West Lawn Wednesday is a filling station in the middle of our busy week and is open to the community. We gather together to first fill our bodies with a delicious home cooked meal enhanced by friendly conversation and laughter, then transition to classes, worship and mid-week programs designed to then fill our souls. Each week, with warm, embracing smiles, our devoted Kitchen Ministry Team and Class Facilitators serves “welcome” on a plate and in our gathering rooms.

West Lawn Wednesday (WLW) began as a means to bring together the attendees of our four Sunday services for a time of midweek food and fellowship. The goal was not fund raising. However, since WLW began in 2001 with 12 servant volunteers serving 40 of our members, over $200,000 has been contributed to support outreach programs and various mission projects in the Reading area and beyond. It's a conservative estimate that our Kitchen Ministry Team has provided more than 17,000 meals to New Journey Community Outreach, Hope Rescue Mission, and Opportunity House. In former years, this team also sponsored many adult and youth mission trips locally and abroad.  Prior to the pandemic, this team served an average of 400+ people per week, many of whom are not members of our congregation. This 2024-25 year marks our 24th season of West Lawn Wednesday activities!

Kitchen Ministry Easter Basket Tribute
Last month, Kitchen Ministry team leaders, Ed and Joyce Hong, had an idea to organize an Easter Basket Tribute in honor of Luke Dundore and Dick Jessup, veterans and faithful WLUMC servants who have passed on, as a “thank you” for their service to our country and church.  The goal was to assemble 100 Easter baskets to be donated to some of the shelter ministries we support.  Kitchen Ministry team members, Ruth Stephens, Barb Piscitello, Carol Lockman, and Bonnie Rissmiller took over the planning, collecting, promoting, contacting, etc. for the event.  Donations poured in, and basket assembly was completed on Tuesday, April 15th. The baskets were decorated with red, white and blue patriotic touches and tags in honor of the service these two veterans have given.

The Easter baskets were delivered by Kitchen Ministry volunteers on April 16 to children at Hannah’s Hope, Hope Rescue Mission’s Lighthouse, City Light Ministry, and New Journey Community Outreach. Luke’s daughter, Tabitha, and Dick’s daughter, Roz and grandson, Fred, were able to help with the basket assembly as well as the delivery.
Guests of the shelters were delighted to receive the beautiful Easter baskets, and the kids were thrilled.  A big thank you to everyone who participated in this endeavor! It’s wonderful to do God’s work, and see the impact.  It’s very rewarding for all of us.

Dinners include vegetables, salad, beverages, and dessert.
Meals served from 4:30 - 6:45 PM in the 
West Lawn UMC Community Center, 101 Woodside Ave., West Lawn, PA 
Menu subject to change.