Central Methodist Awarded Grant Gu Student Groups Contribute $10,000 To Two Food Programs
Central United Methodist Church learned recently that one of its outreach ministries is the recipient of a $10,000 grant awarded by two sophomore student service organizations at Gonzaga University.
The Knights and Setons award the annual grant to a local charity.
The grant was given to Shalom Ministries, which operates the Big Mamu restaurant downtown and the Dining with Dignity meals program that provides free weekly meals for the poor. The ministry is a separate, non-profit organization.
Organizers hope to use the funds to create a new job-training program for the people who use the meals ministry, says Central Pastor Rich Lang. Many of those people are single men who suffer from an alcohol or drug addition.
“They are folks who fall beneath the line of despair,” says Lang.
While Lang was excited to get word of the grant, he says he is more pleased about the fact that several Gonzaga University students have been volunteering for Shalom Ministries.
“It’s the kids themselves who are more important,” says Lang.
The job program would give about a dozen men jobs in the church kitchen and help them get connected to the community and learn healthy work habits, says Lang. But, for the program to get off the ground, $20,000 more must be raised.
To that end, organist Charles Bradley and violinist John Bennett of the Spokane Symphony will perform a fund-raising recital Sunday at 7 p.m. at Central, 518 W. Third. Admission is by donation.
For more information, call 838-1431.
Sunday sing this week
Members of the churches of Cheney will gather at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Cheney Church of the Nazarene, 333 Betz Road, for a Fifth Sunday Sing. The event is held at rotating locations whenever there is a fifth Sunday in a month.
Those attending are asked to bring canned goods for the Cheney Food Bank, and the offering will benefit Cheney Outreach. An appetizer potluck will follow the event.
Luncheon planned at Emmanuel
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 314 S. Spruce, will have its annual Advent luncheon Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon, to be catered by the Cannon Street Grill, will include a short musical program. Tickets cost $7.60 and must be purchased by Sunday. Tickets are available from the church office by calling 838-4409.
Thanksgiving services today
The First Church of Christ, Scientist will have a Thanksgiving service today at 10 a.m. The church is at 310 E. 14th.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2 W. Third, will have a service today at 10 a.m.
Central Lutheran Church, 209 E. Fifth, will celebrate Thanksgiving with a service today at 10 a.m.