A newly established church in the city of Picayune is opening a soup kitchen tomorrow to help those in need of a hot meal.
The Life Church, located at 131 East Third Street in Picayune, will open the soup kitchen Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., offering a spaghetti dinner complete with green beans, roll and dessert, said church member Debbie Burge.
Burge said her son, Leo Burge, who is the pastor of the church, got the idea to open the soup kitchen after discussions with city officials revealed a need for the service.
“That’s what church is all about, helping others,” Debbie Burge said.
Initially the soup kitchen will open on the last Saturday of each month, said volunteer Tammy Edwards. If the response is good, then the church will consider opening it more often.
Operation and funding of the soup kitchen will be handled by church members and volunteers. Debbie Burge said anyone can eat, or volunteer at the soup kitchen. She invites members of other churches and representatives of local business to become a part of the volunteer effort.
Plates will be served in to go trays and everyone is invited to come and enjoy a meal, which can be taken home or enjoyed at the church.
“We wouldn’t turn anybody away,” Debbie Burge said.
Edwards said that the volunteers are working with other area churches to identify shut-ins or the elderly who may need a meal that day. Volunteers will deliver the meal to those individuals.
Plans are also in the works to establish a food pantry and hold grief counseling sessions at the church in the near future.
The Life Church is a non-denominational worship center that was established in January of this year and currently has a congregation of about 80 members.
Edwards said she would like to thank Robert and Sherri Thigpen for donating bread for the dinner and the off duty law enforcement officers that have offered to help during Saturday’s event.
“We’re hoping to make it a community effort. We just want people to know the Lord loves them,” Edwards said.
To volunteer or find more information about the soup kitchen or the church call 601-273-2286.