In his parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus teaches us that what we do for our neighbors we do for him. Further, he commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31). Providing a hot meal for those experiencing homelessness and/or low income is one of many ways that Lake Avenue Church tangibly cares for our neighbors according to Christ’s teaching.
The Sunday Community Meal has been hosted at Lake Avenue Church in partnership with Testimony Ministries every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday of the month since its inception in 2001 with a Super Bowl dinner offered to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The event aims to provide for our neighbor’s immediate needs of food and drink. As part of this ministry, guests are also offered prayer support and encouraged to participate in a Bible study that happens after the meal and is led by one of our guests. A devotional prior to the meal also provides spiritual encouragement and direction.
Support, both financial and physical, comes from Sunday School classes, small groups, children and high school ministries, Lake Avenue Church Choir, Boy and Girl Scout troops, high school groups (both in Pasadena and surrounding cities), local churches and various other individuals and groups looking for a place to serve our neighbors. The Community Meal relies heavily on this support; without it, we would not be able to consistently provide a hot meal.