FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING TO EAT.
Matthew 25:35
The New Beginning UMC Food Ministry operates to serve our neighboring communities in Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire including but not limited to Ashby, Pepperell, and Townsend, MA. We support both the Townsend Ecumenical Outreach (TEO) and Pepperell Aid from Community to Home (PACH) charities. Our mission is to provide free, healthy, nutritious, and tasty meals to children, adults, and seniors.
Coronavirus Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be hosting our community suppers. If you are hungry or know someone who is, we encourage you to reach out to the TEO by calling (978) 597-2209 or PACH Outreach at (978) 925-9770.
Our Congregation’s Calling
This ministry is dear to our congregation hearts and aligns with the founder of Methodism, John Wesley’s beliefs in ministering to those who are in need and going into the places where we find those in need. By operating this food ministry inspired by such principles, we are truly taking food to our neighbors in need. Please note we do not directly or indirectly evangelize any belief system – except through our interactions with and treatment of others.
Community Supper
During the second Wednesday of each month, we serve a wholesome, simple and tasty meal at 265 Main Street, Townsend, MA from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Meal Deliveries
When we hear of individuals or families in the midst of life’s blessings (e.g. birth) or challenges (e.g. illness, surgery) we assemble a meal train to deliver home-made dinners.
Join Us
We are always looking for additional help, innovations, and new ideas to support this ministry.
What our volunteers experience…
Our community suppers are fun, work, and fulfilling. At the end of the day, we all breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the next one. Last month I was busy dishing out desserts, making sure everyone had a scoop of ice cream or an extra cookie and a “Thank you for coming”.
My daughter and granddaughter showed up and I was glad to sit down for a minute and eat with them. We found a table, a group had just left and only one man remained seated. We dug in to our delicious meal and after a few minutes my daughter, Susan, asked me, “Do you know that man?” I admitted I did not know him. She looked at me and said, “Don’t you think you should?” Well, WOW, Ugh, Stammer…I looked over at this man, alone, head down and touched his arm and asked if I could get him some dessert?
Big Smile, “No thank you, I already had pie. You all have the best desserts, I especially like the strawberry rhubarb pie you had last month. My family comes from Nova Scotia and we had a tradition when anyone moved we made sure they had a rhubarb root to plant in their new location, etc., etc.” Needless to say, I promised him we would definitely have strawberry rhubarb pie at our June supper.
I will look for him at our next supper and I will greet him as a friend because you see, I now know him!
– Shirley H.
