PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Amy Amacher delivering an outreach dinner to Paul (Butch) Bowmaster and his wife, Marie, (not pictured), of McElhattan.

McELHATTAN — One glorious evening at a Pathway to Christ Church Board meeting, Board President Tim Eggler suggested that the church conduct an outreach program. This outreach program would venture out to the community, spreading smiles, lending helping hands of friendship and letting the community know that church members care for them. From there the outreach began a delivery lunch program. On the last Wednesday of each month 15 to 20 individuals, sometimes more, from a list of many, are selected and delivered a hot lunch. These lunches have included BBQ sandwiches with sides, sauerkraut and hot dogs, hot sausage sandwiches and many more different dinners. In the fall and winter, a variety of soups will be served.

The outreach program is not only for shut-ins, but it offers a lunch for individuals that cannot get out to dine, or that may also feel alone or might not be able to cook a hot meal. Individuals are recommended by Pathway Church members, community members or others that know of someone in need. The Pathway Outreach program not only reaches out to direct community members, but also to various communities, “…wherever there is a need” said Helen Wheeler, of the church.

Jane White stated that there are many folks living next door to the church in a mobile home park that the church members do not know, but perhaps may need a hot meal or a friendly smile. “We just don’t know,” she said.

“We want to put a smile on someone’s face and to be kind to one another,” Wheeler added. “There needs to be more kindness to one another!”

Pathway Church is always looking for others in need of a lunch, a smile or a friendly face — just contact any member of Pathway to Christ Church. Better yet, stop in on any given Sunday at 10 a.m. and join members for Pastor Laura Gilbert’s wonderful service.

“As a pastor, I’ve come to realize that the church is not just a building — it’s a body,” said Gilbert. “Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him, He walked to them. And as a body of Christ, we don’t reach out to grow numbers, we reach out to grow hope. Because when people experience love in action, they catch a glimpse of God.”

“My prayer is that we continue to step out into this world with open hearts and love. The need is great, but so is our God. And He works through willing hands. Let us be those hands,” said Pastor Gilbert.