For those of you who don’t know about Friendship Kitchen, here is a little history. After EFUMC members Kathleen and David Shannon encountered a young couple walking from Eufaula to McAlester on a Saturday to get a free meal, they realized that Eufaula had no programs available to feed the hungry physically and spiritually. They brought their idea back to Pastor Brannon and the congregation and in June of 2013 Friendship Kitchen was born. All the local churches were invited to participate. Initially 7 churches rotated and served a meal, offered friendship and spiritual guidance to anyone walking through the doors, no questions asked, no qualifications required. After several years Friendship Kitchen became a partner with the Food Bank of Easter Oklahoma, with the help of God’s Helping Hands Mission. Twelve years later we still average serving about 50 to 60 patrons per week. Serving Churches have come and gone along the journey. Currently EFUMC spearheads the program and I am currently the 4th Program Director. Community Culture Church, Wayland Baptist Church, Eufaula VFW Post, and Beta Iota ESA Service Organization volunteer to prepare and serve a meal when it’s their turn. Meals are served every Saturday from 11:30 to 1:00. The program is sustained by donations only. The program does get some food supplies from the food bank when available. If it were not for the loyal volunteers, Dorothy Merrick, Georgia Nichols, Carolyn Reed, Kate and Doug Kuykendall, and Robyn and Randy Burris, the EFUMC could not continue this Blessed Outreach. These dedicated people volunteer their cooking skills, time, prayer, spiritual support with kind servant’s hearts and have been doing so since 2013. You are encouraged and welcome to join our team when you are able. If you would like to support our Mission financially that would be appreciated as well. If you have any questions about Friendship Kitchen and how you might get involved, please feel free to call upon me. This Mission will not only be a blessing to those we serve but to you as well.
We are happy to announce that there are 2 new churches that will be volunteering to cook and serve on a quarterly schedule, Lake Eufaula Christian Church and the Church of Latter Day Saints. We are pleased and grateful for the additional support and assistance. The Mission continues to provide a hot meal along with spiritual fellowship!
