Free weekly dinner has grown Armbrust church's community
About four years ago, the pastor and parishioners at Armbrust Wesleyan Church decided to live out the spirit of Thanksgiving by providing a free community meal.
It wasn't long after that it became a weekly meal, served just before 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Attendance has grown over the years from 30 to an average of 80 or 90 people, according to Pastor Tim Stradling.
“On recent weeks, we've filled the room completely,” Stradling said. “It's great to be able to do something little that can help people in our community who struggle to make ends meet, whether because they're retired, on Social Security or unemployed.”
The meals are funded primarily through donations from the church's congregation, many of whom attend the meals.
“We have a population of regulars who have been coming for years,” Stradling said. “About a third is people who come to the church. They stay for events we're hosting, and they get a meal before going on to other church activities.”
The church also receives donations from local Sheetz and Panera stores, as well as Youngwood Community Market.
Stradling said regulars at the dinner have formed “a nice little community. Now they know one another better than before.”
“It's really great to meet our neighbors,” he said.
Armbrust Wesleyan is at 7790 Route 819 in Hempfield. For details, visit ArmbrustWesleyan.com.
Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-850-2862, pvarine@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MurrysvilleStar.
