There are people
in the world so hungry,
that God cannot
appear to them
except in
the form
of bread.
Mahatma Gandhi
Emmaus Ministries
A commitment to the forgotten and the faceless of society – a Christian presence and outreach in Erie, Pennsylvania since 1974.
Soup Kitchen
Food Pantry
The Companion Newsletter
|
September 2019
 |
Mission
Contact Information
Emmaus Ministries, Inc.
345 East 9th Street
Erie, PA 16503
Phone: 814-459-8349
Fax: 814-459-8066
Email:
Sister Mary Miller, OSB
Margaret Kloecker
Rita Scrimenti
Breanna Mekuly
Emmaus Soup Kitchen
218 East 11th Street
Erie PA 16503
Sister Gus' Kids Cafe
310 East 10th Street
Erie PA 16503
814-878-2922
Breaking the Bread
From the Director
Sister Mary Miller
The cover of this issue of The Companion with the image of a Saint Benedict house blessing door hanger protecting the soup kitchen reminds us that we are bearers of a beautiful tradition. As you know, Emmaus Ministries, though separately incorporated...
For the Record
Boetger Food Drive
Elaine and Don Boetger were longtime volunteers at Emmaus Soup Kitchen who occasionally brought their children to volunteer with them. This was years ago; now, their children Leslie and Don are adults working at Boetger Retirement Services who keep fond memories of their time volunteering and are committed to continuing the legacy of their parents by assisting the hungry in Erie.
“I still remember scrubbing the pots in the back of the kitchen with my dad,” said Leslie. “Mom was the outgoing one talking with guests and listening to their stories.”
Each quarter, the 25 employees of Boetger Retirement Services choose a...
Panache Customer Appreciation Day
For the 17th year in a row, Panache Salon and Spa celebrated a Customer Appreciation Day on the 1st of December with live music, food from 1201 Kitchen and Taste of Zion, and offered a 10% discount for anyone who donated to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.
“Though this year was a bit more challenging because the first Sunday in December – when we always celebrate our Customer Appreciation Day – fell on Thanksgiving weekend,” said Panache owner Edna Siegel, “our customers maintained loyalty in their donations to Emmaus.”
But the customers weren’t the only ones sharing food items with Emmaus; Panache donates all leftovers from the...
Coat Drive and Giveaway
Sometimes little suggestions become great ideas that influence the way people experience an event, such as the suggestion at the annual Emmaus Coat Drive that volunteers become “personal shopping assistants” for the guests.
“We had a wonderful abundance of volunteers at the Coat Giveaway,” said Breanna Mekuly, Emmaus staff member, “so we split up tasks. Some committed themselves to reorganizing clothing items while others became personal shopping assistants. As guests entered the dining room, a volunteer greeted them individually and then proceeded to show them around our ‘store,’ helping the guest to find what they needed to stay...
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Walking Together on the Road to Emmaus
Volunteers and Donors
Emmaus depends on many volunteers and donors at the food pantry, soup kitchen and Kids Cafe.Call 814-459-8349 if you would like to volunteer. Click here to make a donation.
Joan Martter Emmaus staff member Breanna Mekuly interviewed Joan Martter about her time volunteering at Emmaus. This is what she had to say. Breanna: How long have you been serving at Emmaus? |
Soup's On: An Emmaus Journal
By Breanna Mekuly, an employee with Emmaus Ministries
Months of September and October 2019“Guess what I am?” said a guest of the soup kitchen as he was walking out the door after finishing his meal. “I’m a happy satisfied customer!” +++ A guest heard I am planning to visit my parents next week. “Tell Greg and Cathy I say hi!” he said. It’s nice how some people really take notice of and remember the smallest things that mean so much – this guest only met my parents once, two years ago when they visited Erie and volunteered at the soup kitchen, yet he remembers their names and wants to send his greetings. Very touching. +++ |
Remember Emmaus with a Memorial
We are grateful to family members who ask that memorials be made to Emmaus on the death of loved ones. Visit our secure site to offer a memorial.
+ Monica Sorensen
+ Evelyn Marie Nesterick
+ Dolores Kostek Jagodzinski
+ Casimir T. "Casey" Laniewicz
+ Rita A. Kennerknecht
+ Patricia DeCara Tullio
+ Winifred F. Kerstetter
+ Frances Grygo Somolani
+ Mary F. (Crowe) Kunik
+ Edward J. Gallagher
+ Etherl M.Van Volkenburg
Fulfill the Emmaus Wish List
You can always help us stock our shelves at the soup kitchen with ground coffee, instant tea and instant lemonade, jelly/jam, peanut butter, maple syrup, mayonnaise/miracle whip, soup, and canned fruit. We ALWAYS appreciate diapers (all sizes) and baby formula.
The Kids Cafe Store is in need of the following items:
School supplies
hand sanitizer,
Kleenex,
hair supplies (shampoo and conditioner, hair ties, brushes, picks, head bands, etc.)
Deodorant
Socks
Attention Bakers!!! We welcome homemade treats for our guests. If you're a baker, know that our Emmaus guests appreciate cookies, cakes, pies…sweets of any kind.
Call 814-459-8349 for more information or to schedule your donation.
Pray with Emmaus
Please join with the Emmaus community in reciting this prayer daily.
Prayer of St. Vincent DePaul
You will find that charity
is a heavy burden to carry,
heavier than the kettle of soup
and the basket of bread.
But you must your gentleness
and your smile keep.
Giving soup and bread
isn’t all that you can do.
The poor are your masters-
terribly sensitive and exacting
as you will see.
But the more demanding they seem
the more unjust and bitter
the more you must give them your love.