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Community Corner

Meal Program Sponsored by Stratford Clergy

The Lord’s Kitchen, Stratford’s only community meal program, is fast approaching its three year anniversary, according to Stratford Clergy Association President, Rev. Meg Williams of the Stratford United Methodist Church. “ What began in January of 2011 as a trial run, with only three people attending the first meal during a snow storm, has steadily grown to a very ambitious charitable program, serving the poor throughout the area,” she said.

Over 5000 meals were served in 2012 and so far this year, we have reached the 6000 meal mark, with three months left in the year, according to the Kitchen’s coordinator, Deacon F. Paul Kurmay of St. Mark Church. “The number of guests has increased steadily since we first opened, including the elderly, children, singles and families. No one is ever turned away and most leave with an additional meal to take home,” said Rev. Williams. Free meals are served every Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 6 P.M., with many guests arriving early and staying late. “It is not just a restaurant for the poor; it is also a gathering place where everyone joins together in rich conversation and personal camaraderie. Everyone has gotten to know and appreciate one another,” Rev. Williams said.

“Last year at this time, we were able to double our weekly meals from one day to two days a week,” Rev. Williams indicated. “It has taken the combined efforts of 13 different congregations and a great deal of coordination; but God gave us all that we needed. We all know that this is God’s work and we are just servants. God is the One who has made this such a great success and has led us to double our efforts.”

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“Each participating congregation is responsible for providing, preparing and serving a meal on its designated day. Some are able to serve a few meals a year and others once or twice a month, but together, they will soon total over 9000 meals a year; that’s quite an accomplishment,” said Deacon Kurmay. “We especially appreciate the generous work of Christ Episcopal Church, which has extended its magnificent kitchen and dining hall to the Clergy Association, without whose generosity and support none of this would have been possible.”

The Lord’s Kitchen participating churches include: Christ Episcopal Church of Stratford, St. Mark R.C. Church, St. John’s Orthodox Church, St. James R.C. Church, St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, First Congregational Church of Stratford, First Baptist Church of Stratford, Stratford United Methodist Church, Holy Name of Jesus R.C. Church, Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, Lordship Community Church , Trinity Episcopal Church of Trumbull and Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church of Stratford.

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The cost of providing all of the cutlery, paper products, coffee and the like is increasing greatly, noted Rev. Williams. Anyone wishing to contribute monetarily to this effort may send a check to the Stratford Clergy Association care of its Treasurer, Rev. Michal Gitner, at St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, 1300 Main Street, Stratford 06615 . For further information, you may contact Deacon Kurmay at pkurmay @att.net.


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