A moment of reflection with Vonda

By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

“The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.” — Doctrine & Covenants 163:2b

God created us with a desire and need for relationships. Building or restoring healthy relationships is at the core of what we are called to be as disciples. Often, this happens across the table when we break bread together. This could be at our kitchen table, a table at camp, or at a congregational dinner. It could be food shared with a stranger, a friend, or a loved one.

The St. Thomas congregation (thank you, Don, for permission to share your story) has been offering $2.00 dinners for some time. Now, you can’t provide a full meal for $2.00—it doesn’t make sense, right? But that hasn’t stopped this congregation. In fact, they have been blessed by their generosity. Word has spread about these dinners, and kinships are being developed, with synchronicity happening. In September, they fed 277 people from the community. At that dinner, with over 100 people already waiting, a group called St. Thomas Helping Hands came into the church and offered a toonie to each person waiting for their dinner, leaving another $70 at the door for more meals. Having already paid, many of those people donated their toonie back. Then another group, St. Thomas Little Helpers, contributed $50 for 25 dinners to be given to those arriving next. With the money paid forward for 55 dinners, those coming after were told their dinner was already paid for. However, they all insisted on paying the $2, and some gave even more.

One woman brought her neighbour, whom she often feeds as he is in need. She shared that he was amazed to receive beef, ham, potatoes, vegetables, and coleslaw all on one plate, and he was even more surprised when he was offered seconds and dessert. Even though some attendees clearly had needs, many were happy to leave an extra donation, appreciating the great yet affordable meal. (At a previous dinner, one participant left a cheque for $1,000, which more than paid for that dinner and the next one.) At this most recent dinner, after covering expenses, they had a profit of over $550, which will go towards the next meal.

This congregation has received innumerable comments like “how good the meal was,” “thank you for putting it on,” and “please keep it going.” Not only are they meeting a need, but they have also become a means for others to help sustain this ministry in their community. And it is indeed a ministry—it is mission in action.

But it doesn’t end there. The church hosts a prayer group on Thursday mornings, and word has spread. Strangers stop Pastor Don or other ministers on the street to ask for prayers. Some who know them from other activities ask for prayers and request to be notified when they will be speaking, as they would like to attend. Community has been formed, and the beating heart of this community is loving service. Building or restoring healthy relationships is at the core of what we are called to be as disciples.
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Where can you help to build or restore healthy relationships in your community?