Church serves weekly meal to all

How to go

What: Feed My Sheep

When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: Millville Avenue Church of the Nazarene, 308 Millville Ave.

HAMILTON — It’s no surprise that in a down economy local churches serve as a place for solace and nutrition.

Millville Avenue Church of the Nazarene is no exception. At 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, the church hosts its Feed My Sheep program by offering a free meal to anyone in need.

Church member Sandy Beckett said it’s an asset to Hamilton’s West Side to have assistance available.

“It’s where help is lacking,” Beckett said. “It’s for families, individuals, and people that fall in the cracks and can’t get food stamps.”

Pastor Todd Dixon has been with the church since November. He said prior to his arrival the Feed My Sheep program had fallen by the wayside but has since picked up again.

“We help those in need, it’s not just homeless people, but whole families,” Dixon said. “We serve the meal the whole time, so they don’t get up, and we engage in conversation.”

Dixon said a lot of people who come to the church are just lonely. Before the weekly meal starts, Dixon said people have the opportunity to fill out a prayer request, and sometimes they will share their personal struggles with the group.

“As long as the needs there, we’ll do it,” Dixon said.

Beckett said the church is mainly self-funded, but local businesses such as the Courtyard by Marriott donate goods.

Also at the church, from 9 to 11 a.m. on the last Friday and Saturday of each month, a clothing closet is open and free to the community.

Dixon said clothes and some household items and food are available.

“We’re hoping to grow it more by renovating the basement to become a full-fledged pantry,” Dixon said. “We don’t discriminate against anyone depending on their financial status. We don’t ask.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.