UNION — First Presbyterian Church will partner with The Potter’s Storehouse to form a new ministry that will distribute food twice a month.
“Feed My Sheep Ministry” will officially begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 at First Presbyterian Church, 101 W. South St. in Union.
The church has carried out a ministry for several years in which food vouchers were issued. After experiencing problems with the process, the Rev. Keith Morrison said the church looked into forming an entirely new ministry.
“We wanted to make it clear to the congregation that the old program is gone and we’re doing something new,” Morrison said.
Morrison said that the church sat down with The Potter’s Storehouse.
“The Potter’s Storehouse has been a shining example to other churches in the county,” Morrison said. “They already have an incredible, successful program. They are providing food with some accountability. They are verifying the need, and they have food donated to them.”
Through the Feed My Sheep Ministry, First Presbyterian Church will distribute food from The Potter’s Storehouse and also support TPS with finances they had already been spending on the previous ministry. Morrison said this partnership will enable the church to distribute food to twice as many people as before.
“We’re expecting this to really be a bonus for people who have been coming to see us,” Morrison said.
Pastor Don Moore of The Potter’s Storehouse said he is glad to help the church and the ministry.
“We’re excited to do it,” Moore said. “This is yet another way we can help folks in the city limits get food — especially those without transportation who live in close proximity to the church. We get calls every day from people who can’t get to The Potter’s Storehouse.”
Morrison said the Feed My Sheep Ministry’s name was adopted from scripture — John 21:17 — in which Jesus tells Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.”
“That is, of course, why we do this,” Morrison said. “We have been loved and we want to share that with others.”
Feed My Sheep Ministry will operate on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, receiving applications for assistance and disbursing food. Food boxes will be given to the first 25 qualified applicants.
To receive food, participants must be a resident of Union County, complete an application and verify qualification for the program by presenting appropriate documentation. Those who want to apply must bring the following:
- a photo ID
- a bill showing your address
- proof of food stamps, SSI or TANF benefits (eligibility for any of these programs is automatic qualification for a box of food)
- proof of income (documentation, such as a pay stub, must be presented for each income recipient in the household unless a person qualifies for food stamps, SSI or TANF)
For more information, contact First Presbyterian Church at (864) 427-8319.
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