Free Easter Meal

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press release: On Sunday, April 21 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, invites individuals and families to join a free Easter meal. For more than 35 years, the church has welcomed hundreds of people from the downtown neighborhood – many who enjoy sharing a holiday meal in community. Over the years, individuals who have experienced homelessness have found the meal to be a special experience. This meal brings together neighbors and friends new and long-standing.

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler, lead pastor, observes, “We are a church where Downtown for Good is expressed in the many ministries of the church. This meal is an excellent example of how we carry out one of these ministries.”

According to Karen Andro, Director of Hope’s Home Ministries for the church, those who once were in need often come back and volunteer their help for the meal. “Individuals have experienced both physical and spiritual nourishment from the food, fellowship and festive atmosphere,” she explains. The meal will follow the Easter worship services.

Pam Talmadge, graduate of Ecole de Cuisine cooking school and Michelle Ogilvie, the church’s Food Pantry leader and Community Breakfast volunteer created this year’s menu: Baked Ham, Vegetable Egg Casserole, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach Salad and Carrot Cake. Specialty desserts and breads donated by Clasen’s European Bakery. Pam and Michelle will lead a team of volunteers in the church’s Loaves & Fishes Kitchen, a commercially designed kitchen where food is prepared lovingly and with great care by Michelle and volunteers every week to help neighbors in need. The Badger Optimist Club at University of Wisconsin—Madison will team up with church volunteers to help. The Easter Bunny will visit and share Easter treats. Music led by long-time member and social justice advocate, Kathleen Maldegen.

First Church welcomes all people to join us for worship, service and connection – as visitors, friends or members. We are a Reconciling Congregation, open to full participation of all persons. Here, in this house, All STILL Means All.