Ministry snapshots - Shattuck cooks holiday feast

Churches across the state submit stories to Contact about their innovative and effective ministries. On these pages, we gladly share that news, both to celebrate with them and to inspire others, when space is available. Submit news by email to editor@okumc.org  — digital photos need to be original sizes, JPG format — or by U.S. mail to Contact, United Methodist Ministry Center, 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. — Holly McCray, editor

A new small group at Shattuck-First UMC hosted the church’s first Christmas Day Dinner in 2012. Even with snow that day, lonely and hungry people were fed and church members experienced working and celebrating together in service to God’s Kingdom.

The second Christmas Day Dinner will be served soon, according to Pastor Rick Trobaugh.

The small group had been studying "Committed to Christ: Six Steps to a Generous Life," by Bob Crossman. The last chapter, "Hands-on Service in Jesus’ Name," inspired them to act.

One member recalled free Thanksgiving Day dinners at a family’s restaurant.

A newer member talked of her experiences in another church that served Christmas Day dinners. She also had helped prepare meals for large groups in various ministries. When she expressed a desire to do something similar in Shattuck, others offered to help.

The project’s mission is to not only feed the hungry or lonely on Christmas Day, but also to eat with them, to become acquainted and form relationships.