Boardman churches feed the community

St. James’ Episcopal and Lockwood United Methodist churches in Boardman are working together to offer free meals to the community.

The outreach ministry team of St. James’ Church began offering meals in March of 2009 to individuals who were unemployed or underemployed or to those who wanted to eat a meal in the company of others. Members of St. James’ who enjoyed volunteering at the community meals shared their enthusiasm with a neighbor and member of Lockwood United Methodist.

Lockwood had tried something similar, but only a handful of people attended.

Using some ideas shared by their friends at St. James, Lockwood UM tried again in January and had approximately 150 people in attendance.

The churches decided to work together to provide regular meals with the goal of having one every other month alternating between the churches.

St. James’ Episcopal Church normally holds its community meal on the last Saturday of the month from 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Lockwood United Methodist holds its community meal on the third Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

The next community meal at St. James’ Episcopal Church is May 1 from 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

The next community meal at Lockwood UM is May 19 from 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

St. James’ Episcopal Church is located at 7640 Glenwood Avenue. For information, call 330-758-2727.

Lockwood United Methodist Church is located at 4570 Lockwood Boulevard. For information, call 330-782-0573.