What: A simple meal - Soup, bread, etc. FREE
When: Every Saturday, 9am to Noon
Where: The First Presbyterian Church
Why: " . . . if any man has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does the love abide in him?" 1 John 3:17

On My Honor, I Will Do My Best . . .

Elijah's Bowl was started on January 26, 1991 by the First Presbyterian Church of Sunbury. On that first day, we prepared food to feed 100 people and served 11 meals. In the beginning we had the kitchen opened on the last Saturday of each month. By the end of the first year, we served over 400 meals. We are now open every Saturday serving up to 100 plus meals each week. To God's Glory we have served over 100,000 meals in 30 years. The First Presbyterian Church does not do this alone. Many other churches, JROTC, scouting groups, Sunday school classes and youth groups support this ministry week in and week out. Each year a letter is sent to the businesses of Sunbury asking for support of this community soup kitchen.

The name Elijah's Bowl was taken from 1 King 17:10-16. In the scripture, the prophet Elijah requested bread and water from a poor woman. To her response of giving all, God provided her with a continuous supply of flour and oil to fill her jars. By the same faith we're trusting God for our shelves to be supplied with the food needed to feed the hungry each week. Because of all the support we've received, the shelves have never been empty.

On March 13, 2020 there was a transition from an in person family style noon meal to a Grab-N-Go lunch offered in the alley outside our church door. All Center for Disease Control guidelines are followed by guests and volunteers. This manner of distribution will continue until there is no longer a risk from the virus.

In addition to the prepared meals every Saturday, there is a give-a-way table set up with donated breads, cakes, pies and grocery items. These items are given to us by area stores, restaurants and churches. As you can see this is not the First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen, this is a community soup kitchen. Without the support of the community, we would not be able to reach so many.

If you would like to help with this ministry please contact
The First Presbyterian Church (570) 286-7211