Additional Information on Landisville Food Pantry Ministry
Beginning May 17, 2008, Zion became the temporary location of the local food pantry.
A Brief History of the Food Pantry - The food pantry has operated as a ministry of Real Hope Church for the past five years. Under the leadership of Dee Thomas, the ministry has grown to serve over 180 families per month, many of whom have specialized needs that would not be met by other food pantries in the county. The growing numbers of clients has resulted in a need for more space than was available at the Real Hope.
Zion’s Growing Partnership with the Food Pantry - The following Zion members have been regular volunteers at the food pantry: Bruce and Diane Gerlach, Nancy Price, Bruce and Peg Stockman, Connie Grow, Bill and Helen Piper, Jim Bear, Nancy Metzinger, Sue Censier, Barb Wildasin and Marie Adams. They have observed the day-to-day operations and have offered nothing but positive feedback concerning the help offered to the clientele and Dee's personal passion to care for those in need. This ministry to some of our community’s most vulnerable and needy has stood the test of time. Dee and the food pantry ministry have been held in high regard by those associated with it.
Other Issues Affecting the Move - In recent months, certain decisions of the leadership of Real Hope Church have been problematic for the food pantry. There was a growing gap between Real Hope Church’s priorities and those of the food pantry. Real Hope church has a very centralized form of leadership. One person makes all decisions concerning the ministry and the daily operations. There has been a series of decisions that put the needs of the clientele at risk of not being met. Those actions led Dee to resign her relationship with Real Hope Food Pantry, effective May 17, 2008.
Zion’s Offer to Help - In response to the reality that the needs of the food pantry clients would still continue, Zion’s congregation council, unanimously offered the use of temporary space at Zion (downstairs “Scout Room”) for food distribution, May 17 – September 1, 2008. During that time period the food pantry will operate under Zion’s non-profit status. Funds received for food pantry use will be received and disbursed, by our financial secretary and treasurer, through a specified line item “food pantry.” An account will be established with the Central PA Food Bank in Zion’s name, with no connection or liability to any previous account held in the name of Real Hope Church. As was the case previously, food will be distributed according to the requirements of the Central PA Food Bank for record keeping, income eligibility, nondiscriminatory practices and food storage. The use of space by the food pantry falls under the same liability responsibilities as any group that uses Zion’s facility and the facility use policy has been given to Dee. Zion members will continue to give volunteer support to this ministry and will be present in the building during the specified food distribution times (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
It is Important to Bear in Mind that this is a temporary solution to a community crisis. While every effort is being made to address all the details, it is certain that there will be an occasional “i” that won’t get dotted. As those become known, adjustments and corrections can be made. Your patience, understanding, input and support will be most helpful to an ongoing successful food ministry in our community.
What’s in Store for the Future? In approving this temporary relationship, the congregation council hopes to give Dee a window of opportunity to create an even stronger community organization for the food pantry ministry. This may include more participation by local churches, a board of directors comprised of members of participating churches, its own non-profit status, and locating a permanent facility for the food pantry. This temporary arrangement is also a window of opportunity for Zion to test out how the ministry goals of the food pantry may parallel with our mission in the Hempfields. The congregation council, our staff, and the social ministry team will be available to guide this process.
Please address your questions and concerns to Pastor LaDonna (pastorladonna@aol.com or 799-4773).
Bringing all people to Jesus Christ and membership in his family, nurturing them to Christ-like maturity, and equipping them for their ministry in the Church, and their life-mission in the world, all in order to magnify God's name.
