The Birth of the Porch Pantry
As a church struggling to know God’s vision for his people, the Covid-19 pandemic had a strange way of helping to reveal it. Our members had been discussing for years that our congregation had been placed at the top of the hill on Main Street right in downtown Newmarket for a special reason, but we were not sure exactly what that purpose was at this point in our church’s nearly 200-year history. How should we determine which part of God’s ministry we were to take on as ours?
Through many years there have been plenty of requests for food vouchers and financial help from the residents and homeless in the Main Street area which we sometimes refer to as “in the shadow of our steeple” which can be seen from pretty much anywhere in downtown Newmarket. There are several tent cities in the area and many others who need to use the local shelter at night. It was already impossible for our small congregation to keep up with all the requests which only increased during the pandemic.
During one of our discussions around the Spring of 2020, a member suggested that we put non-perishable food items out on the porch of our church annex, free for anyone in need to help themselves, no questions asked. Soon food donations were coming in from our members and presented on a table in front of the church annex. This was very well received by both our human and animal neighbours. Fortunately, soon after a member donated a locker to house the food so only people could access it as needed. Thus, our Porch Pantry Mission was born.
As with any such charitable endeavour offering 24/7 free access, there are those who may choose to abuse it, but anyone facing such scarcity and uncertainty in their lives can hardly be blamed. Once they realize that the food will be replenished, we are sure that their thoughts will change. During a rare discussion with one of the visitors to our Porch Pantry, when asked about why they chose one item over another after they were seen obviously struggling with the decision, they responded that they chose the one because they thought most people would prefer the other and they wanted to leave it for someone else. Even when faced with great need, people are able to put others first. What a great testimony!
When the temperatures started dropping in the Fall of 2020, it was evident that more than just food was required. Our congregation decided to also provide warmth items such as new socks, gloves, hats, and blankets. We now also provide personal hygiene items at times and are planning to provide a free meal on Boxing Day which will not conflict with other ministries in the area. In addition, we are putting together Gift Boxes with treats and small items to make Christmas a special time. We hope to provide about 70 gift boxes to those at the local shelter, guests at our Boxing Day meal and any others who are in need.
We now have concrete steps to take in order to fulfill our mission which is “Loving God and loving our neighbours so that one more might know and experience a life changing relationship with the Living God”. Our vision is clear.
Please consider assisting us with these projects. Visit the Porch Pantry page for details of items required, drop off times, contact information and methods for financial donations. If you are not sure what to buy and would prefer, a financial gift lets us buy what is needed most. If you are making a financial donation, please mark it for the benevolent fund. Click here for details on making donations. If you are in a different town or city and would rather help out more locally, we encourage you to find a local outreach program to help those in need. Please help make someone’s Christmas brighter and let them know they are not forgotten.
Through many years there have been plenty of requests for food vouchers and financial help from the residents and homeless in the Main Street area which we sometimes refer to as “in the shadow of our steeple” which can be seen from pretty much anywhere in downtown Newmarket. There are several tent cities in the area and many others who need to use the local shelter at night. It was already impossible for our small congregation to keep up with all the requests which only increased during the pandemic.
During one of our discussions around the Spring of 2020, a member suggested that we put non-perishable food items out on the porch of our church annex, free for anyone in need to help themselves, no questions asked. Soon food donations were coming in from our members and presented on a table in front of the church annex. This was very well received by both our human and animal neighbours. Fortunately, soon after a member donated a locker to house the food so only people could access it as needed. Thus, our Porch Pantry Mission was born.
As with any such charitable endeavour offering 24/7 free access, there are those who may choose to abuse it, but anyone facing such scarcity and uncertainty in their lives can hardly be blamed. Once they realize that the food will be replenished, we are sure that their thoughts will change. During a rare discussion with one of the visitors to our Porch Pantry, when asked about why they chose one item over another after they were seen obviously struggling with the decision, they responded that they chose the one because they thought most people would prefer the other and they wanted to leave it for someone else. Even when faced with great need, people are able to put others first. What a great testimony!
When the temperatures started dropping in the Fall of 2020, it was evident that more than just food was required. Our congregation decided to also provide warmth items such as new socks, gloves, hats, and blankets. We now also provide personal hygiene items at times and are planning to provide a free meal on Boxing Day which will not conflict with other ministries in the area. In addition, we are putting together Gift Boxes with treats and small items to make Christmas a special time. We hope to provide about 70 gift boxes to those at the local shelter, guests at our Boxing Day meal and any others who are in need.
We now have concrete steps to take in order to fulfill our mission which is “Loving God and loving our neighbours so that one more might know and experience a life changing relationship with the Living God”. Our vision is clear.
Please consider assisting us with these projects. Visit the Porch Pantry page for details of items required, drop off times, contact information and methods for financial donations. If you are not sure what to buy and would prefer, a financial gift lets us buy what is needed most. If you are making a financial donation, please mark it for the benevolent fund. Click here for details on making donations. If you are in a different town or city and would rather help out more locally, we encourage you to find a local outreach program to help those in need. Please help make someone’s Christmas brighter and let them know they are not forgotten.