID, since March, we have been serving meals out the back door.”
Cancer thanked everyone who helped on Saturday.
“I’m just grateful to the volunteers that come and help out,” she said. “We certainly appreciate all of the donations that people give us throughout the year.”
