Feed My Sheep program prepares meals

LeAndra Tucker
TNE Writer
Feed My Sheep, often described as a ministry, is a weekly dinner organized by Tahlequah-area
churches that strive to bring community to the dinner table by preparing and serving dinner to
community members.
Feed My Sheep has been preparing meals every Thursday evening for four years this July.
Tahlequah-area churches have come together to do their part in addressing hunger issues within
the community. The current nine churches involved are Tahlequah First United Methodist
Church, St. Basil's Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church, Saint
Brigid Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, DD Etchieson United Methodist Church, Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah and Cornerstone Fellowship.
The dinner is set up like a restaurant, although when guests arrive, they will receive a nametag
and will be seated and waited on. Each table will have a table host to tend to them and each guest
is served with a smile.
I thought that this was really cool to feel like youre a regular or known by a community,
simply by having a nametag at this large community meal, said Meredith Harber, Feed My
Sheep guest. While we were finishing up our entre, several of the volunteers came out and
invited the birthday celebrants to come forward. Once all of the birthday folks were in the center
of the room, we sang Happy Birthday and they got to blow out the candles on a large sheet
cake.

In an effort to provide meals for those who need it, the sense of community and respect is a
major aspect that plays a part in the overall experience for guests.
We try to treat people with dignity when they come, said Dr. Sara Brown, professor of social
work. Everyone feels welcome while they enjoy their meal.
Volunteers are needed for this weekly event.
Feed My Sheep coordinator, Janet Stucky said meals are prepared for 250 or more people each
week to ensure second helpings for guests and all volunteers are fed. Volunteers will work in
various capacities that include waiting tables, hosting, serving, cooking, bussing tables or
dishwashing.
There are anywhere from 100-200 guests. When we first began the mission, we had 12 tables on
the floor and now we have 24 or 25. That means that all the volunteers doubled too, said Stucky.
We have a great system of volunteers of people that like to be involved and they feel like they
contributing but dont feel like they are being overworked. We have volunteers from the
churches, different organizations and students from NSU.
Feed My Sheep offers meals from 5-6 p.m. every Thursday, except for Thanksgiving and
Christmas, at the First United Methodist Church activities center, located at 300 W. Delaware.
Any students that will help in the summer, Id really like to hear from them, said Stucky. I am
the coordinator and do the schedule on a weekly basis. If they can call in advance, I can get them
on the schedule.
For more information, call Janet Stucky at 918-931-2245.
Published 4/27/15