Thursday, May 16, 2024
Sue Nalewajk
the breakfast club
I had the opportunity to prepare sausage gravy and biscuits for the Breakfast Club this week. During my stint at the stove stirring the gravy, I was taken aback by the dynamics of the men that volunteer for this ministry. I will name names because I think that they need recognition for the service that they provide. They’ve been at it every Monday for about a year and a half now.
Chuck Silva makes the hash, but has to be reminded to check that it doesn’t burn. Mark Andrew carefully scrambles the eggs and tracks when more have to be made. Randy Carey gets the tables set and makes coffee, keeping all on their toes. Dave Meikle chops and seasons onions for the veggies and meticulously sautees them. Lew Rehner serve the guests, often sitting with them to chat. Bob Nalewajk makes sure all the compostable tableware supplies are available, prepares eggs to order and lends his hand in other cooking. Glen Stidham loves doing dishes, but spends lots of time talking with guests in the interim. Dave DeSalvo, is on sabbatical, returning next month to this ministry which I know he loves.
They work like clockwork getting the tables set, the coffee made, the fruit chopped, the veggies sauteed, the eggs scrambled, the sausages browned in the oven, the hash fried crispy on the flat top, the toast nicely browned and buttered, the dishes done and Thaxter Hall cleaned up for the next group’s use. There is nary a word about what needs to be done next. They know when this guest will be coming and what type of food they usually order. They know that this guest gets no mushrooms and that guest is dairy free. When the SJC counting team or the “I Got Bridged” group comes in, they again know what each guest eats and what take-outs they may want. Meanwhile, they all take time to sit and chat with the guests, sometimes having a bite to eat or a cup of coffee with them. What a gift these men are to our community.
I just wanted to let you know what happens on Monday mornings here at church. Yes, this is church, as we are all called to serve as we are able. What a blessing to have these guys serve at our church. Thanks.