First Presbyterian Church of Southold
In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us that faithful love is never abstract—it is lived. It looks like welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, and recognizing Christ in our neighbors. This past winter, First Presbyterian Church of Southold put that call into motion through a new ministry that became both a meal and a meeting place: the Winter Community Supper.
The idea began with a clear concern: food insecurity increases during the winter months, especially for seasonal workers who are laid off when work slows. Rather than simply naming the need, the congregation sought a partner who already knew the community well. They teamed up with the Center for Advocacy, Transformation and Support (CAST), a local organization dedicated to helping vulnerable neighbors increase food, health, and economic security while building a better future. With CAST’s food pantry already serving families during set hours, the church launched a weekly Tuesday night supper designed to match those pantry hours—meeting immediate needs while creating space for relationship.
Thanks to a generous grant, the church was able to hire a small team of cooks and dishwashers, who planned meals and used Mission Committee funds to purchase food and supplies. What started modestly soon grew through word of mouth and simple invitations: “Come back next week—and bring a friend.” To ensure families felt welcomed, the team added an arts and crafts table for children, which quickly became a highlight each week.
One of the most unexpected gifts of the program was who showed up. The church anticipated serving immigrant neighbors and winter-laid-off workers, but they were surprised—and moved—by the steady presence of local seniors, many of whom participate in the congregation’s summer suppers for fellowship and connection. The assumption was that winter weather, darkness, and icy roads would keep seniors home. Instead, a faithful group of about 15 older adults came week after week, grateful for a warm meal and a reason to step out of isolation during a harsh winter season.
As the weeks passed, something else began to happen—something quieter but deeply powerful. At first, Spanish-speaking guests and longtime local residents sat separately, sharing the same space but not yet sharing community. But within a few short weeks, people began mixing at tables. Smiles turned into greetings. Greetings turned into conversations. And then friendships emerged.
One story captures the spirit of the whole effort: a local senior struck up a friendship with a young Spanish-speaking girl. On the first night, the child drew the woman a picture. Each week after that, they greeted one another with hugs. Near the end of the program, the woman brought a large stuffed teddy bear as a gift for the girl—who received it with pure joy. In that moment, the meal had done what programs alone cannot do: it built belonging.
The Winter Community Supper ran from February 3 through April 14, beginning with about 50 guests and quickly growing to an average of 80–90 dinners served each week, including takeout meals and leftovers that guests could bring home for lunch the next day. The church also delivered meals to several homebound neighbors who could not attend in person. More than one guest described the supper as “a godsend” during weeks when winter layoffs made it hard to provide consistent food for their families.
This is what Matthew 25 looks like in real time:
- Building Congregational Vitality through volunteers who found the work heart-warming and inspiring, strengthening the church’s sense of purpose and connection.
- Dismantling Structural Racism by creating a space where immigrant neighbors were not treated with suspicion, but with dignity, welcome, and friendship—especially during a time when many immigrants feel increasing threat in our country.
- Eradicating Systemic Poverty by addressing food insecurity directly with consistent meals, takeouts, and support for households facing financial instability.
As Elder John Touhey declared with gratitude, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
Looking ahead, First Presbyterian Church of Southold is now seeking grant funding to support staffing in 2027, so that this ministry can continue feeding bodies, strengthening community, and living out the gospel—one Tuesday night at a time.
First Presbyterian Church
53100 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
https://www.fpcsouthold.org/
631-765-2597
