Witness and Service

December 2020 Food Distribution

Fellowships Food Distribution Program: Marching Forward

As dependable as death, taxes, and mail delivery, food distribution continues at Fellowship Presbyterian Church (FPC). During March and April 2020, when Alabama has been living with a severe COVID-19 virus outbreak that slings death and wreaks havoc, including increased food insecurity for some populations, food distribution at FPC has taken place on the third Wednesday of the month. But not exactly as usual.

Safeguards for food distribution volunteers and family recipients have been instituted.

1) Instead of families (or a driver) entering the building, remaining in the vehicle is now mandatory.

2) The paperwork of the process has moved under the portico for convenience to the drive-up vehicles and protection of the FPC volunteers.

3) Food distribution volunteers deliver food boxes to the car or truck (driver does not exit vehicle), and volunteers wear face-covering, gloves, and practice distancing.

Recognizing an increased food need in the community, the food program volunteers, directed by Elder Jackie Bennett as convener of the Witness and Service Ministry Team, prepared full boxes for 115 families in April 2020. Although a greater citywide food demand exists, due to the impact of coronavirus on the resources of the Food Bank of North Alabama, Fellowship plans to assist 10 additional families in May 2020. Much of the complex negotiation and acquisition of additional food resources is due to the savvy skills of Ms. Dorothy Johnson, a dependable and creative food acquisitions leader. The food distribution program appreciates the work of all its dedicated volunteers.

Witness and Service Ministry

The Witness and Service Committee develops and coordinates programs that encourage congregational dialogue and fellowship with other ecumenical and interfaith groups; assists the congregation in its theological understanding of their role in social justice, community service, and peacemaking, including partnership with the eGoli Presbytery in South Africa; coordinates, recruits, and provides opportunities for members to engage in community service and witness to others; recruits and train members to serve in the church’s Emergency Assistance and Food Assistance programs; take initiative with programs (on a small scale) that address one-time emergency needs; coordinates emergency team and practice evaluation drills; serves the Fellowship family in death or illness through the Courtesy Committee.

Reevis Beecher Hill Benevolence Fund

This benevolence fund, honoring the memory and generosity of charter member Reevis Beecher Hill, is a ministry available to non-Fellowship members and to the church family. It addresses temporary emergency needs brought on by unforeseen economic hardship.