08/18/2020

The Tiny Pantry House that love and a community built

In our neighborhood where Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Middletown) sits, many people do not have enough.  Our congregation tried assisting with rent and utilities, but we simply didn’t have the cash available to keep up with the need. We wanted to help, but our resources seemed too scarce. Then, someone saw an idea on social media – make a 'tiny pantry', a space dedicated to leaving items for those in need. People can come and take what they need, no questions asked.

Someone in our congregation volunteered to build the structure, and the 'Tiny Pantry House' was installed about three years ago. Since then, the congregation has kept it stocked when we can. Canned goods, dried foods, socks, toothbrushes, winter apparel, and more go into the pantry as often as we can manage. We have 'Pack the Pantry' Sundays monthly, and we often do special collections throughout the year.

It has been a wonderful ministry that includes many outside of our congregation. A few months before the pandemic hit, a local food pantry began donating some of what they had to our pantry. That continues, and has been so helpful with the increased need in the past months. Many, who are not affiliated with our church, stop by and drop off items – often leaving the pantry full! A Bible study group, from another church, has collected items for the pantry for months now.  

The Tiny Pantry House has also allowed us to continue to help our neighbors during the pandemic. When so much has been cancelled because of concerns about spreading the coronavirus, we are still able to help our neighbors in this way – with no increased risk to either those donating or those receiving. The generosity of people within and outside of our congregation has been inspiring, and I am thankful for the ways people continue to offer their gifts for the common good!

#CommonGood

Do you have a story to share? Reach out to Pr. Michelle Terry, Chair of the Stewardship Team, at pastormichelleterry@gmail.com.