A Table of Welcome

Hospitality has always been at the heart of faith. When we gather to share food, we also share life itself, reminding one another that no one should be left hungry, either in body or in spirit. A simple meal becomes a holy act of care, its impact multiplied when shared with love.

Wendy Martin and Sandy Todd.

Nourishment Shared

At St. Luke’s in Buffalo, that spirit of hospitality takes shape through the Meals for the Souls program. What began with the humble request to learn how to cook for one has blossomed into a monthly batch-cooking event that provides nourishing single-serve meals. During a recent visit, Co-chair Monica Smith, along with Nikki Ellis, Sandy Todd, and Wendy Martin, welcomed us with open arms as we packaged over 30 meals for our neighbors. Anyone is invited to stop by Onderdonk Hall to pick up a healthy dish, a reminder that generosity is most powerful when it is freely given.

Bread for the Journey

St. Luke’s also serves the wider community through the Bread of Life Food Pantry. With the dedication of volunteers from local churches, it offers food to anyone in Johnson County, embodying compassion and community. The pantry thrives entirely on donations and grants to meet the weekly needs of local neighbors. Under the guidance of Cindy Moldenhauer, it stands as the largest food pantry in Johnson County, a shining beacon of hope for many.

The Spirit in Buffalo

These ministries remind us that the Spirit of the West is not only about wide-open landscapes but also about open hearts. In Buffalo, as in so many of our communities, the Church becomes the hands of Christ, offering nourishment, hospitality, and hope.