Lord’s Ladle soup kitchen still strong after 13 years

GOOSE CREEK—It’s been 13 years, and The Lord’s Ladle Café soup kitchen is still going strong.

Located at Goose Creek United Methodist Church, the soup kitchen has been in existence since 2006.

Typically, an average of 120 people are fed at the soup kitchen, which serves anyone regardless of their need. The congregation says that through this ministry people are offered the Bread of Life along with their daily bread.

“We don’t question income or need,” said one of the leaders. “If you come in, you will get fed.”

There have been slight changes and many additions to the ministry over those 13 years, such as a garden to supply fresh produce

A Martha's Breakfast has been offered the past six years and serves an average of 75 every Monday morning. People from the community stop by on their way to work, as do the homeless and others who need a place where they feel welcomed and loved.

There is also a food pantry, clothes closet, blessing box, summer water ministry and Human Needs Network that assists with utility bills on a limited basis.

As a spin-off of the Lord's Ladle, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church has been offering a second day on Friday of each week, both cooking and serving the meal.

Three years ago, a community garden began that provides fresh vegetables to local neighbors and makes the church’s soups even better.

“We are known in the community as the church that feeds people,” said the Rev. Debra Dowdle. “We are not a rich congregation financially but so very rich in God's blessings. An amazing addition to God's goodness is the fact that one year out of 13 we put our food ministry in the budget and did not spend/need a penny of it. It's one of those God things.

“Everything we need just shows up!”