This multi-faceted agency, the Volunteer Ministry Center, is dedicated to meeting the needs of the working poor and the homeless. Located in downtown Knoxville at the corner of Gay and Jackson, the shelter is open daily and offers a day room with dining area, laundry facilities, daytime sleeping accomodations, and 16 rent-subsidized apartments for men.The VMC operates the “Refuge” crisis counseling center, an enabling program through which trained volunteers work with those who come seeking assistance. Members of this church support VMC through service on the Board or as volunteer interviewers at the Refuge. The members of First Presbyterian have also organized six cooking teams (called “Good Humor” teams) to assist the VMC. Once a quarter, each team prepares food in the church kitchen and serves a meal to the needy in the VMC dining room.
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
When you do it with banana pudding and a smile, it is easy and incredibly gratifying. If you have never served a meal at the Volunteer Ministry Center, you have missed a wonderful opportunity. Like so many things we do in faith, the blessing we receive is much greater than the one we give. It is wonderful to see faces light up at the sight of banana pudding. I think it qualifies as a “comfort food” and brings back pleasant memories of good home cooking from a happier time. First Presbyterian has six “Good Humor” teams that serve meals at VMC. Teams and leaders are:
- Team #1 led by Bryce Elliott, Joanna Pennoyer, and Travis Maryanski
- Team #2 led by Woody and Elizabeth Henderson
- Team #3 led by Ginny and Bill Morrow
- Team #4 led by Anne and Gaines Pittenger
- Team #5 led by Joan Regester
- Team #6 led by Steve Doak
Teams serve different meals on different schedules. Teams 1,2,3 and 4 rotate every 3rd Sunday. Team 6 is a breakfast team that meets the fourth Sunday of each month. The number of folks served varies. For example, Team 5 (Fifth Tuesday lunch) has served an average of 135 folks each meal over the past five years. The numbers range from a low of 90 to a high of 174. Sometimes you wonder if the line will ever end. Sometimes it seems a miracle (think loaves and fishes has occurred. The folks we serve are nearly always grateful and express words of thanks. It is humbling to realize the significance of a simple hot meal served by caring folks. It makes us mindful of the many blessings we all too often take for granted. The VMC still has meals that are not covered. We have a terrific leader ready to start a new team. All we need are three or more volunteers. Possible times include the 3rd Tuesday supper (5 pm), 4th Thursday supper or lunch, or the 2nd Friday breakfast or supper. Some teams have volunteers that cook but do not serve or serve but do not cook, which helps with accommodating schedules and talents of volunteers. If you feel you can help with this important opportunity once a month please contact Joan Regester. Her e-mail address is joanreges@bellsouth.net or you can all her at 522-8954. Is there a downside? Only one. No matter how good it looks, you cannot eat the banana pudding! (However, you can lick the spoon when the pan is empty!).
Contact: Joan Regester phone: 522-8954 email: joanreges@bellsouth.net
Website: Volunteer Ministry Center
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