The Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys
Washington
 All are welcome at Esther’s Kitchen.
A simple idea has blossomed into a ministry that touches many in and around the community of Marshall in southwestern Minnesota. Esther’s Kitchen, housed in Christ Presbyterian Church, offers a hot meal one evening each week to anyone in the community who cares to participate. It began in 2003 as a soup and bread supper. Now a variety of food is served throughout the year by volunteers from all around the area.
There is no charge to the participants for the meals, though freewill offerings are accepted. Most of the cost is paid with donations. Esther’s Kitchen is run solely by volunteers, from the planning to the cooking, serving, and clean-up. Sometimes it is staffed by people from Christ Church, but increasingly volunteers from Marshall and the surrounding communities are involved. Area youth groups, women’s groups, men’s groups, other church groups, and volunteers from the business community join in to make Esther’s Kitchen a success.
Volunteers serve people from all walks of life who are led to Esther’s Kitchen from different life situations. There are no questions asked: all are welcome. Esther’s Kitchen is an opportunity for this downtown church to bring together those who live and work in the area who otherwise might not interact. The actions and service of the volunteers are a wonderful witness of faith.
Those in charge of program planning make mealtime special for those who come, with attractive place settings and centerpieces on the tables and food that is lovingly prepared and served.
The recognition of Esther’s Kitchen in the community has given Christ Presbyterian Church a special identity. The Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys’ 65 churches are home to 9,636 members.
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Sue Coller, executive presbyter
Rev. Pamela Prouty, stated clerk
Karen Lange, administrative assistant
Virginia Molitor, financial manager, webmaster, assistant to the executive
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Richard Embry, GAMC
Didi Emerson, GAMC
Rev. Emily Enders Odom, GAMC
Gracious Lord, open our eyes so we can see the needs around us. Help us answer your call to us to be your servants in the world. Amen.
Ps. 22, 148 Ps. 105, 130
Jer. 23:1–8
Rom. 8:28–39; John 6:52–59
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