Food & Faith in Our United Methodist Churches
A month ago, we went on a quest for a great broccoli salad to serve at our free community drive-thru lunch. Several tasty suggestions were shared, but we chose this recipe from the collection of a 102-year-old woman who lived in Kenbridge, Virginia. We didn’t expect all of our 90 guests to like it, but... Continue Reading →
August 27, 2020 As the people lined up for their breakfast this morning in an alley, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church quietly celebrated 10,000 meals served since the pandemic became a reality in Kingsport, Tennessee. “We’ve never missed a single day of serving,” said the Rev. Will Shewey, even though COVID-19 forced Shades of... Continue Reading →
“To ease the pandemic stress, we started baking.” That’s what Chris Sneed posted on his Facebook page with this photo of an appealing slice of cake. Of course, I had to call Chris to find out more. “Today we made my Great-Granny Mattson's Oatmeal Cake,” Chris said. “Many people say I am just like my... Continue Reading →
When I shared the story about the meal ministry at Kingston United Methodist Church, I learned that “Taco Twist Soup” is a favorite of their monthly lunchtime guests. Here’s the soup recipe, courtesy of Janet Moore. I tried it tonight, and I’m really impressed. It’s a great meal in a pot with common pantry ingredients,... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I had an eye-rolling moment as I listened to an NPR interview. The subject was Sam Sifton, founding editor of NYT Cooking – of which I am a fan and paid subscriber. Sam talked about how he enjoys going to his pantry and conjuring creative meals with available foods that don’t require another risky... Continue Reading →
Like most of you, I’m separated from family during the coronavirus pandemic. Both of my adult sons live alone right now, trying to stay away from germs while struggling with the social isolation. One is staying in Chattanooga. One is in downtown Knoxville, right next to Church Street United Methodist Church. One is unemployed because... Continue Reading →
When the churches were closed due to coronavirus, a couple of youth members at Rye Cove United Methodist Church didn’t want to stop reaching out to the community. Allison Vincent, age 12, and Lindsey Vincent, age 11, are part of a youth group that “absolutely loves to cook,” says their mother. Cooking has been a... Continue Reading →
A week ago, I wrote about pimento cheese. The world had seemed to change overnight due to coronavirus, and I wanted to get that pimento cheese blog written before I dove headfirst into the work that needed to be done for my job and family. I saw a spot-on meme this weekend that said, “What... Continue Reading →
Macy Mitchell is making it happen. She’s doing what so many other people are doing right now. She found a need during the coronavirus pandemic and is using her gifts and passion to fill it. Macy says it all started when she checked on her 83-year-old grandfather, who admitted he was depressed. “What can I... Continue Reading →
The Call to Cook 