Cathy Larson

 

This mission to the children and families of the Jones Mill community started Thanksgiving week 1992.  The idea of “THE OPEN DOOR” was to serve hot lunches on Saturdays to the children of the area.  We continue to serve between 40-80 meals to children each Saturday.  Meals are delivered to local shut-ins as well.

 

Parents/families are welcome and encouraged to come and join their children for lunch anytime.

 

Over the years the program has grown to include much more than just a meal on Saturday.

 

 

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,

you did it to me”

Matthew 25:40

 

 

 

Shorewood Hills United Methodist Church

 

All of the OPEN DOOR activities take place in the fellowship hall of the church.  However, this is a non-denominational endeavor, striving to build a foundation of support for all families.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Reaching out with Christ to the community.

 

It is our hope that all children of God will have a better opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to become caring and responsible disciples for Christ.  This can be accomplished through Christian education, community service, and the uniting of families and church.

 

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

 

There are many ways to help.  Our prayer is for you to become personally involved in this outreach ministry.  We would first ask for your prayers.  This is a faith ministry and we need your support through daily prayers.

 

Volunteers are needed who are willing to join in the feeding rotation, Saturday lunches and/or the daily summer lunch program.  We also need help stocking the emergency food pantry and clothes closet.

 

Monetary donations are always needed and welcomed.  Donations or pledges of continuing support from individuals or groups are what keeps this ministry alive.

 

If you or your group is looking for a place to reach out in Christian love to some of God’s children in need, this is an opportunity to truly serve.  This is a big job and there is a place for you.

 

“Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep'.”

John 21:17b

 

MISSIONARY ASSIGNMENT

 

The Board of Global Missions of the United Methodist Church has made a three-year pledge to fund an Urban Missionary for The OPEN DOOR project.  Cathy Larson has been chosen to fill this position.

 

Cathy has recently retired after many years in public education.  She is a trained Parenting Educator as well as a dedicated Christian.  Cathy was instrumental in getting the OPEN DOOR ministry started in 1992 and has been involved in its programs ever since.

 

She brings to the program, not just an expertise, but a passion for serving the needs of both the children and the adults in The area.  Under Cathy, the OPEN DOOR program will be able to grow in areas we could only dream about in the past.

 

 

OPEN DOOR STORY

 

PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS

AVAILABLE TO YOUR CHURCH OR

GROUP UPON REQUEST