The Open Door Ministry at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church is just that ~ an Open Door to our Mapleton Fall Creek neighbors. The side door that leads straight to TAB’s kitchen is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for lunch and Thursday night for dinner. Tab’s kitchen manager, Rodney Bebley, has been stirring up steaming hot kettles of soup for seven years, though the ministry has been going on now for over 25 years. Rodney shared with me the goal of this ministry, “We are here to feed the public.” And that they do, both spiritually and nutritionally. Rodney is closely assisted by Tyrone Drake (assistant kitchen manager) and Ann Reynolds (missions director), as well as, a rotation of TAB volunteers. Throughout the years many members have joined the kitchen crew to help.
A Snapshot of this Ministry: The doors open at 11 AM. Pastor Joe Reaves begins each lunch with a fifteen minute devotion. Warm soup and bread awaits those gathered at the close of this inspirational time. Rodney keeps the doors open for food until 12:30. The attendance fluctuates from the beginning of the month (approx.60) rising to around 100 as the month progresses. However, Rodney envisions cooking for 400! He not only serves each person something warm for lunch but allows them to take home four bowls of soup, bread, and something sweet for their families’ evening meal. Everyone has the choice of “eating in” the dining room or “carrying out” their warm lunch to their home. Thursday night dinner reaches out to extend that same arm of nutrition balanced by an opportunity to feed our neighbor’s souls.
Special Highlights: Once a year on a Saturday, the Gleaner Food Truck rolls into TAB’s parking lot. As the doors of the truck open wide, a long line of families are ready to receive many needed items to fill their cupboards. In addition, Rodney shared that the Thanksgiving feast is his favorite meal of the year. When asked about what makes this ministry special, he just smiled at me and simply said, “It’s the peoples’ faces.” Yes, the many faces, filled with joy each day, keep Rodney and Tyrone cooking and help sustain this vital ministry.
Open Door’s Wish List: Large Soup Pots, new sharp knives, a rack to display the serving utensils, newspapers folded in half ready to be placed in the bottom of a handled paper grocery bag, and paper grocery bags with handles.
Final Thoughts: As I reflected on our conversation, I couldn’t help but think about my life. We are all called to listen and pray when Jesus prompts us to use the unique gifts he has uniquely given to each one of us. He calls us into living “doing” lives for His kingdom. Just imagine the peace Rodney Bebley and his staff will have when Christ asks, “When did you feed me?” Those involved in the Open Door Ministry can smile deep inside and know in their heart the simple answer to that question.
If you have an interest in this ministry, feel free to contact Ann Reynolds – ann.reynolds@tabpres.org or Rodney Bebley – Rodney.bebley@tabpres.org.
Submitted by Ann Weller
Posted by tabministries 
