It's -13 C on a Saturday morning and most streets in downtown Chatham, Ont., are quiet.
But the parking spots around First Presbyterian are taken and have been since 7 a.m., when a hardy group of cooks switched on the lights in the church basement.
A small group of people start to line up on the sidewalk outside the historic church just after 9 a.m., where a portable sidewalk sign advertises the breakfast outreach program. By the time the doors open at 9:15, a handful of hungry folks enter the warm, inviting basement.
It's been this way virtually every Saturday morning for the last four-and-a-half years.
A breakfast program had been talked about for a while at First. It began in October 2001 under the guidance of former assistant minister Rev. Ian MacDonald. Interest from a large bequest from a church member pays for groceries. A local farmer donates eggs. Local businesses occasionally chip in with food.
“We've never had to ask for cash,” said Marg Swan, supervisor and co-founder of the outreach, which feeds about 95 people each week.
Nor do they hurt for volunteers. Approximately 15 people are needed to set up, cook, serve and clean each week. They're drawn from a loyal team of about 75 people — mostly church members, along with youth groups from other churches who assist on a rotating basis. Two shopping coordinators order the supplies each week, and several other volunteers do the shopping.
The program runs “on faith,” said Bob Fletcher, who is also a cofounder. “We never know how many will come on a Saturday morning, but we always prepare for the maximum.”
The program's statement of purpose says “We show the love of Christ and share God's love … by making it free and open to all who feel that they are in need of support and fellowship.”
The church is in the heart of downtown, close to some of the city's poorest neighbourhoods. “We have the space, volunteers and willingness to work together. But it's not a way of filling the pews. Very few breakfast diners have actually shown up for church,” Fletcher admitted.
Rev. Mike Maroney sees the program as “practical. It's something I can do directly to help people.” He said it fulfills Matthew 25:45: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
The program has not only provided an opportunity to feed the poor and provide fellowship, it's also introduced many church members to the needs outside their circles. “It's a connection to people we wouldn't normally have,” said Fletcher.
Like a big, extended family, many of the faces don't change. Absences are noted. So are new additions. “Five different babies have been born (to patrons) in the years since we started this,” said Swan. Among them is Chantelle Rhan, four, who gives Swan a big toddler hug. She's there just about every week with her mother Connie Kellam, brother Christopher and sister Danielle. Across the room sit Kellam's mother and grandmother. “We stay all morning. It's a nice way to get out with the kids,” said Kellam, who appears comfortable in the busy breakfast atmosphere.
Many diners stay long after their plates have been cleared. “We don't rush people out,” said Fletcher. On a typical week, they might serve 250 cups of coffee, 50 cups of tea, 16 dozen sausage patties, 20 litres of milk, 27 pounds of home fried potatoes and 16 dozen eggs. The largest number of people fed on a single Saturday was 122.
But no one can count the smiles.
Kellam's children eagerly pitch in to clean up, gathering items off the tables. “The church people don't turn their noses up at you,” said Kellam, who is grateful for the food and friendship. It brings a smile to Swan's face. “It's beneficial to them and heart-warming to me.”
