“For I was hungry and you gave me meat, thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me”. The Human Dignity Ministry at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Durham, NC began in 2004. Prior to this, the St. Mark Sunday School would purchase food and take it to the homeless shelter to serve those in need. In January of 2004 it was proposed by the late Janice James that a feeding program be held at the church. The first meal was served at St. Mark in March of 2004. The ministry continued each fourth Saturday of the month; food was donated and prepared by members. The Human Dignity Ministry has evolved over the years from just a few people helping out to about 25 people volunteering. There are about 50-75 people being served on any given day. Now, the ministry has partnered with the Kings Daughters and Sons club at St. Mark to hand out clothing and toiletry items to people in need. The group meets every 3rd Sunday after church to get organized for the following Saturday. On the fourth Saturday the group serves the less fortunate for about 4 hours.
Not only does the ministry provide food and clothes, the ministry provides spiritual nourishment. Brother Mario Covington ministers the gospel to the people. Then, the culinary team serves them food. After they finish eating, toiletry items are distributed. The Kings Daughters and Sons club provides clothing; people are able to choose what they want.
The Human Dignity Ministry was named by Rev. Brown who wanted to make sure that the committee and church family treated the recipients with dignity and respect while practicing the golden rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
Tags: Human DIgnity
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